New Irish singer VOXmouse has released her new single, Feathers, from her upcoming debut EP, August. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Speaking about the track, she says, "Shortly after the pandemic, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo chemotherapy. By mid-way through treatment, her face had hollowed, her hair had fallen out, and she was having trouble with finger dexterity which stopped her playing the piano.
"One day she broke down, she was so exhausted of feeling so weak and sick and scared. She was absolutely defeated and it broke my heart.
"She's always been a massive poetry fan, and as I tried to cheer her up I was reminded of Emily Dickinson’s poem Hope is the Thing With Feathers, and shortly after I wrote this song for her.
"Thankfully my mom made a full recovery, and I wanted to share this song for anyone who is struggling with their mental health and feeling hopeless to help them feel less alone."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I hate tea (any new house I visit it's always a heated discussion!). I used to be insanely shy/quiet when I was younger - hence the name 'mouse' - it was my family nickname, and VOX is 'voice' in Latin. I quit my job during the pandemic to focus fully on music for a while - best thing I've ever done!
How would you describe your music?
Dream-folk, shoegaze and indie pop all mashed up together - I love combining old-ballad storytelling with what's going on around us today, sometimes with a sprinkle of mischief, using ethereal piano, jaunty guitars and lilting vocals.
Who are your musical inspirations?
The Cranberries, Mick Flannery, The Dubliners.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
SIX (blast from the past!) in the City Hall when I was nine, with my best friend, Eimear.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Day & Night by Billie Piper - I stand by my eight-year-old self that it's a banger.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Depending on the mood, Marching Round The Ladies by Joshua Burnside or Starburster by Fontaines D.C.
Favourite lyric of all time?
'Save me from the movies and someone else's dreams, While angels make their music and give my spirit wings' - Duke Special's Freewheel.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Finally Moving by Pretty Lights - it has everything; a bit of Etta James, some Emancipator-esque vibes and one of the best guitar riffs of all time. Never get sick of listening to it!
Where can people find your music/more information?
@VOXmouse, Spotify, Instagram.
Alan Corr
