Electronic-world music duo Cushla, producers Marc Fernandez and Leo Pearson along with Nell Ní Chróinín have released their new single, The Mountain. We asked Marc the BIG questions . . .
The new track is a blend of electronic beats, Irish musical roots, and sean nós singing tradition.
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The Mountain features the vocals of Nell Ní Chróinín, who is one of the leading voices in the ancient Irish singing style. Nell also appears on Cushla’s forthcoming album, Tech Duinn,
Cushla is a collaboration between Marc, a producer and sound designer known for his work with Akkan and Ocellot, and Leo, a music producer and composer who has worked alongside artists like U2, Elvis Costello, and David Holmes.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I grew up in a fisherman's village in the south of Catalunya called La Ametlla de Mar, after that I moved to Barcelona. I studied Irish history when I moved to Ireland eight years ago and fell in love with it. I grew up speaking Catalan to one side of my family and Spanish to the other. I really believe in the importance of language to maintain cultural identity.
How would you describe your music?
Our music is a mix of Irish folklore, electronic music and psychedelia using sean nós singing as a common thread in our sound. We try to preserve the roots while adding our take on present day sound using instruments like the bodhrán and pipes to program them into drum machines and synths. We formed a collective of artists and musicians that joined us for our live shows. Different arts interact together, for example we are working with our friends at Aigency Studio to compose an audiovisual experience for some of our shows next year.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Difficult to choose, I still remember the first time I listened to William Onyeabor. It shocked me and inspired me at the same time. It always puts a smile on my face. I also find the sound of many contemporary Irish bands like Gilla Band, Lankum, Landless or John Francis Flynn really inspiring. I could go on and on..
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I went to see Refused with my friend Albert. We were absolute kids and I remember his dad driving us to the industrial zone in Barcelona. There were so many venues for punk concerts back then.
What was the first record you ever bought?
That was the AKIRA soundtrack. I was obsessed with the comic books and the movie. I still am and still listen to it often.
What's your favourite song right now?
Lankum - Go Dig My Grave.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Because there is no love where there is no obstacle" - Say Valley Maker by Smog. I saw Bill Callahan playing in Dublin a couple weeks ago and time froze when he played the song.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Mulatu Astake - Tezeta. Puts me in a good mood every time.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Spotify and Instagram. Come and say hi!
Alan Corr
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