Limerick-born, Dublin-based pop-rock artist ARREN has released his new single, Thinking About July, and plays a short national tour. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
He releases his debut album, Dark Earth, later this year.
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
ARREN plays: 12 May: Little Whelan's, Dublin; 14 May: Róisín Dubh (top bar), Galway; 18 May: The Black Box (Green Room), Belfast; 21 May: Ruby Molly, Dublin.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Hmm, where to begin? One thing that in a warped way defined my music career is that I almost lost three of my fingers messing around in an abandoned house with my best friend when I was 15. Things would look a lot different now, and it makes me all the more grateful!
Another thing is that I'm a videographer by trade. It comes in really handy as I can do my own video work to help promote my music. I often do my own video content, but what I enjoy most is collaborating with film friends, which always makes the projects better.
Lastly, I'm a huge advocate for community and love meeting as many new people as I can through music or video. I hope to make an impact on the Dublin music scene by supporting musicians and helping with their video content. I believe in supporting local grassroots musicians as much as possible, so much so that I've become the back-up host at the Whelan's open mic.
How would you describe your music?
I like to think of my music as if Mumford & Sons, Hozier and James Bay decided to become a band, then called up Florence + The Machine to be their manager. I create deeply human songs about love, loss and growth, with hope at their core. I call it triumphant orchestral pop-rock. It's cinematic, inviting and will leave you feeling empowered with a touch of boogie too.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Too many to name, but I’ll try! I’ve always been inspired by the stomping, forward-moving beats of Americana rock from bands like Lord Huron and Mumford & Sons, the sharp, catchy pop sensibilities of Scott Helman and James Bay, the sweeping symphonic scale of Racing Glaciers and Florence + The Machine, and the soulful rock-style percussion of Hozier. There are also little sprinkles of Motherfolk and Bruno Major in there too.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first gig I ever went to was Imagine Dragons at the 3Arena, for their second album Smoke & Mirrors tour. I actually hadn’t listened to the album before I went, so it was amazing to discover that music live- but I’d love to go back now and sing along!
What was the first record you ever bought?
The first record I ever bought was a self-titled album by Irish artist Bry. I fell in love with his music when I was younger and went to see him in Cyprus Avenue. Couldn't tell you what year it was to be honest. I actually bumped into him in a waterpark in Portugal once! Just swam up and said hi.
What’s your favourite song right now?
It's got to be from James Bay's song Speed Limit. Breaking the speed limit to get to someone is a genius lyric. I love his latest album Changes All The Time which features Speed Limit. All of the songs on this album are just incredible songwriting. Very inspiring stuff!
Favourite lyric of all time?
A lyric that always brings a tear to my eye is a line from a song called Oldies Station by Twenty One Pilots: "Push on through, make an oath, then make mistakes".
It's a song about celebrating how far you've come, and that line really strikes a chord with me as someone who has struggled with mental health. It makes me proud of overcoming those hurdles during Covid.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I guess I'd have to go back to songs that remind me of my childhood. I think One by U2 - it’s really special to me and it always reminds me of the love and pride my parents have for me. Not a bad feeling to hold on to forever!
Where can people find your music/more information?
The best place to check in on my antics is on Instagram: @arrenmusic. You can listen to my music on all streaming platforms under the name ARREN (please do). My new single Thinking About July is out now and I’m heading out on a national tour! You can grab tickets for Dublin, Galway, and Belfast, watch my music videos, and join the mailing list at my website.
Alan Corr
