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Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with Cork based artist Kevin Quigley to find out more…

Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I’m a Singer / Songwriter from Laois but now based in Cork and I record, produce and mix all my own music. My music blends intimate country folk with rock influences. I feel like music always held a strong presence in my life. The ancient old tradition of the Irish sing song and the family sessions were definitely a subconscious inspiration for me as a child and influenced me in the path I’ve chosen.

I perform as a solo act as just Kevin Quigley but also perform backed by my band “Kevin Quigley & The Great Ideas”. I got the name “The Great Ideas” from reading it on the cover of my copy of “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius.

Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
My Father played guitar and sang as a hobby and I grew up listening to him singing great Irish songs and also great American country songs by the likes of John Prine, Tom Russell, Kris Kristofferson etc. The first time I heard “Blowing in the Wind” by Bob Dylan it left a massive impact on me and definitely inspired me to write music.

My music blends intimate country folk with rock influences, drawing inspiration from the likes of Bob Dylan, Glen Hansard, Eddie Vedder, Tom Petty and R.E.M.

How would you describe your sound?
Heartfelt and real with a unique blend of Country folk and Indie Rock. I try to make my music feel genuine and relatable. I try to tell the truth and express the inner conflict of the human heart, whether it’s a happy, funny, sad or an angry song etc. I try to be real and aim for the heart in whatever it is I’m trying to say.

What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
“No Pain” is a song that explores the bittersweet nature of human existence. I hoped to try and capture the essence of life’s highs and lows, acknowledging that pain, though difficult, is an integral part of personal growth. The song’s message is rooted in the belief that adversity can be a catalyst for renewal and resilience. I feel it’s an important thought process and conversation that people at the moment aren’t having as often as they should. Everybody will suffer in life but it’s important to not give up and to always remember there’s always a tomorrow and nothing lasts forever.

What’s your local music scene like?
There is an amazing amount of talent in Cork but there unfortunately isn’t a lot of venues to showcase the talent. Most artists have to find their own way of performing and getting their music out there.

What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I’m very excited about some really cool gig announcements coming up! There’s a lot more releases in the works also and to be announced in the coming months so keep an eye!

Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
There is an awesome artist from Nashville in America who’s making a lot of waves at the moment called Laney Jones. Her songs are so unique and really awesome! I feel like my sound and style are on a very similar wavelength and I’d love to have a chance to collab with her in the future!

Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
There was a power outage during a gig in a pub so I just played acoustic until it came back.

What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
That I’m a humble, hungry and hard working young performer that is making it his life goal to be the best entertainer and artist that I can be.

Upcoming live dates and performances
Monday 23rd December – Kavanaghs, Portlaoise

You can find out more about Kevin via Apple Music, Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, TikTok, YouTube Music and on his YouTube channel.