Change is something Jack L is all too familiar with. The Kildare singer-songwriter, who plays three Galway Gigs this February, talks to Lisa Regan about humble beginnings, changing musical direction and finding his way back heading south.

So Jack, what's new? What have you been up to?

Every second hour and day is new. I am always trying to push things forward. New songs, new album, new shoes, new boots, new old things.

I see you just contributed to a tribute track 'The Ballad of Ronnie Drew'. Can you tell us about this?

It is a song to celebrate Ronnie Drew and hopefully give him a lift in his time of need and, perhaps, make some money for a cancer charity. Every name in the Irish music industry was involved, Bono, the Edge, Shane MacGowan, The Corrs, the list goes on, and it was a real night for all concerned and an epic memory.

Are you a fan?

I supported him live over the years and have had the pleasure of his company. He is the godfather of Irish music.

What can your Galway audiences expect from the Galway shows?

Old, new, borrowed and blue tunes, bad jokes, tall tales and maybe some singing and dancing, and maybe even some sword swallowing!

You have a new album coming out; will you be giving a sneak preview of what's in store?

Yes, I always like to put a few new songs in the set to keep it fresh for everyone concerned.

Are you going solo or who is performing with you?

Just myself and the audience who perform in the show also singing and rhythm and heckling.

Has your musical direction and style changed much over the years?

Well it all starts with the song and I put whatever coats suits the song on the song, which can vary from caveman pop to space rock. This album I am working on harnesses all musical styles as I suppose my musical direction has covered them all at this stage. I am on my way back heading south.

You have had seven studio albums to date and you are earning the reputation as one of Ireland's finest performers; has this been a hard reputation to earn and to live up to?

You're only as good as your last show and I try to perform each one like it is my last 'cause it could be. Time is short on old planet earth. I had a lot of jobs before I could sustain myself as a musician and they were all harder.

Your distinctive voice often lends people to ask the question, 'where is he from'. Do you think the distinction in your voice leads to your individuality in the business?

Probably, maybe I try and do my own thing, dance to my own beat make my own noise.