Declan O’Rourke Interview

90min Sightseeing MID AFTERNOON CRUISE 2.30pm

Book Now

Brisbane By Bike, Local Beer & Tapas

Book Now

Croc Tours Transfer & Entry Adventure (BRISBANE) Agent Version

Book Now

Croc Tours Transfer & Entry Adventure (SUNSHINE COAST) Agent Version

Book Now

Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa

Book Now

Springbrook & Tamborine Rainforest Tour

Book Now

Declan O’Rourke Interview The beautiful, authentic voice of Declan O’Rourke is instantly recognisable – just listen to ‘Galileo’ and you’re transported to the hills of Ireland. The singer, songwriter and musician captured listeners all around the world with his debut album, ‘Since Kyabram’, released ten years ago to high praise from critics, the public and fellow artists. The likes of Paul Weller, Snow Patrol, Jonathon Ross and Edith Bowman have since championed him on his song writing ability and deep-honey voice, and he is filling up venues wherever he goes. With just his voice and his trusty guitar, O’Rourke will be coming back to Australia, where he spent much of his adolescence, to play five special gigs in line with the tenth anniversary of ‘Since Kyabram’. To get to know the man behind the voice, we spoke to O’Rourke about growing up in Dublin and Melbourne, the person that most inspires him and what he really thinks about all those ‘Galileo’ covers.

Travel to Western Australia

Hi Declan, how are you?
Like a butcher’s dog – but a vegetarian one.

Ok… Where in the world are you right now?
America

Going back to the beginning, can you describe the open-mic circuit in Dublin? Where were you playing and what’s the atmosphere like?
The first open mic I ever played was called Molloy’s in High Street, Dublin. I’d just come back from 5 years in Australia, I had never played any of my songs in public before and I was nervous! I got up and played two songs. My legs were shaking uncontrollably as I sat on the stool. I’ve never been sure if anyone could notice. I played anyway. I got a huge buzz from it, and was so exhilarated I’ve never stopped since. The scene was alive, and I made many friends that year. Finding myself among the thick of a scene full of like-minded people (songwriters) I didn’t know existed was a pivotal moment in my life and I joined it instantly.
By the end of the same year, I had played 140 different times at various open mics, opening slots, and wherever would let me play, sometimes multiple gigs on the same night!

You lived in Melbourne for some time growing up; at what age were you there?
10-14 and 19-24

Having grown up in Dublin and Melbourne, what would you say were the differences in music cultures and how have they each affected you?
They were vast in ways, and then of course some music is unhindered by boundaries. I already had my taste buds whetted by the time I arrived at 10 years old. I was a huge Beatles fan; I loved Paul Simon, Elvis, Bob Marley etc. I also brought a strong Irish identity with me and music helped me do that, with the Dubliners, the Furey’s, Paul Brady and Andy Irvine, and Planxty among my favourites. In Australia I was exposed to the ‘80s Rock scene there, everything from Midnight Oil to Aussie Crawl, Ross Wilson, Chisel, John Farnham, you name it. There were some seriously great bands I still love to listen to.

Do you get to see and hear much of the music scene in Melbourne now? How does it compare to when you lived there?
Don’t see much here now; saw Paul Kelly a few years back and I love his songs. I’m great friends with Jim Moginie of Midnight Oils, and he visits regularly. We go island hopping and play a few shows. Great guy.

Where would you go for gigs in Melbourne to watch new bands?
Well, it’s been a while, but I recall The Continental in Prahran, or what was the place up in Brunswick Street? The Cornerstone or something… I’d go wherever I’m playing next month [winks]. Sounds like they’re good clubs, The Spotted Mallard, and The Caravan.

You’re returning to Oz to celebrate 10 years of ‘Since Kyabram’, what does the album mean to you now?
Well it’s a lovely old friend that never lets me down and it travels with me wherever I go. I mean that in a metaphysical sense. It was a milestone in my life to make my first record. Then to be happy with it and have it endure is just icing.

For a debut album, the songwriting is incredibly mature and managed to capture industry experts, critics and the public instantly; was there a moment when you realised how serious it had all become?
No, but I was 27. I think I was ‘maturer’ than your average first record offerer. I don’t know, I waited until I had the right bunch of songs. I wanted it to be special. I mean the list changed every month and that’s what the wheel landed on but the timing was right. I had a following I’d worked hard to build up, which I think made every difference.

You’re playing two shows in Victoria, at the Caravan Music Club in Oakleigh and The Spotted Mallard in Brunswick; are these venues particularly personal to you?
I’ve never been to either but I’ve had them described to me and they sound like nice rooms. Can’t underestimate the importance of a good venue.

Who will you be bringing with you as special guests and what will they bring to the tour?
Me and my guitars. There will be special opening guests and ‘possibly’ a surprise guest or two depending on who’s in town. Can’t say more than that. But hey – I’ll be there!

As an anniversary tour, what can ticket-holders expect? Will there be older and more recent music?
Well, I’m not just playing material from my first record. To be honest, it was just a lovely co-incidence that the anniversary and the tour are falling together. I will of course play some of my faves from it but there’s lots of music I’m immensely proud of since ‘Since’.

You have a couple of days off in Melbourne; will you be revisiting any old hangouts or areas? What will you be getting up to during free time?
I’ve been on the phone, and email etc to many old (well more ‘of old’) and dear friends, and I’m so excited to be getting to catch up a few. It will make my year. I’d like to come more often in future.

What are your plans after the tour? Is there any new music on the horizon?
Indeed there is. I’m about to embark on a new venture, it’s kind of experimental, but the goalposts of how music is being distributed out there have moved so much recently, an artist has to shift. So I’m taking the initiative, and I’m going to try connect with the friends I’ve made through my music over the years, and new ones, directly by sending them music every month via a mailing list, exclusively at first. Hey, we’re trying new things! Anyone who wants to be on board, please send us your email address here.

Many artists have covered and performed arguably your most iconic song, ‘Galileo’; is there one that stands out for you?
I’ve heard some nice versions, but I really don’t think anyone’s nailed it yet, so it’s up there for the taking still. I’d love to hear Tony Bennett do it, or maybe Andrea Bocelli or someone.

Who has been the biggest inspiration to your music?
Tough question. So many people. Probably my parents. They exposed me to the music that gave me my love for it first and the hunger for it, they provided me with instruments, and most importantly, they gave me love and encouragement. My dad is a great singer. I still can’t hit the notes he hits.

Are you a beer, spirit or wine man?
I love a good Weiss beer, and other craft beers.

When on tour, what’s the one thing you couldn’t live without?
My main guitar, which is Maton, I got in Australia about 1998, and old warhorse that still just sounds magic and it’s a bit of my second home.

Thanks, Declan!

Need Help With Your Australian Visa

Want to see Declan O’Rourke when he comes to Australia? Check out the dates below and get your ticket from Troubadour Music:

Saturday 23rd August – O’Malley’s, Brisbane
Sunday 24th August – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh
Wednesday 27th August – The Spotted Mallard, Brunswick
Friday 29th August – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
Saturday 30th August – The Fly By Night, Perth

Explore Darwin, Northern Territory