First coming to public attention through The Saw Doctors, Noelie McDonnell has since forged a name for himself. Lisa Regan talks to the singer songwriter ahead of his various gigs around Galway this July.

You first came to the public's attention through The Saw Doctors. How important was this to you at the beginning of your career?

I have always loved what the lads do and admired their ability to reach out to people no matter where they go. To get to play with them is always an honour and it gives me great encouragement to keep at it.

You have now established yourself as a very distinctive artist with a unique sound that draws on everything from Irish music to the sounds of John Prine and Springsteen. How do you manage to combine all these elements with such fluency?

I'm a big fan of music in general. If I listen to John Prine or Springsteen, I hear something that I can relate to. It makes sense to me. Recently I've been listening to Greg Brown's songs and it's breathtaking the way he can distil a long, maybe complicated story into a four or five minute song. When it's over, you feel as though you've watched a movie or read a novel. I try to get that into what I do perhaps. And if I need a reminder of how it's supposed to be done, well I just put on some Springsteen or John Prine or Greg Brown. (I'll be opening up for Greg Brown in Campbell's Tavern on Sunday 27 July for the Arts Festival.)

Tell me about your new album 'Beyond Hard Places'? The album was recorded locally; do you find inspiration for music and song comes more easily when you record on home ground?

It was recorded over a week in a house near the lake. It was very relaxed and peaceful there and that's hopefully what comes across on Beyond Hard Places. Some of the songs like 'Take the Evening Slow' have been knocking around for a while whereas others like 'You'll find Me There' were put together as I was recording. It was very enjoyable to do and I'm happy with how it turned out.

What is your favourite track on the album?

I have a particular fondness for 'Broken Dishes', probably because of its cathartic nature. It feels good to get stuff off your chest sometimes! On the other hand, I have a song on it that's about my nephew and good pal called 'Nearly Four'. He just puts a smile on your face every time!

Who inspires you?

Bob Dylan and Issa McDonnell.

Did you enjoy playing as part of the Galway Sessions?

I had a great night opening for Eddi Reader. Her gig was just class. She had a fabulous band with her and they brought the roof down. The Galway Sessions was a great success this year again and it was lovely to be asked to be part of it. It's nice to know there are people out there who are willing to put such effort into organising festivals like this one in Galway. Long may it last; it's good for everyone.

What is next for you?

The Crane Bar 2/3 July, Cherry Tree Dublin 4 July, Station House Theatre Clifden 24 July. I'm going to Manchester for a gig on 19 July and I'm looking forward to that. I'll keep my website and MySpace updated as well.

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