Irish music producer, engineer, multi-instrumentalist and performer Red Lake Magick aka Gary Duncan has released his new single, Far Away Dreaming. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Hailing from Portlaoise in County Laois, Gary's music career began at just 17 with his very first job as assistant engineer alongside Shane MacGowan and the Popes at Sun Studios in Dublin.
Seventeen years ago, he founding Red Lake Sound Studios in Ratheven, Portlaoise and he has produced acts such as Paddy Casey, Jack L, Future Kings of Spain, and Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club.
He also formed alt-metal outfit Chiral (later rebranded Voodoo Labs).
Tell us three things about yourself.
Music's been my escape since I was a kid, blasting guitars and writing songs in my bedroom.
I found my way into the music industry at just 17, working at Sun Studios with Shane MacGowan and the Popes.
I cut my professional performance teeth with Chiral, dropping our debut album, The Karnival of Chaos.
How would you describe your music?
My music is extremely diverse, blending punk, metal, country, rock, dance, ska, and even classical influences - I draw from everywhere. With the exception of my latest solo track, Far Away Dreaming. It was born once upon a Christmas and I finally managed to finished it: It's kinda like The Fairytale of New York meets Sting's I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying. Amazing song and storytelling.
Who are your musical inspirations?
There are so many! Shane MacGowan was a major early influence after I met and worked with him. Then scavenging through my dad's old cassette tape box and raiding my mum's old vinyl collection, introduced me to The Beatles, Eagles, Meat Loaf, Bryan Adams, Horslips, '60s hits, ABBA, and The Beach Boys. Then I dove into heavier sounds: Nirvana, Therapy?, Metallica, The Prodigy - devouring everything from the '90s. I love gems from every era. I love a lot of obscure underground stuff too, especially what’s happening in the Irish music scene. People don’t realise the quality of music in this country is next level. I am a total music nerd.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Therapy? at the Olympia in Dublin, right after their Troublegum album. It was the best musical experience of my life - the Olympia's sound is incredible.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Nirvana - Nevermind.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Ooh, that’s a tough one! From my own music, it's Far Away Dreaming, right now, because it’s got such a great story, with deep ties to my own personal life and musical journey; it hits me with emotion every time. From other artists, Bluster Bhoy's All This Love is a beautiful song with an incredible story. There are some more songs I’d love to mention that have yet to be released by some other artists I know. I love songs that have very real meaning and real emotion in them. That have the power to make connect and make you feel something.
Favourite lyric of all time?
I love so many songwriters, but Sting's "I'm so happy, I'm laughing through my tears" from I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying is genius.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Haha, desert island vibes! Probably Oasis' The Masterplan. I once listened to it on repeat all night long. I never get tired of hearing that song.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Far Away Dreaming is on all streaming platforms except Spotify (another story!). Search Red Lake Magick or Voodoo Labs on Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, Tidal.
My website and here. Stream or buy Chiral/Voodoo Labs records on Bandcamp (voodoolabs.bandcamp.com). Follow @red_lake_magick and @voodoo_labs_music on Instagram.
Alan Corr
