Northern Irish songwriter AM Shanley has released his new single, You Really Have Me, from his upcoming album, American Vanilla. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Produced by Julie McLarnon (Lankum, Junior Brother), AM is joined by Ronnie McGreevy on bass, Graham Bingham on lap steel guitar, and Michael Mormecha on drums.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My name is AM Shanley. I grew up in a haunted house and so my childhood friends were all ghosts. My cat and best friend Buffy teaches me invaluable lessons everyday about ESP, Magick and Love.
How would you describe your music?
It's probably indie rock with outlaw country influence and hopefully somewhat poppy in a hook-related way.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Many for many different reasons. But as a songwriter - PJ Harvey, Mark Linkous, Robert Pollard, Robert Smith, Chan Marshall, Rufus Wainwright, Neil Young, and Morrissey/Marr.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
It was a local music night in the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn in 2003 when I was 13. I can’t remember the whole line-up but a band called Contraband f***ing blew me away. I sadly lost their CD a long time ago and can’t find anything about them online these days to get another one. After that, my first big gig was Muse at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, 2004.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Edwyn Collins - A Girl Like You.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Purple Mountains - Nights That Won’t Happen.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"What would I ever do with a rose, how would it ever get me high?" - Rufus Wainwright
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
On repeat? Or can I stop it? I’d choose no song. But if I was really shoved, The Cure - Just Like Heaven.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Bandcamp and most streaming platforms. I don’t use social media much, but I do have an Instagram, but it is mostly just stories at 2am of Buffy with songs by The Cure for no reason at all.
Alan Corr
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