Image : Mariana Emy [Used with permission]
Kieran from alt/folk/rock act My Uncle Stoat on the soundtrack to his life
What was the first album/single that you ever bought?
House of Pain – Jump around.
What is your earliest musical memory?
My brother and Dad going to keyboard lessons and my bro hating it. There was always keyboards and sheet music around the house. Plus my mam would sing around the house all the time. We’re actually going to have my mam and Aunt sing on one of the songs on our new album! How uncool is that.
Is there a particular song/band/singer that made you want to be a musician?
Not really. It was probably more so the sound of the electric guitar that inspired me. Loud over-driven guitar with delay and reverb got me hooked.
What song instantly reminds you of a particular person?
Jeeze.. loads of songs remind me of certain people. But more so songs remind me of places and events in my life. Wilco’s “I’m Always in love” reminds me of meeting my wife. Or “Daft Punks” discovery album reminds me of a lads holiday in my early 20’s.
Is there a song whose lyrics resonate with you and why so?
Yeah lots of songs. I think to properly connect with the lyrics in a song you need to be living that moment. I’ve heard a song 20 times and never connected with it until I find myself in a particular moment. I’m really into lyrics that paint pictures. Fionn Regan is one of my favorite writers, he has a magically way of painting pictures and putting the listener in a place. Songs like hunters maps & Dogwood blossom to name a few are crackers. I also really like the late Scott Hutchinson writing from Frightened Rabbit. He had a real darkness to his writing but also could leave you with a real sense of hope. Songs like “good arms vs bad arms” and “State hospital” are great..
The band/musician that you grew up listening to?
Lots of stuff. But I would have started out listening to all my older brothers music which would have been Nirvana, Bush, Lemonheads, Smashing pumpkins, Ash, Oasis, Radiohead. Plus all my Dads stuff including the Kinks, Bob Dylan, Donovan, Dubliners and all that good stuff!
What song do you wish that you had written and why?
Mmmm The Talking heads have some classic tunes and they’re all very different. Anyone of their songs would have been cool to write.. Or Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams.. Cash money B!tchess!
What song transports you back in time and why?
Bob Marley transports me back to a misspent youth.
Which song makes you happy when you hear it?
Bowie “Lets dance”.
Which song makes you sad when you hear it?
Most songs! I’m a sado that likes listening to miserable stuff.. Music that is beautiful yet sad is kind of my favourite type. I can’t listen to happy music on my own, its just not enjoyable unless I’m dancing with friends. Some of my friends only listen to happy music, I find this very weird. Maybe its because I’m a bit of an introvert.
What was the first gig you went to?
Ash in the SFX, must have been 1996. Great show! Remember twisting my ankle and not being able to play football for 5 months.
What was the first song that you ever performed?
Probably Thin Lizzy “Dancing in the moonlight” and I’m sure we butchered it!
Kieran – My Uncle Stoat – Spotify Playlist
My Uncle Stoat – Social Media
YouTube
