Dee Armstrong of Irish trad and folk band Kila has released her debut solo album, Deichtine's Daughter. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
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As well as playing and recording with Kila, she has composed soundtracks for films such as Song of the Sea and Wolfwalkers, and theatre productions such as Under the Night Sky.
Recorded in Dee's Co. Leitrim home, Deichtine's Daughter features collaborations with Ronan Ó Snodaigh, Rick Epping, and Peter Browne, alongside Dee’s children, Lughaidh and Diarmuid.
Dee plays Dolan’s, Limerick on 7 March. Coughlan’s, Cork on 8 March. Connolly’s of Leap, Cork on 9 March and Cleere’s, Kilkenny on 16 March.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I've got the menopause...I'm like a furnace...if U plugged me into the national grid, I could help in an energy crisis. I am a single mother and I'm so lucky to have four fantastic kids and a beautiful grandson. Music, dancing and the arts are my anchor, I couldn't live without them.
How would you describe your music?
Well, Robbie Mc Gleehan from The Armagh Rhymers described it as "Magic, mystery and mischief" kinda liked that!
Who are your musical inspirations?
Heavy metal, gypsy music, blues and West African music, 70's funk and disco, Irish traditional tunes and songs, Swing, Russian Orthodox choirs, Gospel choirs, Voix de Bulgares, Arabic music, Flamenco, Powerful singers like Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, Sia, NWA, Eminem, Queen Latifa, Edith Piaf, Dolores O Riordan, Sinéad O’Connor, Dolores Keane, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Dolly Parton, Mavis Staples, Johnny Cash, Freddy Mercury, Leonard Cohen, Damien Dempsey, Baaba Maal, Christy Dignam, Christy Moore, Bob Marley....my grandmother Maggie Armstrong. And hundreds more...the world's fuller with singers than we shall ever know.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Queen at Slane Castle.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Dear Prudence by Siouxie and the Banshees.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Sally in the Garden. It’s an old timey tune.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Miserere by Allegri.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website, Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp. CDs and vinyl on sale in Tower Records, Dublin. Facebook and Instagram.
Alan Corr
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