Cork rock singer/songwriter Mark Daly has released his new single, Better Off Alone, ahead of his new album Devil's Arms. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
He has previously released the singles Pieces, featuring Emily Armstrong, and Gotta Run.
An early highlight of Mark's career was performing at the MTV EMA Awards with The Voodoos, after beating 10,000 bands from Europe for the slot.
Mark says he wrote Better Off Alone as "a raw and honest rock anthem that captures the struggles and triumphs of chasing your dreams in the music industry".
"Out of all the songs on this album, I feel like Better Off Alone will have the broadest appeal," he says.
"The song touches on insecurities, imposter syndrome, and feeling like you're messed up but knowing you can find your way out of the dark.
"So many of us have been there. I want people to know they’re not alone in those feelings and that they can find their way forward" says Daly.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I was born and raised in Cork but moved to Spain when I was 16 to a place called Cabo Roig where I was working in bars and that’s how I got into the music scene by playing cover gigs every night all around that area.
My very first tour was in the USA opening for legendary band Queensryche. Our first show was in the 9:30 Club in Washington D.C where we went from playing a bar gig to eight people to a sold-out show to thousands and toured all over the US that summer.
I am married and have two beautiful children and somehow manage to balance the crazy writing and touring life along with amazing family time at home. I count myself very lucky to be able to have months at home but also be able to hit the road and perform around the world.
How would you describe your music?
A: I’ve always said it’s raw and energetic rock music that has a blend of classic rock and also has a nice amount of modern rock influences but the new record that is out soon is so well produced that it’s just a straight up rock `n’ roll record with some hard rock, blues and a bit of grunge thrown in for good measure.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Growing up it was always Led Zeppelin, ELO, Aerosmith and Pink Floyd albums I would constantly gravitate towards (after I grew out of my Abba, Garth Brooks and Joe Dolan phase as a young child haha). I then turned to Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Audioslave in my teenage years and now I am influenced by so many different bands including Highly Suspect, Blue October, Candlebox, Foo Fighters, Wunderhorse, Fontaines D.C. and more.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
It was the Killarney Summer Fest and I saw The Cranberries and Counting Crows play and it blew my mind! Such an incredible experience.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I think we are somehow back to Garth Brooks again haha. The Chase.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I have to go with the new Fontaines D.C. song Starbuster.
Favourite lyric of all time?
The first lyrics that come to mind is Bob Dylan’s '’How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn’t see.’’
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pink Floyd’s Shine on you crazy Diamond.
Where can people find your music/more information?
The best place is my website as it has links to all my social media, tour dates and more but you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X by searching @markdalymusic.
Alan Corr
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