Actor and singer Niall McNamee has released his debut album, Glass and Mirrors. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
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The release of Glass and Mirrors coincides with his roles in two brand new films: he plays Irish world cup team goalkeeper Alan Kelly in the feature film Saipan, starring Steve Coogan and Éanna Hardwicke, and he also plays the lead in the romantic comedy One Night in Bath.
The new single from Niall's album is Moon Belongs and it reflects on the painful aftermath of a breakup.
"Places remind of you people in your life. A restaurant, a street, a building," Niall says. "They feel like they belong to old flames from your life. But what if you're reminded of someone when you see the moon? As soon as night arrives, you're completely lost."
Niall plays: 23 October - Whelan’s in Dublin. 24 October - Cleere’s, Kilkenny. 25 October- Ballycotten, Sea Church, Cork. 29 October - Dolans, Limerick, 30 October Monroes, Galway. 31 October - Gweedore, Donegal. 1 November - Oh Yeah Centre, Belfast.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I support Leeds United.
I support Dundalk FC.
My name is Niall.
How would you describe your music?
It’s difficult to describe your own music, but I’ll give it a go. I think storytelling is at the heart of my music. From the various influences I have. Someone said recently that I’m like Dermot Kennedy in choruses and like Declan O’Rourke in my verses, which I’ll certainly take. There’s definitely a good mix between a songwriter, folky tradition with an epic band sound. I throw the kitchen sink at it musically.
Who are your musical inspirations?
There’s such a mix, but Shane MacGowan and Christy Moore and Paul Brady are the leading lights from a traditional perspective. But I’ve always loved Frank Sinatra as well. In many, many ways the lyricism and at whatever pace the lullaby-like melodies just connect with me. Even The Pogues in their most violent songs have gorgeous melodies. Oasis are in there as well. And I love The Jam. Oh! And Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys, if I can get any influence from them into a track/album I’d be over the moon.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I think I was taken to a few concerts when I was growing up but the first gig I took myself to was Jamie T. I think I was about 15 or 16. I wasn’t ready for it. I was at the front and I needed to go for a wee within the first five minutes. But it was life-changing despite being tense for it all.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I think it was American Idiot by Green Day. I was asked by a lad in my school to sing in his band and he wanted to do the song Jesus of Suburbia, which is nine minutes long… we got there. Mad choice.
What’s your favourite song right now?
It’s hard because that question makes it feel like it has to be a brand new released song but truthfully I spend more time visiting my old favourites. But whilst it isn’t a new band or new song, I came across The Blue Nile and I’ve been obsessed with their 1984 song Easter Parade. Actually! Billy Flynn of Bethnal Green by Louis Dunford. All of his songs are so good. And he’s a gent.
Favourite lyric of all time?
These are so tough, I’ll take this chance to say I caveat nearly all these questions with the fact I’d probably have a different answer weekly on this. But truthfully if it’s a favourite lyric it’ll just be a different Shane MacGowan lyric. So, this week it’s "The next time I see you we’ll be down at the Greeks with whiskey on Sunday and tears on our cheeks."
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
So difficult!!! But… All My Tomorrows by Frank Sinatra. It’s melancholic and I don’t know the situation in which I can only listen to one song for the rest of my life, so maybe I’d need something uplifting… but for some reason, this song changes my day when I hear it.
Where can people find your music/more information?
They can find me @niallmcnamee on all social media and my website and at pubs.
Alan Corr
