Irish electronic duo Barbagianni have released their debut single, Punch Drunk, featuring indie-pop singer Daire Heffernan. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
Barbagianni is a two-piece synth-pop act consisting of Karl McCrone and Matthew Keating.
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Having worked with artists such as Lydia Ford, Theo Fitzgibbon and Lucy McWilliams, Karl and Matthew will be releasing their debut album later this year.
Speaking about their debut single, they say, "Punch Drunk is the first song we wrote together as Barbagianni. Back then, we would send snippets and ideas back and forth online, building it up slowly. We knew we had something special when Daire lent her voice to the track."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Matthew: Myself and Karl have played music together in some form or another for over a decade. This is the first time we've started a project with only the two of us. We wanted to see what direction the tunes would go. I think it's some of my favourite stuff I've ever worked on.
The name Barbagianni (pronounced Bar-Ba-Gee-Annie) came from a wonderful night out in Dublin. It started out in Whelan's and ended at Street 66 where they played Dancing Queen, not once, but twice. It was here that a girl told us we had the worst band name she'd ever heard. It's a moment we both treasure.
We're hoping this music takes us far and wide so I can pursue my passion of visiting Irish bars abroad and seeing if they give you vinegar when you order food (which they rarely do).
How would you describe your music?
Karl: Dark, synthy, moody disco. We both love how diverse the world of electronic music can be and I think our music reflects that. There are times when it borders on 80s cheese pop and others where it sits entirely in a grimy house groove. One instrument we always turn to when in need of inspiration is the Roland Juno, it's probably the most common thread throughout all of our songs.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Matthew: For Barbagianni, there were no rules about who had to play what instruments, and I think that opened us up to being influenced by nearly everything we heard. It was really freeing. Coming into sessions, we'd be sharing tracks with cool synth sounds and drumbeats and talking about how we could develop on those ideas for our songs. I definitely looked at Anamanaguchi a lot, I loved how their synths were always front and centre, supported by huge, punky guitars. Metronomy is a shared love, we even travelled to see them perform in Amsterdam once. Everything they write is catchy, but there's a coolness to them that I think you can hear us try and bring into our single Punch Drunk as well.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Karl: Reach for the Stars by S Club has and always will be a banger. First gig sans parents was the '07 Bud Rising festival in Marlay Park. I donned my best puka shell necklace and frosted tips to catch The Blizzards, Ash, The Fratellis and Kaiser Chiefs.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Matthew: Daft Punk's Discovery, still one of my top ten albums. I remember hearing Short Circuit for the first time and thinking my CD Player had broken. Something About Us is my favourite love song. Just a perfect record.
Karl: Nirvana's Nevermind. At this stage it should probably just be included with every beginner guitarists Squier Strat and cube amp pack.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Karl: Used to Lovin' You by Diane Birch. It's a super chill hypnotic tune with these great Prince-y guitar and bass lines spattered throughout that give it a great groove.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Matthew: "If you want a reason, how's about because?/You ain't a hasbeen, if you never was" - Turnin' On The Screw by Queens Of The Stone Age. Pure rock 'n' roll indifference. Sometimes wanting to do something is reason enough.
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Karl: "Well I tried to make it Sunday, but I got so damn depressed, That I set my sights on Monday and I got myself undressed" - Sister Golden Hair by America. What a way to open a song.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Karl: It's a toss-up between Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell or God Only Knows by The Beach Boys. Both absolutely beautifully crafted songs!
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Matthew: Open Your Heart by Crush 40.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Matthew: Our debut single Punch Drunk is out now on all streaming platforms and you can find us on Instagram and Facebook @barbagiannimusic.
Alan Corr
