Emerging Irish folk rock band Roving Crows have released their new single, Wild Atlantic Woman. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
UK-based Roving Crows began when Kildare guitarist and singer Paul O'Neill met fiddle player and singer Caitlin Barrett, who is from Cheltenham via Donegal, met at a festival in 2007.
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The band, which also features Laurence Aldridge (drums and vocals) and Jim Smith (bass and vocals), have released four albums and won several national and international awards.
Wild Atlantic Woman was inspired by the time when Paul and Caitlin decided to move back home to Ireland, stopping at Caitlin's home place of Donegal before making their way along the west coast.
"The message we are trying to give to listeners is one of learning to question where you are," they say. "What you’re doing and try to find a place where you can be free. Also, have a great time whilst you’re on the journey!"
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Paul: I'm a singer-songwriter, playwright and frontman from Athy, County Kildare. I studied theatre and drama in NYC in the Utopian 90s New York when it was blissful to be Irish in America! I'm a truth-seeker, dreamer and lover.
How would you describe your music?
Caitlin: Irish folk rock. A mixture of traditional Irish music and riffs, conscious lyrics and driving rhythms.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Paul: John Lennon, Christy Moore. Neil Young, Bob Dylan, John Lee Hooker, and ... myself.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Caitlin: I saw Altan when I was seven, I was inspired by the power behind the delivery of their music.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Paul: John Lee Hooker Blues Collection on tape.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Caitlin: Messy by Lola Young keeps going around in my head! But mostly I'm listening to Bob Dylan, Jesse Welles, Ayla Nereo, Goats Don't Shave . . . eclectic mixes.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Paul: Tough question. There's so many, perhaps "Who am I to blow against the wind" - Paul Simon.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Caitlin: Ahhh . . . Afro Celt Soundsystem - Release (feat. Sinéad O'Connor).
Where can people find your music/more information?
Paul: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and check our website. Come to a LIVE show - keep live music alive!
Alan Corr
