Blues rocker Paddy Smith has released his new album, Could Have Found Grace. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
The new album features Aongus Ralston (bass, The Waterboys), Jason Duffy (drums, The Corrs), James Delaney (keys, Van Morrison, Rory Gallagher, Chuck Berry), Danny Tobin (guitar, The Business Blues Band).
We need your consent to load this Spotify contentWe use Spotify to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Could Have Found Grace was sparked in collaboration with Danny. "Over three intense days, we sat together and worked through the songs, line by line, chord by chord," says Paddy.
"The process was completely organic, nothing felt forced. We trusted the songs to lead us, and in that raw, instinctive flow the album began to take shape."
Could Have Found Grace follows Paddy's albums Let Those Blues In (2013) and The Devil’s Backyard (2023).
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I come from a proud working-class background in Navan town, where my love for music was forged.
I entered a local talent competition at the Beechmount Hotel in Navan at the age of 15. I won and that gave me the confidence to pursue my love of music.
I’ve lived the blues on both sides of the Atlantic from Navan to Chicago, New York, and California - carrying those stories back into my songs.
How would you describe your music?
My music is rooted in the blues, but it carries the grit of punk, the soul of Irish storytelling, and the spirit of rock ’n’ roll. It’s raw and emotional, drawn from real life hardship, redemption, and hope. Every song I write is about honesty, connecting with people, and giving them something they can feel deep down.
Who are your musical inspirations?
My musical inspirations are Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield, Rory Gallagher, Phil Lynott, Joe Strummer, Shane MacGowan, and bands like Stiff Little Fingers and The Undertones. They all shaped my love for blues, rock, and raw, honest storytelling.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first gig I ever went to was The Rolling Stones at Slane. I was only twelve, and I went with my mother and sister. The crazy part? My mum had met some of the Stones by chance at a hotel in Dublin the day before. She didn’t even know who they were at first, but they struck up a conversation and ended up giving her three tickets. That’s how I got to see the Stones live for the very first time. Unforgettable.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The first record I ever bought was Muddy Waters’ Hard Again. From the first note, I was hooked the raw, gritty blues grabbed me and never let go. That sound has been the foundation of everything I play ever since.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Currently vibing with I Love You by Fontaines D.C .and Euro-Country by CMAT.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Muddy Waters’ I Can’t Be Satisfied has a line that hits deep - "I ain’t satisfied, I can’t be satisfied." It’s the raw honesty of the blues, always chasing, never settling that I connect with.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I could only listen to one song for the rest of my life, it would have to be The Sky Is Crying by Elmore James. The raw emotion in his slide guitar and voice never fades it’s pure blues, straight from the soul. That track carries everything I love about music.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My new album, Could Have Found Grace, is available now across streaming platforms.
Alan Corr
