Irish folk band Madra Salach have released their debut single, Blue & Gold, and perform at Jameson Bow St. Distillery's new Slainte Sessions on Culture Night in Dublin this Friday. We asked Paul of the band the BIG questions . . .
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Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My Name is Paul Banks, I’m 23 years old, I’ve been playing music since I was nine, and I now work as a special needs assistant.
How would you describe your music?
I usually opt for 'contemporary folk’ as a simple description but I think we draw influence from a lot of alternative rock of the 80s/90s.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Lisa O’ Neill, Michael Hurley and Laura Marling if I had to whittle it down to three!
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I saw Roxy Music play at Electric Picnic with my Dad in 2010. Love Is The Drug was, and still is, my favourite.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Vessel by Twenty One Pilots.
What’s your favourite song right now?
The Devil is Loose by Asha Puthli has had a hold on me for the last two years.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"You’ll not be missing nothing, The sunshine’s sleeping too, The stars are lining up, love, To watch your dreams with you" - Goodnight World by Lisa O’ Neil.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Old Note by Lisa O Neil.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Our debut single, Blue & Gold, is out now on all streaming platforms, and this Friday we will take to the stage alongside Ispíní na hÉireann at Jameson Distillery Bow St. for Culture Night 2025.
Alan Corr
