Country rock singer Lorcan O'Rourke has released his debut single, Get Me Home. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
The track follows his covers EP Live at The Ivory Sessions, which included his renditions of country hits like Luke Combs' When it Rains It Pours and The Chicks' Travelin' Soldier.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I grew up on a farm in a village called Killeigh just outside Tullamore Co. Offaly. Growing up here most definitely influenced my music and songwriting flow. I wouldn't have changed it for the world, I was very lucky to grow up here!
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am music mad and love a wide range of musical genres. I could be listening to anything from Guns N’ Roses and AC/DC to Johnny Cash and The Eagles. If I'm not playing music or recording music, I am listening to music. I couldn’t imagine a life without music.
I formed my own company when I was just 21 years old. We manufacture steel products specialising in welding. It was a massive risk but with the help of great employees, the company is still going strong today.
How would you describe your music?
It's hard to describe. I don't think it fits any exact description, but I will do my best to describe it. Lyrically, I would describe my songs as genuine and relatable. I write about life as I see it, the struggle, the grind and the happiness that can be found in it. I know everyone's circumstances and life is different, but I think everyone will be able to relate with my lyrics in their own way and I’ll be honest I love the thought of that kind of connection.
There are songs that I listen to at different times whether tough or happy but there's a song for every moment and if I were just a small part of that for someone else, I’d be very happy. Musically I would describe my music as Country Rock. The storytelling side of country… with the energy of rock with a country touch. It's a bit like Bruce Springsteen crossed with Zach Bryan. My love for rock and country growing up has influenced this unique style.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I have been inspired by a lot of bands and artists, from many different genres. My main inspirations however would definitely be The Travelling Wilburys, The Eagles and Bruce Springsteen. The Travelling Wilburys are a group you could never imagine getting together. I have been inspired by all of them individually and they were some of the biggest names at the time but in their own style. The group consisted of Tom Petty, Jeff Lyne, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan and George Harrison.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I’ll never forget the first gig I ever went to. It was Green Day in 2010. They played Marley Park as a part of their 21st Century Breakdown tour. It blew me away the energy they brought on stage and how it just drew me in. I remember Billie Joe running up and down the stage wearing an Irish flag as a cape, which was then put on someone dressed as Scooby Doo who jumped from the stage into the crowd. I was very much into Green Day at the time. I really love the albums Dookie and American Idiot. They would have been out of character for my age but then again, so is almost every artist I would have listened to growing up. I recently went to see them which is now 14 years later and I have to say I was impressed at how much they still have to give.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The first record I ever acquired, and I say that because I borrowed it from my Granny when I was maybe five or six. I can't remember the first record I ever bought but I do remember listening to this on repeat. It was Kris Kristofferson - Me And Bobby McGee. The two songs I distinctly remember loving on the A side were Me And Bobby Mc Gee and on the B side was Sunday Morning Coming Down. After some time, she was starting to ask for the record back, me hoping I could listen to it forever at that age but just as well that it was given back knowing I would have lost it or damaged it. She still has the record; I may borrow it again for a trip back in time!
What’s your favourite song right now?
My favourite song right now is Here Comes My Girl by Tom Petty but specifically Justin Moore’s cover of the song. He recorded it as a part of the newly released album Petty Country. It's a country tribute to Tom Petty with each song covered by a different artist. I have been tuned into this album for the past three weeks. The recording artists include Luke Combs, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and many more. It is definitely the album of the year for me so far and Justin Moore's cover of Here Comes My Girl is my favourite song right now.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Definitely my favourite song lyrically is Take It To The Limit by The Eagles. The words in the song are amazing. It's such a relatable song too. I’m a big fan of The Eagles, There is something very special between those guys and the songs that they wrote. I find that especially Take It To The Limit just grabs me. The song describes loneliness and dreams burning out but yet you keep on trying. "So put me on a highway, Show me a sign, Take it to the limit, One more time"
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is a tough question, I find my favourite song if I even have one, changes regularly. I can't say that there's been one song that's forever been my favourite. There are a lot of songs that would be in my favourites since I can remember. If I had to choose one or never listen to any music again I would choose Take It Easy by The Eagles. It's a song I have never got tired of hearing and every time I hear it play I can't help but sing along. It's also a song I cover live at every gig. I'm pretty sure I’ve never not played it and I’ve never got tired of listening to it!
Where can people find your music/more information?
People can find my music on all streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. You can find more information on social media. My linktree will bring you to all of my music and all of my social media through this link.
Alan Corr
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