Cork-based band Ways Of Seeing have released their new single, Idolise, from their upcoming second album, The Inheritance of Fear. We asked vocalist and guitarist James O'Donnell the BIG questions . . .
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The song was produced by Christian Best (Susan O’Neill, Mick Flannery, O Emperor), with additional production and mixing by Daniel Fox of Gilla Band (Sprints, Lambrini Girls, Silverbacks).
Speaking about the track, the band says, "This song explores the dangers of idolisation in a relationship or any other realm of society for that matter. It has the potential to lead to a loss of identity, a power imbalance and the hindrance of growth.
"Putting anyone on a pedestal means there is a good chance that you might miss the red flags attached which can lead to an unravelling into chaos and destruction. Sometimes only seeing the good in something or someone can tear you apart more than acknowledging and tackling the messy parts of life."
Ways Of Seeing play: Mike the Pies, Listowel - 16 May. Cleeres, Kilkenny - 17 May. Whelan’s, Dublin - 6 June. The Loft, Galway - 20 June. Coughlans, Cork - 27 June.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
A Kerryman living in Cork (I know…), I studied architecture in university and I was a member of the bands Hush War Cry and Dear Desert.
How would you describe your music?
Alternative rock that blends elements of indie, shoegaze and post-punk with a brooding, intellectual edge.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Johnny Marr, Conor O'Brien, Paddy McAloon, Aldous Harding, Hayden Thorpe, Peter Silberman, Joe Casey, Damon Albarn, David Bowie, David Sylvian, Brian Brannigan, Cathal Coughlan, Fearghal McKee and everyone I’ve ever made music with.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
First gig that made a big impact on me was Interpol at Oxegen just after their Antics album, the band was dressed in black, the crowd was dressed in black and it just felt like a world away from the rest of the festival…a brilliant band!
What was the first record you ever bought?
It was probably Orange Juice’s Rip it Up. I love Edwyn Collins’ delivery and witty lyrics, one of my favourite singers for sure.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Right now, Eoin French (Talos) and Olafur Arnauld’s song We Didn’t Know We Were Ready is in my head a lot. I loved the song when I first heard it a year and a half ago and I suppose it has this new poignancy now. It’s powerful stuff! It was fantastic to see it used as part of the Daffodil Day campaign, just to see his legacy living on. Eoin was and still is an inspirational musician, the man was relentless in his craft and never compromised in his pursuit of perfection. We miss him dearly.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Probably something from The Smiths…..I always loved the line from There Is a Light That Never Goes Out: "And in the darkened underpass I thought, Oh God, my chance has come at last, But then a strange fear gripped me and I just couldn't ask". Always reminded me of TS Eliot - my favourite poet!
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tricky…I think I’d have to go with a long song that I could relate to on many different levels - Talk Talk comes to mind and their song New Grass would fit the bill. The song just feels so effortless, perfect in its imperfection, beautiful riffs throughout yet so spacious - Mark Hollis, you genius!
Where can people find your music/more information?
Twitter, Instagram, Spotify and YouTube would be best.
Alan Corr
