New Irish singer-songwriter Niamh McKillen has released her new song, Reliving. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Reliving is her fifth single, following Grey Gardens, Up and Ran, The Price, and The Shout, and was written with her husband and musical collaborator, Stephen McKinney.
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"It's about the feeling of permanence that a moment can hold, and the dawning awareness that we can never see ourselves as others can." she says.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm a huge Sylvia Plath fan. I've watched Rosemary's Baby about 3,000 times. I love writing songs inspired by movies
How would you describe your music?
An eclectic mix of acoustic and electronic, folk and pop. There's a little bluesy-ness in there sometimes, too. Each song has its own story and mood and so they can really vary hugely. They span a few genres I think.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I grew up listening to Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, Fairport Convention, The Cranberries, Sinéad O'Connor, Tori Amos, Nirvana, Judee Sill, Nick Drake, Dory Previn, Alanis Morrisette, Leonard Cohen, Suzanne Vega and Jeff Buckley. Now, I love listening to Jesca Hoop, Agnes Obel, and whatever crops up that takes my interest.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Nancy Griffith when I was about five! I think I fell asleep halfway through but it was a great experience. Her music was always on in the car when I was little.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The first CD I got was The Corrs! Alanis Morrisette too. Before that it was mixed tapes, and songs taped off the radio!
What’s your favourite song right now?
Probably Familiar by Agnes Obel. Also Seed of Wonder by Jesca Hoop. Both fantastic songs.
Favourite lyric of all time?
So many to choose from, but for now I will go with: "Our love is a ghost that the others can't see" - Familiar by Agnes Obel. I just love the image it conjures, the poetry of that line.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It didn't take me long to think of it: Night of the Swallow by Kate Bush. It's an absolute masterpiece. It has nearly everything I want in a song: Story, something haunting, intense energy, fantastic melody. The chorus has unbelievable rising energy. It's an emotional rollercoaster, in a good way. It's like a mini movie, bringing you on a journey.
Where can people find your music/more information?
We are on Facebook and Instagram and Twitter. And many of the platforms for music like YouTube, SoundCloud, Spotify.
Alan Corr
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