Multi-instrumental, singer/songwriter and frontman of Franco-Irish ensemble, The Celtic Social Club, Taylor Byrne has released 22 & Feelin' Sorta Aimless, the lead single from his upcoming debut EP. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
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Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I love sea swimming, crisp sandwiches, and the way French people say the word 'guide'.
How would you describe your music?
I never like this question because I never have a good answer to it! I suppose it's folk-rock with some flavours of jazz and singer/songwriter. But then again all these terms are so exhausted, and the boundaries are often so thin, that no one knows what they mean (me included). It's the human desire to put things into categories, to quantify things; but I don't think you can apply that to art. I'd suggest giving it a listen and making your own mind up!
Who are your musical inspirations?
For me, my love for music starts and ends with The Beatles. They've been a consistent source of inspiration since I first heard Help on the car radio on the way to school one morning. I must have been 12 or 13 and, of course, I'd heard music before that but I remember that being the first time I consciously connected to it. Their music is just so timeless and resonant. There's something ethereal about it. And it's not just their music that inspires; it's their fashion sense, their humour, their spirituality (George Harrison's in particular), their constant yearning to innovate, their willingness to speak up for what they believe in, and of course, their hair!
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Westlife at Croke Park in 2012. It was their Farewell Tour; well, their first Farewell Tour, anyway!
What was the first record you ever bought?
Honestly, I don't think I've ever bought a physical piece of music such as a vinyl, CD etc. I did purchase a couple of Joni Mitchell albums from Apple Music when she and Neil Young took their discographies down from Spotify. They're back now which means my playlists are, once again, densely populated with melancholic Canadians (Leonard Cohen being another artist featuring heavily).
What’s your favourite song right now?
This is a tough one because there's so much incredible music out there at the moment, particularly in Ireland. But I'd have to say it's Ride The Wave by Sexy Tadgh. They're an extraordinary artist from Carlow and a good friend of mine. The song is catchy, camp, and bursting with character. It's even better live so definitely keep an eye out for a Sexy Tadgh show over the summer!
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Girlfriend in a coma, I know, I know, it's serious' - Always gets a laugh out of my Mam and for me, that's the best sound in the world. She's not even a Smiths fan!
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I think I'd rather never listen to music again than only be able to listen to one song for the rest of my life. It'd be like sleeping with an ex after you have broken up; feels good in the moment but only serves to remind you of what you've lost. Although if I were to be less psychological about it, I'd probably say Here Comes The Sun!
Where can people find your music/more information?
People can find my music on all good streaming platforms, and on the bad ones too! If you wanna keep up with my missives you can check out my socials - @taylorbyrnemusic on Instagram and TikTok etc and here.
Alan Corr
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