27 May 2024
Every Monday I will be bringing you an interview with an independent band, duo or music artist. This week, I caught up with Wicklow artist Nylophone to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I’m from Wicklow. Trying to think of how to answer the second question without some basic, default, generic response…. Nope, unless I lie, it can’t be done.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
I try to take influence from everywhere, but thinking about it, musical influences sometimes don’t work out like I’d like them to. If I was a good songwriter, I’d say life influences me, and that it informs the music, but as that’s only happened a handful of times when I feel like I’ve truly captured something from my life, I’ll just say something musical instead…. The Beatles?
How would you describe your sound?
Indie pop, bedroom pop, dream pop. Lo fi by professionally mixed.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
This is the sound of the suburbs. Nylophone (Niall Woods) is back with another take on going through the motions in suburbia. The song is ‘Two Bed Semi’, and though life may be drab, the cutting guitars and driving rhythm section provide an exhilarating support for vocals that scoff and pine for more.
Niall’s previous releases have veered from synth pop to delicate folk, and even a creepy Halloween themed glam rock song, but with a driving rhythm section, an explosive guitar solo, and a powerful horn section, “Two Bed Semi” is more Indie Rock than pop, with hints of Thin Lizzy, buried beneath a DIY charm that runs through all of Nylophone’s music.
Backing Vocals are provided by Aisling Jervis (Clannad, Banyah and ‘Go Tobann’ Eurovision hopeful), while the rhythm section is provided by Rian Trench (Solar Bears and Panik Attaks).
From the guitar riff, to the soaring crescendo, “Two Bed Semi” has an infectious energy and groove, but despite its upbeat tempo, the song’s lyrics offer a poignant reflection on the pursuit of happiness amidst the monotony of suburban life. Against a backdrop of seagulls squawking and retired parents yearning for purpose, Niall delivers a message of resistance amidst acquiescence.
“A small grey town where seagulls squawk.
I do the dance and I talk all that talk
Retired dads, they long for work
Retired moms, they sit in the hive. The food will arrive”
Niall’s emotive vocals soar above the mix, before leaving off for an explosive guitar solo which adds a touch of exhilaration, and a powerful horn section that elevates the track to new heights, imbuing it with an anthemic quality.
What’s your local music scene like?
There’s a lot of music in North Wicklow. Far enough from Dublin for people to have to find ways to amuse themselves, but close enough to be influenced by the culture… what a pretentious answer.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
Playing a festival in Belfast and hopefully releasing a few more tunes that are in the pipeline.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Someone up and coming whose coat tails I can ride to stardom.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
Once I nearly remembered all the words and chords to one of my songs.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
That my music is really good and they should definitely go check it out.
Upcoming live dates and performances
Saturday 6th July – Stendhal Festival, Belfast
You can find out more about Nylophone on his website or via Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, TikTok, X (Twitter) or YouTube.
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