Irish artist Ae Mak aka Aoife McCann has released Folk Songs for Mama & Papa, the title track from her upcoming debut album. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
The album, Folk Songs For Mama & Papa, is released on 29 May and speaking about her new single, she says, "It was born of a series of fear-whirls: not feeling enough or worthy of the things you want in life.
"Fear of being perceived, or of being perceived at all when self-belief is non-existent; not feeling love from the one you're pouring your love into; shrinking into a smaller version of yourself; lost, stuck - states many of us suffer with before some self-reckoning kicks in."
Ae Mak plays in-stores at Spindizzy, Dublin 5:30pm on 29 May, Music Zone, Cork 1pm on 30 May, and Steamboat Limerick 5pm on 30 May.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I have a vivid imagination. I am soft. I am a good dancer.
How would you describe your music?
Heartfelt, joyous, experimental, playful, paint, theatrical, silly, emotive, open, honest. Style wise, I’ve been playing with and making electronic/alternative pop music for years - the record I am about to release is a return to voice and piano - I’ve been calling it a cosmical, spiritual, folk album, I think that’s what it is.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I don’t feel a whole lot of musical influence from other artists in terms of my songwriting - more so their energy and performance style perhaps - David Byrne, Björk, Aldous Harding, Sylvan Esso are all important to me. Neil Young, Joni, Fleet Foxes, Simon & Garfunkel, Brian Wilson have definitely had the most impact on me musically.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
It was either Robbie Williams or S Club 7. I loved Angels, loved Reach as a kid, loved the synchronised dancing and wanted to be in S Club Junior.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Vampire Weekend’s first record. The CD. I think I was 14 - I was and still am obsessed with that album.
What’s your favourite song right now?
All I’ve been listening to is ML Buch, pôp-pot and d_abdu’s first release, Peter. I’m gonna go with Peter. It’s super nostalgic and close and delicate, reminds me of being in my early 20s and stumbling into love for the first time. The chorus melody is also just so beautifully simple - as soon as you hear it, it feels like you’ve heard it hundreds of times already. It’s soft and tender and knowing.
Favourite lyric of all time?
I don’t have a favourite lyric of all time. I do love the last verse in Leonard Cohen’s Chelsea Hotel #2. It always swells my chest. I sing it sometimes at afters. "I don’t mean to suggest that I loved you the best, I can’t keep track of each fallen robin, I remember you well in the Chelsea Hotel, that’s all, I don’t even think of you that often". It’s usually between that or Dylan’s Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I don’t think it would be one of my favourite songs that I’d choose - maybe more of a shoegaze atmospheric dream pop song. Beach House or Alvvays, maybe. I’d like to feel like that if I had to choose one - something I could listen to when sad and longing.
Where can people find your music/more information?
I’m mainly using Instagram @aemak_ to connect in with the world - and my first record is available to pre-order from record stores now - Spindizzy, Steamboat, Music Zone, Tower Records, Rough Trade . . . wherever you buy from. You can listen to all of my music on whatever streaming platform you use.
Alan Corr
