Why Music?
When I was in the Magheracloone Parochial Choir I knew I was born to sing. Both of my parents sang
and Dad played accordion so it was going to be in the genes.
the same south Monaghan parish and was called up to the county squad I knew it was time to swap my
feet for my fingers and thus went away and taught myself music and how to play guitar. You see I
have always known and loved music and deep in my heart of hearts knew that there was a musical life
out there for me. Even when I became involved in theatre I incorporated music into the mix somehow.
My time spent in Kerry provided a platform for others to express themselves through music in the
format of the now famous “SURFACE” sessions that I hosted and also performed at.
My hard slogging days in Dublin saw me host something similar in Slatterys of Rathmines that is
still going, albeit with different hosts and in different incarnations since 2001.
After releasing my debut CD in 2001 music has dictated my path.
I chose to document my then ambition within music, which was to be true to myself, writing with
themes of awareness both profound and lighthearted. Ray Beggan and I produced an album that was fresh
in its organic structure and honoured my design of sidestepping the dictated musical route that had
been distorted by major record labels and the entire industry. I shall be forever grateful for Ray
and his enlightened vision. A great man!
“One of these kids” was a series of sketches that was received enthusiastically by the critics
and public alike. They got it!
All my years of gigging around Ireland and time spent in New York started to pay dividends.
All the other jobs that have not been included in my Professional CV were now receiving payback.
All that time spent working with all of that in mind has been worthwhile, and in essence inspiring.
Whether as a set designer, chef, landscaper, postman, securicor ATM technician, waiter, labourer,
hospital attendant, etc., etc., where I ploughed all the finance earned into my music because I believed
in it and knew that someday I would see myself self sufficient in my career.
Life is really good to me now. Professional people as well as the public have kept telling me
that soon my time will come. People here at home in Ireland, good folk in France, Germany,
America, Australia and India believe in what I do. They have also suggested that I record a
bigger more produced offering for my second album. I agree with them. I have exhausted the full
potential of a solo show and it can go no further left or right than where I have taken it.
It is time to play the game, and for me to explore a new arena. The “stories from a holistic
museum” album shall be a recording of full colour architectural prints instead of the series
of sketches of the first CD. All still completely true to my ideals.
The Listening Room – April 2004
An Evaluation by Pete Courtney
The Magical Musical Dust that was ever-present in the beautiful Market House in Monaghan
during April has settled and has more than likely been recycled into another form of creative
expression, but that is the way it works!
and performances on all aspects of ‘the’ and ‘our’ musical world. We gave our where-with-all
and energy and mixed it up with humble honesty to demonstrate to the attending 14 to 19 year
olds what it is and what it takes to progress and evolve in our designated profession.
I was honoured with the role of coordinating the other artists’ days in Monaghan and had the
luxury of looking at things objectively. My interpretation of their days amongst us leads me
to conclude that they received as much out of the entire process as did our interested “youths”.
It was a new experience for them to be artistically naked in front of the audience/participants,
because in them they saw themselves where they were when they first felt the sound and symphonies
of their own heart.
Ollie represented the rocking angst-ier persona, full of hope and desire. Gemma the more sensitive
commercial type, content with a mainstream success. David personified a knowledgeable introspective
studio buff at work in an eclectic arena. I exhibited my side being of an alternative independent
artist living the life by being true to my heart and following the call of all musicians. For we
are all so similar, same spirit different face. What we do is a vocation not just a profession.
I believe we all felt a great connection, artists and audience.
I also believe one cannot put a price on giving something of such value to the community. I believe
we have started something great in Monaghan that is already being talked about in other counties.
I believe we are lucky in having an Arts Office that has the vision to recognise creativity in all
its forms.
This following comment from Fiona was one of many sincere ‘thank yous’ that the Arts Office received
as well as the artists, but in my mind it wholly and fully expresses a collective reflection.
“Just a massive thank you for the Monaghan music workshops. Most memorable thing to happen here since…”
I think you’re getting the picture.
“Hopefully, this wasn’t a one-time thing. I’m pretty sure the sanity of Monaghans youth depend on it”.
That’s it, y’know!
