Singer Cathal Gavin has released his new single, Out of Love, and plays the Sugar Club, Dublin on 25 September. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Hailing from Swinford, Co. Mayo, Cathal released his debut album, Voice of an Angel, album in 2015 when he was 13.
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Speaking about his new single, he says, "I wrote Out Of Love back in March 2024 at a time when everything in my life felt uncertain - college, home, relationships, and who I was becoming.
"It started as an 11 minute forgotten piano voice memo and months later became a song about emotional disconnect - that moment when you know it's time to let go, but your heart hasn't caught up.
"I wanted the sound to feel like a confessional - intimate and raw - but something with a Europop energy you could dance to in the dark. It’s vulnerable, anthemic, and made for anyone who's ever needed to let it all out on the dance floor."
Tell us three things about yourself?
Hi! I’m Cathal Gavin, I’m 23 years old, from Swinford, Co. Mayo. A fun fact is that I actually released my first album when I was 13 (that’s another story), since then, I’ve been lucky enough to use my music to support causes close to my heart, performing right across the country. Over the years I’ve raised over €30,000 for charities like Alzheimer’s support, hospice care, and mental health awareness.
When I was 16, I had the surreal honour of singing for Pope Francis in Panama City, Central America. I’ll never forget stepping out in front of 250,000 people - and knowing it was being broadcast to over 30 million viewers worldwide. It was definitely one of those "pinch me" moments I’ll carry with me forever.
When I’m not on stage or in the studio, I’m flying high in another way - I recently earned my degree in BSc Aviation Management with Pilot Studies. So, whether it’s music or aviation, I’ve always been drawn to things that lift you off the ground.
How would you describe your music?
My music lives in the space where classic songwriting meets modern vulnerability. It’s piano-led, emotionally open, and cinematic in scope - the kind of sound that invites you in and then hits you in the chest. I’m always chasing that sweet spot between nostalgia and now, trying to write songs that feel timeless but also speak directly to today’s emotional landscape.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Vocally and emotionally, Adele and Sam Smith really showed me the power of vulnerability in music and how you can pour your heart into a song and have it truly connect. Billy Joel and Elton John taught me how to let the piano speak - how it can drive the story just as much as the lyrics do. As I got older, I started listening to artists like Bruno Mars, Hozier, Air Supply and George Michael - all of whom brought soul, power, and storytelling in their own unique ways.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Musicals played a big part in my childhood. I have vivid memories of my parents taking me to all kinds of plays and shows, it was a regular part of our family life. One of the earliest and most unforgettable experiences was seeing Wicked the Musical. It completely changed how I saw music. The storytelling, the harmonies, the emotion in every note - it left a real mark on me. We even bought the soundtrack afterwards and would put on little performances at home until the CD stopped working from being played so much.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Now That’s What I Call Music 77. I bought it in 2010 when I was about eight, after saving up my own money and heading to Golden Discs. It felt like opening a musical doorway. There was a bit of everything on it - pop, soul, ballads, dance tracks - and I was completely hooked. My. Favourite song at the time was Just The Way You Are.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Nice To Each Other by Olivia Dean.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"We only said goodbye with words, I died a hundred times" - Back to Black by Amy Winehouse.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Hometown Glory by Adele. It’s one of those songs that never stops revealing itself - every time I hear it, I notice something new in her phrasing, her delivery, or the quiet power of her restraint. It’s raw, evocative, and beautifully simple. There’s something about that minute-long piano intro that pulls you in and demands your full attention. It sets the tone for everything that follows.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find my latest single, Out of Love, and more of my music on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream your music. For updates, behind-the-scenes, and future releases, you’ll find me on Instagram (cathal_gavin]) and TikTok (@cathalgavin). I’m also performing in an intimate showcase in the Sugar Club, Dublin on 25 September. Tickets available here.
Alan Corr
