Irish electronic act Keelan X ha released Running Red Lights, his new track inspired by BBC documentary series about The Troubles, Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
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It follows his well-received Fresh Paint release and on the new song Keelan explores the difficulties associated with having a relationship with a revolutionary during the era violent conflict in the north.
Talking about the inspiration behind the track, he says, "I was gripped by the four-part BBC documentary series, Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland, and the stories of women losing their men to the cause.
"When I was writing the song, I thought about this and what it must have been like to have a relationship with a revolutionary during The Troubles, and wrote from a women's point of view, pleading with `her man’ not to get involved in paramilitary activities.
"Leaving aside the political backdrop, the song is at one level just one person’s plea to another to stay".
The single is released as part of Keelan’s four-track EP featuring The Other Side, Fever and These Days. A video featuring archival footage of Belfast from the IFI Irish Film Archive, shot by Irish filmmaker Donal Foreman accompanies the song.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I’m fascinated by modern local history and culture. Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland was a source of inspiration for the lyrics for Running Red Lights. I’ve been reading a lot about the Dublin bombings in 1974 as well as The Stardust Disaster in 1981 and The Miami Showband massacre in 1975. I think it’s the stories of ordinary people finding themselves in extraordinary circumstances that fascinates me, the sudden and unexpected tragic consequences.
I find people’s life stories fascinating and inspirational. Sometimes a documentary, a newspaper article or even a conversation with someone over a coffee can trigger a lyric that ends up in a song. Fancy a coffee!?
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I’m a yoga and health enthusiast. When I’m not in the studio or getting on with my everyday life, I can be found sweating on a yoga mat or in an infra-red sauna. I like hot yoga more than regular yoga. My friend, Sarah took me to my first hot yoga class in London about 10 years ago. I was very awkward and unflexible. Seeing her level of flexibility and standing on her head had me hooked immediately! I’m now always bringing people along to their first yoga class or cold-water swim. I’m not sure if they hate me or love me for it!!
I also follow a lot of the longevity guys (Dave Asprey, Bryan Johnston etc) and I’ve a fascination about Blue Zones. I’m often looking for little bio-hacks that can improve my mindset, energy, sleep etc. Every year I do a detox at a place in Turkey called LifeCo. It keeps me on track.
I’m learning piano. I’ve been working with synths and guitars on my songs but I’ve never learnt how to play either properly. As a songwriter, I’ve written songs from instinct and I feel my way through the notes and chords to find a combination I’m looking for. I’m very interested in developing my songwriting craft hence the piano thing. It’s funny, now, you hardly have to play an instrument as you can programme anything with all the plugins and use of MIDI! I’m thinking of a quote from Noel Gallagher about people in bands wearing their guitars nowadays rather than play 'em. Partially true!
So, I’m finally getting around to learning piano and how to read music. When I was younger, a woman came around to the house to teach my sister piano. I didn’t like her vibe so I didn’t sign up to piano lessons. I kinda regret that but it’s never too late, er, right!!? I’m a big believer in life-long learning and not letting age or dogma convince you you’re too ________ (fill in the blank) to do anything.
How would you describe your music?
It's a cross between synth-pop/electronic and indie-guitar stuff. It’s 80s influenced but with a modern twist! I love a lot of the 80s bands like Tears for Fears, Prefab Sprout, Giorgio Moroder etc., but I’m also a big fan of modern stuff like The Weeknd, Sam Gellaitry, The War on Drugs, Troye Sivan and of course our very own CMAT, who is a great songwriter/performer. I’ve heard it said that my songs would be befitting of a John Hughes-era movie soundtrack. If only that were true!
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Lyrically, I tend to make observations about modern life and relationships. I find it hard to write happy-clappy songs. I can only write something that moves me and resonates with parts of me. That said, I’m told my songs are generally quite feel-good and uplifting.
Who are your musical inspirations?
The Weeknd, Paddy McAloon (Prefab Sprout), Tears for Fears, AC/DC, The War on Drugs, The 1975. I’m also a big fan of the individualism, musical output and cultural impact of David Bowie and John Lennon. I’ve heard it said that Lennon was more talented, but Bowie did more with his talent. Not sure if I agree with that, but I do agree that it’s not what you have but what you do with it that counts!
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Simple Minds at The RDS, 1989.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Haircut 100 - Love Plus One. I sometimes still listen to it. It’s very cheesy but soooo cool.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Aonair - Love/Fiction. I think Brendan is writing some great tunes.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"It's a long way to the top, if you wanna rock n roll" - AC/DC.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Prefab Sprout - Bonny.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Instagram: @keelanxplores and my website.
Alan Corr
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