Photo credit: Charlie Joe Doherty
Donegal singer-songwriter Seán Feeny has released his debut single, 1969. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
The song, produced by musician and composer Orri McBrearty, takes its name from the year Seán's parents married, weaving their personal milestone into the wider tapestry of Irish history.
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Drawing from the front page of The Irish News on their wedding day - 11 August 1969 - the single "reflects on a time of love and upheaval, as the North stood on the brink of The Troubles".
"I wanted to write something that honoured my parents and the world they stepped into as newlyweds," says Seán.
"1969 was a time of incredible uncertainty for so many people in Ireland, but also a time of love and new beginnings for them. This song is a tribute to that and a message of hope for all of us, that despite hardship, we’re still here, still standing, still loving."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I’m happily married and we have two beautiful children, a girl and a boy, and I love spending most of my time with the family.
I trained and worked as a newspaper journalist for many years, which got me into all sorts of unusual situations (and trouble) from teaching comedian Jason Byrne how to skip before one of his shows, to training and sparring with the Irish High Performance Boxing Team for a sports feature ahead of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing (and giving my employers a mild heart attack).
In my spare time, I volunteer at Letterkenny Boxing Club, having recently completed my first coaching course. I really enjoy working with the kids and still train a bit myself with the seniors when I get the chance.
How would you describe your music?
When I first started recording, I had a very clear sound and theme in mind. I’ve been fortunate to have the guidance of my good friend, Donegal producer and musician Orri McBrearty, throughout the process. The end result is best described as Irish folk songs wrapped in modern pop arrangements - folk pop.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I’m very, very lucky to be surrounded by talented friends who inspire me constantly and have encouraged me to make my own music, which can be daunting, but my advice to anyone with a creative urge is to just go for it and say to yourself, Why not? I’ve also drawn huge inspiration from artists across generations that my parents and older siblings listened to from Van Morrison, Paul Brady, Moya Brennan, Clannad, and Altan, to Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Eagles and many more.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
When I was 19, I got to go to not one, but both of U2’s concerts at Slane in the summer of 2001. Each night was different and magical, with incredible support acts spread across the two shows, including JJ72, Relish, Moby, Kelis, Nelly Furtado, Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ash, and more. And then there was the unforgettable moment that weekend of watching Jason McAteer score against Holland in the World Cup qualifier!
What was the first record you ever bought?
The first record I ever bought was Do the Bartman by Bart Simpson, on vinyl, no less. I was fully swept up in the early ’90s Simpsons-mania and quickly followed it with the sequel single Deep, Deep Trouble and the full album The Simpsons Sing the Blues.
What’s your favourite song right now?
There is so much great music being produced right here in Ireland at the moment! One track that really stood out for me on the Irish airwaves this summer was Date Nite by KhakiKid - it’s got such a cool, laid-back vibe that instantly reminded me of Jurassic 5’s Concrete Schoolyard.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose" - Me and Bobby McGee by Kris Kristofferson. Kristofferson is one of my all-time favourite lyricists. I love the simplicity of his words and the vivid pictures they paint. His lyrics warm my heart, and it’s the simplest lines, like this one, that make me shake my head in admiration every single time.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would be Into the Mystic by Van Morrison. I’d want a song that takes me on a journey, and these opening lines capture that feeling perfectly: "We were born before the wind, Also, younger than the sun, ’Ere the bonnie boat was won, As we sailed into the mystic". There’s something timeless and transporting about the song and it puts me at ease every time I listen to it.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website.
Alan Corr
