Dublin producer Dan Ryan has released his new single, Lagan Love. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Lagan Love is a traditional Irish air first collected in the early 1900s, later translated to English by Irish poet and lyricist Joseph Campbell.
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Notably performed by Dusty Springfield, Kate Bush, Sinéad Ó'Connor, Anúna, Lisa Hannigan and Hozier, Tallaght man Dan intertwines EDM with Irish Folk to build a bridge between old and new.
Inspired by Claddagh Records-signed folk duo Lemoncello (Laura Quirke and Claire Kinsella), his version was influenced by the group’s own earthy rendition, which was included on their debut self-titled album.
"I'm a big fan of all types of music. I love Irish traditional music and classical music and I’ve always felt that strings can really give a track great emotion," Dan says.
"Being able to blend both of those elements with a thick breakbeat created something that I think feels unique and uplifting"
He adds, "Drums always play a major role in anything I make. This track leans away from my usual electronic sound and moves more into an analog vibe, with guitar and strings.
"It’s also the first time I’ve had a live musician play on one of my tracks - in this case, a string player which really elevates that element of the track"
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My name is Dan, I've been making music for 20ish years, and releasing stuff for 12ish years.
How would you describe your music?
Breakbeats and bass, strings, and big vocals.
Who are your musical inspirations?
The Prodigy because they are just the definition of energetic, banging music. The Chemical Brothers are a staple for me because they have so much good stuff and really nail that spiritual sound on some of their tunes that I love. The Beastie Boys are classics, and they have some great punk tunes as well. Jamie xx's production is flawless and mind-blowingly good. And Bob Dylan - just to throw in a bit of folk.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
First gig I ever went to was Boyzone in The Point - now 3Arena.
What was the first record you ever bought?
First record I ever bough was Offspring - Americana. I haven't listened to it in a while but I’m sure it holds up.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Favourite song right now is London Grammer's California Soil. It’s got the spirit of an American classic rock tune from 70s but the production sounds modern, and her voice is out of this world.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Jamie T - Calm Down Dearest. There is a line that goes, "were here now, we will be gone soon, not today, not tomorrow, not the next tune, which I always though was poignant".
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That's a tough one, cause I'm sure whatever it is you'd get sick of it fairly lively, but if I had to pick id pick Sunshine Underground by Chemical Brothers cause it's just so epic.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Instagram, Spotify and Bandcamp.
Alan Corr
