Coming out of the shadows

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Wednesday, 03 January 2007

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Coming out of the shadows
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You're launching your new EP at the Galway gig?

Yeah, I called it 'Heading for the Hills' because so many of the songs are about leaving to go somewhere! There are seven songs on there and I recorded them in one day at Circus Room studios. It's a simple, stripped down EP with mainly just guitar and vocals. I'm really happy with it.

Do you like being in the studio?

Yeah, but I tend to be a bit impatient; I want results quickly and I demand a lot of myself. I suppose I'm a perfectionist. (laughs)

When will you record your first full album?

I want to wait till the time is right, when I'm sure of the sound that I really want.

What initiates the song writing process?

You might have a broken heart, or you might see something innocent and beautiful, or you might overhear a conversation on a bus. It could be anything. Once I've got something, I keep it as close as possible to how it first came out. I try not to meddle with it too much.

Is your guitar playing still improving?

My picking has certainly got better. I used to live in a really overcrowded house and I'd be worried about making too much noise, so the picking kind of developed that way.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I want to record an album and I want to keep on travelling. I want to make my living in music.

When did you first think about trying to make a living as a musician?

It was in Australia in 2001. We used to get together and mess about on guitars and someone said to me 'I bet you could write a song' and I was like 'No way!' But sure enough I went off and tried my best and a song that I called 'The Bondi Hotel' popped out, and people reacted well to it. At the time I was at a crossroads; I didn't know what I was going to do next.

What kind of movies do you like; would you like to write a soundtrack?

I love 'Amelie', 'Brick' and I also like 'Pan's Labyrinth'. My favourite soundtrack is 'Garden State' and I'd definitely like to try my hand at doing that myself.

What makes you happy?

I love walking by the ocean, reading and listening to music. I sing all the time too; it brings me away somewhere. It's like fairyland. (laughs)

What music inspires you?

A couple of years ago I really got into Bob Dylan and explored his stuff. He's amazing. I also love Jeff Buckley. I used to have his album on tape and I listened to it so much that my sister threatened to snap it. (laughs) I like Roesy too.

What was the last knockout gig you went to?

I saw the Blue Nile at Vicar Street. They were amazing.

What advice would you have for a young musician?

I'd say never force it too much; play when it feels right. Enjoy it and don't put too much pressure on yourself.

What's the secret to being happy?

Living in the moment. I think it's important not to think too much about the past or the future, to just be present. I suppose that sounds clichéd, but it's true!

Sabrina Dinan plays the Roisín Dubh on Monday 15 January. For more info see www.roisindubh.net.

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