Eleanor McEvoy is one of Ireland’s premier singer-songwriters. Incredibly she’s releasing her eighth album on Friday September 17th. Meg.ie spole to her about the new record, influences, difficulties and, surprisingly, rap…
So you’re about to release your eighth studio album, what can people expect from ‘I’d Rather Go Blonde’?
They can expect, love, lust, the state of the nation, frivolity, passion and the feeling that I’ve been reading their diary, through the medium of melody, poetry and harmony.
Eight albums in are you still enjoying the whole circus? Gigging, writing, recording…
Hell yes! Wouldn’t be doin’ it, if I wasn’t diggin’ it.
What way do you approach songwriting, is it a case of lyrics then music or vice versa, or is it not that rigidly set?
I tend to write both music and lyrics simultaneously, but ultimately it’s got to come from the heart, so nothing is set in stone.
When you first started writing your own songs who were your biggest influences?
Dylan, Cohen, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush (and many more) were all big influences when I started. In recent times, I find the rappers to be writing in an interesting way, recounting their stories to the world. It’s definitely influenced me indirectly.
There’s arguably a greater pool of successful female singer-songwriters around than ever before, do you think it’s easier now for a female performer to get noticed?
I think things go in waves. It’s definitely easier for a female writer to be taken seriously than it used to be, but we could do with more female producers, drummers etc.
Are there any particular female singers that you admire? Or male singers for that matter…
Tons! Cathy Davey, Lisa Hannigan…….. Mundy, Neil Hannon…. Way too many for me to mention. Am a little uncomfortable with articulating ‘female’ or ‘male’ songwriters. Only two kinds of songwriters in my book, the good ones and bad ones.
For many your name will always be associated first and foremost with ‘A Woman’s Heart’. Is that a source of pride or annoyance or a bit of both?
Bit of both!
You had your share of difficulties with major labels, what kind of set-up do you have now in terms of releasing your album? Do you have any advice for artists starting off?
I work with a small indie label (Mosco) and then license the record to other small outfits around the world. Territory by territory. Advice to someone starting out?…… follow your heart and learn your craft.
What are you listening to at the moment? Any albums/songs of the year in your opinion?
As I type I’m listening to Regina Spektor on the ‘Songs For Tibet album’ Album of the year? “I’d Rather Go Blonde” of course!
By Kev Donnellan
