Cavan-based act Mirrorglass have released their new single, Wasted Time, ahead of their debut album in April. We asked Joshua Bowles of the band the BIG questions . . .
Speaking about the track, which features Paul Jackman formerly of Fermanagh band Index on drums, Joshua says, "Wasted Time is an uplifting song intended to inspire people to draw strength from those who try to knock you down.
"This song is deeply personal, and having lived with the song through every stage of its production allowed me to evolve the sound and make every single note count."
Tell us three things about yourself...
I play a lot of instruments, guitar, drums, bass, keyboards. I also sing. I won a song contest with my song Where Will You Go?, which you can find on Spotify. I'm a tea addict. I'll probably be getting one after this!
How would you describe your music?
It's energetic and emotionally raw. I always strive for a "classic" sound. Something huge that I can envision in arenas. I don't like new age guitar virtuoso music. I think the rock world is plagued by this music that's making it feel more robotic and less human. A guitar solo or guitar part is all about the soul of the player and that is one of the most important parts of my music. I rarely write solos anymore. I just play what I feel. This is something I've hoped to change in rock with my music.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Slash is the guitarist I look up to most. Every time he plays it's so raw and emotional. I always strive for a similar feeling. I don't think any other guitarist quite grabs me in the same way. Except maybe Lindsey Buckingham. He's an incredible and underrated guitarist. Other bands like Def Leppard, Ghost and Fleetwood Mac to name a few all inspire me.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I went to see Metallica in 2019 at Slane Castle. I don't think anything comes close to the first gig. There's something so special about it. I hope another great band comes to Slane soon because it's a special place to go to for a concert.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I think Fleetwood Mac - Rumours was the first album I've bought. It always will be one of my favourites. It's so beautiful and melodic. It's an album I look to for inspiration, for sure.
What's your favourite song right now?
It's hard to pick one. My Kinda Lover by Billy Squier is up there right now. Not a song I knew that well before this week. The synths in it make it sound incredible. It's very like some of the songs on my upcoming album with the 80s feel to keyboards. One of the songs on my album is up there too at the moment. It was a very late addition. Just about got it in there. It's a keyboard-driven one called Heart Of Gold. It's very different from Neil Young's song! Probably the most stereotypical 80s song on there. There is a bit of a punk n roll edge to it alongside that keyboard sound.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Again, it's hard to pick one. Since Wasted Time was written back in September, one line really stuck with me. It carried me through a lot and gave me motivation. "If they try to orchestrate your fate, it's not too late." That wasn't the original line but when I made that change, I felt my mindset flip. It was a tough period of time for me but writing that lyric was a turning point for sure.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That's another tough one. I'd probably go for November Rain. It's 9 minutes long so I think it's a good bet! Plus, three guitar solos from Slash. It is an incredible song though. One of the most beautiful songs ever written.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can check out @mirrorglassofficial on Instagram and TikTok. Also, our website, which is currently under redevelopment, is here. We'll be selling CD copies of our upcoming debut album on there when it comes out. We may do vinyl also later on. You can check our singles out on streaming platforms if you search for Mirrorglass. Streaming services will not be getting the album first. It'll be coming somewhere down the line after the album is released on CD. So please do keep an eye out for the soon to be released Mirrorglass CD.
Alan Corr
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