Inis Mór singer-songwriter Padraig Jack has released his new single, It’s Alright Now (Black Curtains) and tours Ireland in September and October. We asked him the BIG questions. . .
Originally from the Aran Islands, Padraig comes from a family of musicians. His father is bilingual songwriter Barry Ronan and he is the nephew of Irish poet and Aosdána member Mary O’Malley.
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Like his father, Padraig is proudly bilingual and writes music in Irish and English. With influences ranging from James Taylor and The Eagles to Van Morrison and Shane MacGowan.
2022 has been a busy year for Padraig. He joined Dubliner Damien Dempsey for a sold-out tour of Ireland, including shows at Cyprus Avenue, Róisín Dubh, Dolan’s, The Set Theater and TF Royal as well as Vicar St. last October and The Iveagh Gardens in the summer.
He also wrote and recorded a song for Foster and Allen and performed it with the duo for a recording at the Pepper Canister Church in March 2022. This gig is due to air on RTÉ One this fall.
Padraig plays 7 September – Westport Town Hall, Mayo (guest of Seán Keane), 29 September – Coughlans, Cork, Cork Folk Festival flagship show, 30 September – Ionad Culturtha Baile Mhuirne, Co Cork, 7 October – Monroes Galway – Rock Against Homelessness, 8 October – Inis Meáin, Aran Islands, 20 October – Crane Bar, Galway, 22 October – London Powerhaus (support for Miles Hunt 0f The Wonder Stuff), 18 November – Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton (support for Miles Hunt), November 19 – The Music Room, Liverpool (support for Miles Hunt), November 20 – The Irish Club, Warrington (support for Miles Hunt).
Tell us three things about yourself. . .
I am a bilingual singer-songwriter from Inis Mór, I write songs and sing in English and Irish. I released my debut album Making Sand in 2020 and my single Making Sand was number one on the RTÉ Radio Airplay charts for four weeks this summer! My two biggest fans are my girlfriend Ciara and our little gasoline thug, Éala Grace, I’m their biggest fan too!
I ran a weekly show at Joe Wattys on the Aran Islands this summer where I sang many of my own songs in English and Irish as well as folksongs and Sean-Nós. In the meantime, I’ll talk about my writing process and what it’s like growing up and living on an island.
How would you describe your music?
I place a high value on the lyrics of my songs, while I love the different aspects of music – being a singer, a performer, a musician, I really love writing songs. I take it very seriously and try to maintain a high standard of quality control, whether it works or not, I don’t know! I sometimes describe my music as folk, Celtic, adult contemporary.
What are your musical inspirations?
I am inspired by my experiences and observations of life and by great songs and great songwriters. I love the idea of creating a song with lyrics and combining it with the melody, rhythm, soundscapes, etc. Growing up I listened to a lot of Queen, Elton John, Enya, George Michael, Eagles, then I discovered James Taylor, Carole King, Van the man, The Waterboys, Sting, Steve Winwood and of course the artists Irish like Shane MacGowan, Sinéad O’Connor, U2 and Damien Dempsey.
What was the first concert you went to?
Bryan Adams with my mom.
What is the first record you bought?
Oasis- (What’s the story) Morning Glory?
What’s your favorite song right now?
Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Richard Thompson (Persuasion), The War and the Treaty (Take me, 5 more minutes) and music produced by Daniel Lanois (Emmylou Harris – GoodbyeBob Dylan- Not dark yet).
Favorite lyric of all time?
I don’t know if I have a favorite song but John Mellencamp longest days comes to mind – ‘Sometimes you get sick and you don’t get better, that’s when life is short, even in its longest days’.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sting – If I ever lose my faith in you. Every time I listen to this song, I find another part of it that I love.
Where can people find your music/more information?
On Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and My website.
