Newry folk/rock singer songwriter El Rey has released his new single, Truth And Love Against The Force of Evil. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
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El Rey was a member of various bands before moving to Manchester, where he busked, played open mic nights, and gigged at local venues.
Tell us things about yourself . . .
I'm a fiercely DIY, never say die Irish artist who builds entire songs live with a loop pedal and a lot of nerve.
My lyrics come from the gut, honest, raw, and always mine.
I don’t follow the industry rulebook, but I’ve got time for anything with a good hook in most genres from indie and folk to dance and rap music
How would you describe your music?
It’s a tough one this because nothing I have online is like what is coming. I’m a mixed bag, DIY loop-driven alt pop with indie grit, folk soul, and zero filter. Honest lyrics, unexpected beats, and no two live sets the same.
Who are your musical inspirations?
My musical influences range from Oasis, Stone Roses, Kasabian, Gerry Cinnamon, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dylan, Arctic Monkeys, Elvis, J Cash, Mumford & Sons to trance and 90s dance classics and the likes of Kevin and Perry Go Large soundtrack
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Straight in at the deep end - Oasis, Kasabian and The Prodigy, I think, at Slane Castle. 80,000 people losing their minds, pints of piss flying, that massive wall of sound. It wasn’t just a gig; it was a baptism and a messy one at that.
What was the first record you ever bought?
First record I ever bought was Elvis: 30 #1 Hits. Seemed right to start with The King. I think I spent more time robbing the pick 'n’ mix than choosing the CD, but I left with a pocket full of sweets and 30 absolute bangers that day.
What’s your favourite song right now?
H.O.O.D by Kneecap is on repeat for ages now. Oasis are getting hammered as well ATM though TBF.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Changes every week. The Verve nailed it with "you’re a slave to the money then you die." But Gerry Cinnamon resonated with me in a big way with "Fortune favours the bold." It’s not just a lyric, it’s how I try to move through the world. Especially in music.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Adagio in D Minor by John Murphy for the euphoric calming universe vibes or Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird. Great song, iconic solo and at nine minutes, it might take a bit longer to put me off it or leave me going completely insane.
Where can people find your music/more information?
EL REY HQ on whatever you use to find and listen to your music. Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube etc.
Alan Corr
