Cork-based, Kilkenny-born singer Majella Murphy has released her new album, Shabda. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Majella released her debut LP, Brave World, in 2007 and it was the first album to be released globally on a mobile phone by Sony Ericsson.
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Shabda was recorded in Blarney Recording Studios using vintage sound equipment and was produced by herself and Dave Murphy.
Speaking about her new single, Too Small to Follow, she says: "I was in a treatment centre for alcoholism, and I was offered the chance to do a programme called the raw sessions.
"I had to write, produce record and master a song in 12 hours and I came up with that. It's a fast, drunken waltz asking, 'Is she drunk or is she sober’?"
Majella is a Buddhist and explaining why she has decided to resume her music career now, she says: "At long last I’m sober, nearly a year now, and I don’t smoke or take intoxicants. Another long story!
"And I got ordained in India. I'm what you call an Upasaka. An Upasaka is the same as a nun, but you're allowed sing. If I were to take the vows of a nun, I wouldn't be able to perform.
"I’ve taken five vows for the year; No killing, no stealing, no lying, celibacy, and no taking of intoxicants. The funny thing is that those vows help me to be free."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I was useless in school, couldn’t sit down (still can’t), and was only happy on the sports field, doing art or singing.
I have two little Coton de Tulear dogs that are my life. Who needs a man when you’ve dogs!
I work as an activity's coordinator in a nursing home and I adore my job. I still pinch myself at times I'm so happy there. It’s a privilege to work with these people.
How would you describe your music?
I would like to think my songs tell a story.
Who are your musical inspirations?
My major influences would have been Jimmy MacCarthy, Tracy Chapman, Christy Moore and various folk-rock singers. Early Bob Dylan would also have had a huge influence on me.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Joe Dolan in Kilkenny with my mother. It was brilliant. I couldn’t get over the sound. He rocked the joint.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The Greatest Hits: 1966 - 1992 by Neil Diamond. It was a double tape, and I had to save up for it. He blew me away.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Somewhere Only We Know - Keane.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Looking at the world, over the rim of his teacup" - The Streets of London by Ralph McTell. It reminds me of the loneliness that one can experience if one’s different to the "norm".
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A Piece of Sky by Barbara Streisand.
Where can people find your music/more information?
iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Majella Murphy on Facebook.
Alan Corr
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