By: Staff
Country Folk Rock Music has found a new hero in Co. Offaly, Ireland’s own Lorcan O'Rourke with the debut single 'Get Me Home'. Channeling the energy and quality of musical production, the opening of this song instantly captivates the listener. There is, of course, no musical arrangement that becomes a classic without an authentic and genuinely beautiful vocalist, though. Lorcan O'Rourke lets you drift away into a relaxing mode and yet instigates the emotional side of us by wanting to just get home too! As we heard the powerful, boisterous, and incredible vocal display, we were wishing we could be right in front of Lorcan on stage singing and falling for this amazing talent! Midway through the song, we got the solo that brought the “absolute win” medal for this song. Classic in method, writing, delivery, and lyrics, this song already has a chance to make history. The return and chanting alongside the beat just kept bringing more! We can’t wait for you to check out Lorcan O'Rourke with the debut single 'Get Me Home' and let us know you loved it too!
We had a chance to get this artist in the Cage with us and learn more about them and we wanted to share it with you! Here’s what we learned:
What first sparked the passion for you to create music?
Purely my love for music and the power a song can have, sparked my passion to start creating music. I have been playing music for a long time but only recently got the itch to start writing songs. I think the effect music can have on someone, in any moment no matter the circumstances, is extremely special and I wanted to be a part of that creative offering with my own songs.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process and tell us where the inspiration comes from for this latest project?
When I'm writing a song, I always start with a chord progression first. Usually this happens randomly that I will be messing with chords, and I get a feel for a song. Then I start writing the verses. I find the verses easy to write once I know what I'm writing about, the songs on this project are about my life and how I feel on certain occasions. The chorus and bridge, if there is one, they take a bit more thought. Once I have the structure, I tend to leave it for a while sometimes weeks or months because I tend to overthink too much, and I will end up throwing away the song. So, I come back to it at some stage and make a few tweaks to finish it.
Where do you create your music, i.e. in a home recording studio or with a producer? How do you finalize your finished work, ie self-mixed/mastered or another source?
I write the music anywhere as long as its peaceful enough to be relaxed and think! I do find that I get different inspirations from different places which influences my writing. I then take them to the studio where the recording process starts and often decides the mood of the song. On the studio I treat the songs openly, trying different styles and sounds. The songs are then mixed and mastered by Mark from the Ivory Studios.
What was the most challenging part of bringing this project to life, from the initial idea to the final recording?
I find deciding how to sing the lyrics and actually recording the vocals the hardest part. It's amazing how singing one word different can change a whole line. And then to nail it all pitch perfect in as close to one take as possible, it's certainly not easy!
Is any part of your music's message or your personal purpose you feel fans should know more about? If so, what is that element, and why is it so important to you?
The most prominent message in my music is to not waste time and enjoy life. I mention it through the songs on my upcoming album and it's a message I'm very passionate about. We take for granted the time we have and it's too special to waste. I think we need to focus on enjoying life more than just getting on with it, although sometimes that's all that can be done. It's never easy but we should make the most of it.
What has been the most motivating force in creating your music?
I genuinely just enjoy writing music and I think what motivates me is the thought of other people enjoying my music. That's what makes me want to write and I'm hoping that it gives others as much pleasure as listening to music gives me. There's a song for everyone on every occasion and to maybe be a part of that is something very special!
What part of the music-making process is the most stressful, i.e., the creation, the actual release date, etc.?
I think the actual release date and the few days run up to it is the most stressful part for me. It's nerve wrecking especially in a time where music is very much dependent on social media. The whole uncertainty of how the song will be received creates an element of fear especially when so much work has gone into it and I'm wondering will anyone like it!
If there was one thing you could change about the music industry, what would it be?
I wish artists and songwriters would get appropriately paid for their music. Streaming has really nose-dived the value of the work. Allot of time and effort goes into creating music and it's a pity that it's not appropriately rewarded through streaming. Times were a lot simpler when you had to buy a cd to listen to a band you wanted to hear!
What instruments do you play? Which is your favorite?
I play Acoustic Guitar, Mouth Organ and Drums but the guitar is my go-to. Especially the acoustic, there’s something about the sound and feel of an acoustic that makes me want to sing when I play it.
Have you ever been on tour and can you tell us a little about the experience?
I have done my first solo tour in the UK playing bars and venues in Nottingham and Birmingham. It was a great experience to play away from home to people who have never heard me. The crowds were amazing and the whole road trip experience was very exciting for me. I'm looking forward to going back later this year and playing a few more venues
What advice would you give your younger self and why?
I would tell my younger self to not hold back. If you want to do something, go and do it! There's more to lose by holding back than trying and failing. It's something I wish I did more when I was younger!
What is your favorite song to cover?
My favourite song to cover would be Take it Easy by The Eagles. That song will never get old for me. I love the Eagles and take it easy is one of my favourites to listen to and to play.
How do you feel about social media?
Personally, I’m not a fan of social media. I was never great with it or felt the need to use it however, in today's world you can't be a musician without having a strong presence on social media. The connection it must have with music annoys me the most. I understand that nowadays you'd be at nothing without it, but I'd love to go back to a simpler time
When you reach the stage where you have the admiration and respect of other already well known artists, what band or artist would you love to call and say, “Let’s go on tour together”?
Out of current artists, it would definitely be Zach Bryan. I really admire his songwriting skill and the style of his music. I do think out of current artists there is nobody else like him right now. So, if I was every lucky enough to find myself in the position to make that call, I would be calling Zach Bryan.
Check out his latest release and listen to more of Lorcan O'Rourke on Spotify & YouTube.
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