Ghaoth Dobhair artist Rob Mulhern has released his new song, Australia, under the name hhH (pronounced by breathing in and saying "aye"). We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Speaking about the track, he says, "It features an authorized sample from Unknown Mortal Orchestra, was written on a Nintendo Controller and was lyrically inspired by an insane taxi driver.
"It also features local Donegal artist Arn and it's about emigration to Australia, in particular people who left, earned wealth and have returned, putting up the rent for others.
"It’s a commentary on those white folk who do not see that they are themselves economic refugees.
"The music video was made by Leeann Toland, the comedian, musician and filmmaker from the cusp of the Donegal side of Derry."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I’ve been dressing this way since Korn were popular the first time, I am very passionate about the Irish language, I have the gene that makes you hate cucumbers and by f*** do I hate them.
How would you describe your music?
My tastes are all over the place so you might hear a Sanford Clarke/Ennio Morricone style guitar tone or an LTJ Bukem-influenced jungle chord on my records but most of all it sounds like someone whose brain is fried trying to make sense of the place. Australia not only draws from my influences but I have actually sampled them in my process. Unknown Mortal Orchestra has inspired me so much over the years with his constant musical reinvention. I realised that the retro music he was trying to revive was akin to the type of music that would have been sampled by 90s hip hop artists so I decided to sample his instrumental song Cyrus Theme.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Conversations with taxi men, Limp Bizkit, Stereolab, Machinedrum, good drum breaks in records, Hun Huur Tu, Tame Impala, Primus, Deftones and, unavoidably, Eminem.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Slipknot, RDS, 2005. What an absolutely crazy experience.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I am fairly certain it was B*witched’s C'est La Vie. The first tape ever bought for me was like some Hannah Barbara cassette tape that I am fairly sure got deep into my DNA, that old cartoon music was sick AF.
What's your favourite song right now?
The Bass by I Dreamed I Dream. This Cork band are one of my favourite acts on the island, I just really like their uncompromising attitude. There is something of an authenticity renaissance happening on the island at present and I believe these folk are leading the way. Gone are the days of people trying to sound like Americans, because you know, we’re not. "
Favourite lyric of all time?
"They call me MR Knowitall, I am so eloquent, perfection is my middle name and whatever rhymes with eloquent" - Mr Knowitall by Primus.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Safed - Machinedrum.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Here and Spotify.
Alan Corr
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