Contemporary folk-rock artist Stephen Brennan has release his new single, Earthbound. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Described as "a stark and poetic reflection on humanity's self-inflicted ruin," the song "tackles the strange cognitive dissonance of our time, exploring themes of manufactured abundance, societal greed, and environmental collapse."
"With Earthbound, I wanted to explore the strange, tragic way we carry on with our normal routines while the world around us is in crisis," Stephen says.
"There is this intense, self-destructive nature to how we treat our only home. The song is ultimately a warning that we are approaching a point of no return, yet it seems that rather than slowing down, we are accelerating towards that point."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I have been playing music since I was five, when I was given a harmonica by my Dad (great for me, but endless renditions of Oh Susannah probably drove the family nuts). I started playing guitar 20 years ago this year.
I grew up in rural Co Fermanagh and moved to Dublin in 2012.
I just returned home from a worldwide motorcycle adventure - myself and my wife took two of the cheapest adventure bikes available and drove from Ireland to Japan over the course of 18 months. All of the music from my upcoming EP was written and performed using a folding guitar strapped to the back of my motorcycle. These songs were forged in deserts, snowy mountains, mega cities and cargo ships.
How would you describe your music?
A mix between blues, folk and soul. I'm trying to capture the mysticism and storytelling of traditional folk but write songs about the stuff that weighs on our minds today.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Rory Gallagher, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Townes Van Zandt, Johnny Cash, the three Kings - BB, Albert, and Freddie. More recently I've been trying to find modern artists that capture the magic and authenticity of the old legends; CW Stoneking, Hozier, and Gary Clarke Jr. are really inspiring - Jack White's new album really resonates with me as well. Oh and Run The Jewels (for the times we live in).
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first one that really stands out was a blues jam that I went to while on a family holiday in Barcelona - the house band was called Chino and the Big Bet - they had the crowd absolutely enraptured, it was a tiny club and boiling hot, the place was pumping and the songs came across as super raunchy and rowdy - I had never seen the blues performed that way before and it really captured the essence of what the music is meant to be about - at the end of that blues jam the house band unplugged their instruments and walked out while playing the last song (no mean feat seeing as the bassist was playing a double bass). Absolute mastery of the craft. I left that show 100% inspired.
What was the first record you ever bought?
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Gorillaz - Gorillaz. I listened to the 19-2000 remix on loop for an entire summer on my battery powered portable CD player. The whole album is amazing, I listened to it again recently and every single song is like a little world unto itself. In particular, I think Tomorrow Comes Today is spectacular - an old school blues standard in disguise.
What’s your favourite song right now?
For walking; Archbishop Harold Holmes - Jack White.
For cooking Breakfast; Love Potion No. 9 - The Coasters.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Put down that poison pen, it's time to jump, You hear that old string bass begin to thump, Those primal drums, this loud guitar, It's heralding a sound of olden fire" - Get on the Floor by CW Stoneking. I don't think that there is another lyric that better captures what we are trying to invoke with our music. It's talking about something old; a common feeling that lives in all of us and gets the head nodding and feet moving. CW Stoneking is an embodiment of that ancient magic come to life - no pretension, just real songs, real emotion and true authenticity.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Wayfaring Stranger - lots of good versions, but if Rhiannon Giddens live rendition on YouTube doesn't give you the chills, you need to get yourself checked out.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Earthbound is on all of the usual streaming services. You can find me on Instagram and YouTube @stephenbrennanmusic and on Facebook as Stephen Brennan.
Alan Corr
