Clonakilty singer Eve Clague has released her debut album, Caught in Words. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
"It's like a criticism of myself and my emotions," Eve says of record, which she initially titled Caught Up in Words due to her struggles with dyslexia, which she says is a source of both frustration and growth in her life.
We need your consent to load this Spotify contentWe use Spotify to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
"I’m glad I settled on Caught in Words," she says. "Especially when the album art designer, Megan Clancy, pointed out that 'In Words’ could also be a play on ‘Inwards.’ That’s exactly how I would describe the album - reflecting on emotions and introspection."
The album was recorded live over two days at Wavefield Studios with Sam Clague (guitar, flute, bass clarinet), Niall McGuinness (double bass), Aisling Iwrin (harp), Justin Grounds (violin), Lea Miklody (cello), Anto Noonan (percussion), and Brian Casey (piano, guitar).
"These songs have been with me for a long time, and I wanted to record them so I can move forward, explore new creativity, and write new material," Eve says.
Eve plays: The Corner House, Cork City - 16 November, and Cleary's Window Sessions, Newcastle West, Limerick - 28 November.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I love gardening, making random things out of pallets and recycled materials. Playing music, of course.
How would you describe your music?
The musical arrangements are sort of busy, in some ways there's a lot going on but also not a lot. I would describe my music as folk with spacey, droney vibes. I tend to focus on my guitar finger picking style, which sort of gives is a '60s feel.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Very hard to say who my musical inspirations are as they change all the time as I grow. But maybe I'll start off with my first early inspiration which would have been Corrine Bailey Rae and Amy Winehouse. I knew all their lyrics which was a first for me, as I found it hard to remember lyrics. When I went to college I was obsessed with Lianne La Havas and Chaka Kahn. Lianne La Havas really inspired my songwriting, from her guitar playing to her vocal and lyric writing. Recently, I have Adrienne Lenker and Joni Mitchell on repeat. Adrienne writes the most mesmerising guitar parts that just makes me want to listen to her for hours - and you can listen to her for hours because she has released so much music.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I can't remember my first ever gig but I've seen so many bands growing up in pubs and from my family playing at different venues and parties. I do remember going to Bon Iver though in the 3Arena with a bunch of my teenage friends. That was probably the biggest venue I'd seen any band play at. Oh my God that show was unbelievable!
What was the first record you ever bought?
It was a CD called Heavy Metal. It had so many bands on the one CD of cheesy rock, but I loved it. One of the bands on the CD was The Darkness. Justin Hawkins is probably one of my favourite singers. I actually saw them live in Cyprus Avenue in Cork last year and I was like a giddy child watching them. He even flicked his plectrum at me.
What’s your favourite song right now?
My favourite song at the moment would be Feist’s Become The Earth, it's so moving and nothing like I've heard before. The way her vocals intertwine throughout the song is so cool. I saw her live last year at Sounds From A Safe Harbour. Oh my God that show was also like nothing I had ever seen. While she played this song live the intensity was so mesmerising I don't think I'll ever forget that show.
We need your consent to load this Spotify contentWe use Spotify to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Favourite lyric of all time?
I actually have no idea but one that pops to mind is Lost and Found by Lianne La Havas the lyrics are 'You broke me and taught me to truly hate myself, Unfold me and teach me how to be, Like somebody else'. The hurt in this song is crazy. Every time I hear it I can't help but think who hurt her. I tend to frown a lot in thought while listening to this ha-ha. But those lyrics are so powerful - so many have felt this way.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I can't answer that. There are too many and nothing is jumping out at me.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website. You can find my music on Bandcamp, Spotify, all streaming platforms. I do share a lot on my social media. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok where I tend to announce my upcoming gigs and news.
Alan Corr
.svg)