Mick Flannery Interview

Irishman Mick Flannery has been blessing our ears with his gravely tone since the release of his debut album Evening Train in 2007, followed by White Lies (2008) and his 2012 release Red To Blue, which saw him reach the Number One spot in his home country. He’s now lucky enough to spend all his time on his music, as he embarks on his first ever tour of Australia this year. We were comforted that he hasn’t lost his Irish charm while we talked to him about his travels, influences and how he’s grown within the music industry.

You’re taking your first tour of Australia this July, are you excited?
I am indeed, it’s very nice to get the opportunity to travel to new places and have something to do other than drink.

Are you going to do some traveling or is it strictly the four gigs and then home?
I think we stay for ten days in total but a lot of that time will be used for getting to the next gig so I don’t think we’ll get much time to be tourists.

There are some brilliant Irish pubs we could recommend in each city… will you be checking them out?
It is highly likely.

What’s been the biggest influence in your life with regards to music?
I suppose it would be my mother’s family, their taste in music and the way they sing. We used to get together and sing in a bar in Killarney. That’s when I first heard a lot of the music I listen to now, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell.

While you quote older musicians such as Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen as musical influences, are there any modern acts you like that also inspire you?
I like The National, Arctic Monkeys, Dan Aurbach. I’m drawn to anyone with good lyrics I suppose.

You’ve said in past interviews that you are a stonemason as well as a musician, is that still the case?
Not really, no. It’s been a while since I’ve done a real day’s work. For the last year or so I’ve been lucky enough to stick to music.

Would it be safe to say you didn’t get into the business to get celebrity status and have girls screaming your name? What’s your take on fame from music?
It would be safe to say that yes. I have no wish to be recognised myself, and I don’t really like cameras very much. I like making music though and if I’m fortunate enough to make a living out of it then I’ll do that, even if there’s a few cameras.

You’re signed to EMI Music Ireland, have they had any input to your music or have they just let you get on with it?
They have expressed opinions yes and we’ve had meetings about recording sessions where we’ve agreed and disagreed on certain things, but not in an unpleasant way.

You were in New York a while back and weren’t too complimentary about the music scene at the time (“up its own arse”, “anti-folk”), have you been back since?
I was, but I was quite naive when I said that, perhaps I was up my own arse. I have been back plenty of times since and I’ve enjoyed it very much.

What’s the scene like now?
I don’t really know to be honest, (even though I thought I did) the place is so big and every level of the industry is there, from open-mic to Central Park. The places I’ve played have been great and the audiences very nice.

What will you be requesting on your rider whilst on tour in Australia?
Just beer, we like beer.

What else have you got planned for 2013 and after the tour?
We have some festivals in Ireland and Germany and then hopefully some recording, if the songs come.

Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us, and best of luck with the tour!
Thank you.

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