Cork-based singer/songwriter/producer Fintan McKahey has released his new song, Higher Place. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
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Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I am a father to a three-year-old boy, Joey. Two years ago, I started building our family home, on a plot of land down in rural West Cork. I own a recording studio - Ivy Hill Studios, where I love to experiment with songwriting and production techniques, predominantly in solitude.
How would you describe your music?
I think the dominant factor to date, is that my music is very chilled. I love soundscapes and emotional melodies. I always find myself making melancholy sounds which in turn make me feel very happy.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I went through many phases in the past. From goth/heavy metal as a child listening to the likes of Slipknot and Korn. My teenage years saw me obsessing over folk music listening to artists such as Nick Drake and John Renbourn. In my early 20s I became fascinated with trip-hop artists like Bonobo and Chet Faker and began trying to emulate that style with my production techniques.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
One of the earliest gigs I can remember was seeing Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth perform a solo set in Debarras Folk Club in West Cork. My mum took me and a buddy there and it unlocked a sense of wonder that's for sure. It was extremely experimental and it really opened up the doors to the fact that anything is possible.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Hmm.. Probably, Nevermind by Nirvana.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Bon Iver - Speyside. The melodies in that song make me feel something very deep.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Nick Drake - Fruit Tree. "Fame is but a fruit tree, So very unsound, It can never flourish, 'Till its stock is in the ground". As sad as it is, I feel like that song is so accurately articulated.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Nick Drake - River Man.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok.
Alan Corr
