New Belfast group California Irish have released their debut album, The Mountains Are My Friends. We asked front man Cormac Neeson the BIG questions . . .
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This group initially came together briefly to perform a Neil Young-inspired theatre show production called Re-Harvest, when they performed the classic albums Harvest Moon and Harvest back to back.
Speaking about the new album, Cormac says, "This album is the opposite of boring AI-generated, no soul perfection.
"We recorded this album in a room together over four days allowing the music to breathe when it needed to, looking at each other for our cues and feeding off each other's energy. It felt like a dream but it’s the most real thing I’ve ever done in music."
He adds, "That Laurel Canyon sound of the late 60s, epitomised by the early Crosby Stills Nash and Young stuff, and the first few Joni Mitchell records, has always felt otherworldly and magical.
"On our album we’ve tried to access some of that beauty and create our own magic by combining brand new music with an old school recording process."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
California Irish are a seven-piece band from Belfast. Our debut album, The Mountains Are My Friends, is out now. We recorded the whole album in five days straight to tape.
How would you describe your music?
Lots of four-part harmonies and jangly guitars with an alt-folk, sometimes rock, psychedelic feel to the sound. Our analogue recording process retains a raw warmth and human energy to it that suits the style of music we play.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Heavily influenced by the Laurel Canyon California sound of the late 60s, early 70s, like Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Crosby Stills and Nash, and The Mamas and Papas. But also, into lots of great Irish and British bands/artists like Skara Brae, Kingfishr and Laura Marling. Jonathan Wilson from LA was a big inspiration in terms of adhering strictly to the analogue, Laurel Canyon revivalist process.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Beastie Boys at Maysfield Leisure Centre in Belfast.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Smashing Pumpkins' Siamese Dream.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Killeagh by Kingfishr.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"I’ve never been so good with names" - The Lemonheads.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
God Only Knows by the Beach Boys.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can stream our singles and The Mountains Are My Friends is out on CD and vinyl. You can check our vids out on our YouTube channel, we’re on Insta, Facebook and TikTok and you can sign up to our mailing list on our website.
Alan Corr
