Cork City-based alt-folk band Briars have released their new single, Qualms, and play Cork venue The Roundy on 31 July. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
We need your consent to load this Spotify contentWe use Spotify to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Qualms bouzouki-driven indie-folk track that blends traditional folk and alternative contemporary influences.
"It’s kind of a song about inevitability and being resigned to the idea that something is coming to an end, while still trying to hang onto it," says Mick Grace of the band.
"And realising you’ll never be fully done with it, whatever happens. It also takes a bit of a step back and lets you notice that this feeling, in a way, applies to each of our relationships with the world around us. Feeling like we don’t have long left, but it’s all we have. All that cheery stuff."
"I think it’s a good way to deliver a heavy message like that though," adds Paul O’Shea, "With a more energetic approach than you’d expect. It also gave us the chance to put across the feel of the live show more than we have in the past".
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Mick: We started primary school together at four years old. Although we've been Cork-based for years, we're actually from the same small village, Piltown in south Kilkenny. We played our first gig when we were 13 and have since went on to play together on three continents.
How would you describe your music?
Paul: I suppose you could call us alternative folk/indie folk with traditional elements and instrumentation.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Mick: Well to be honest, we were little grungers in our younger years so bands like Metallica, Slipknot, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains were what we grew up with. As we got a bit older we discovered trad groups like Planxty, The Bothy Band, Solas, which is actually quite a natural progression. Then there's the ever presents like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Fleet Foxes etc.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Paul: We both saw Korn in the RDS when we were 15, our first gig that we'll never forget. We travelled up in the back of a friend’s mother's car. Four young lads in the back seat, crammed in. I think Puddle of Mudd supported them that year. Our lives were never the same again!
What was the first record you ever bought?
Paul: The first album I bought was Music For The Jilted Generation by The Prodigy. I used to blare it on a stereo while my Dad made me cut the grass, couldn't hear a thing! Still listen to that album regularly.
Mick: Mine was What's The Story Morning Glory by Oasis. I used to play along to it on a tennis racket. My parents eventually felt so sorry for me that they gave me my Uncle's old guitar. That was it then.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Mick: Holy Show by Pillow Queens, I'm still not over that first album
Paul: Back On 74 by Jungle. It's been stuck on repeat for quite a few months now.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Mick: "You're the measure of my dreams" from Rainy Night In Soho by The Pogues. We've had this discussion a fair few times after a night on the pints. So many amazing lines have been written but we always agree that this one is up there with the best.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Mick: Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell . . . both of us! It's just absolutely timeless. "And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time". Another post-pint favourite of ours.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Paul: You can find us in all the usual places: Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music etc. You'll also find us on Instagram @briarsband and all other socials. But the best way to hear us is live, so keep an eye out!!
Alan Corr
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
