THE lone figure of Jack O’Rourke seated at a piano is one that Irish gig goers are becoming more accustomed to seeing.
Whether performing startlingly honest ballads solo or driving rock with his band, O’Rourke has established himself as one of the most prolific Irish songwriters and powerful live performers in the last few years.
Having ended 2015 on a high note performing his moving composition ‘Silence’ on ‘The Late Late Show’, Jack eased his way into the new year with the release of the stunning ‘I’ll Forget You In The Morning’ which was swiftly playlisted by both local and national radio stations.
His follow up single, ‘Dreamcatcher’, showcased a different side of O’Rourke, and soon after its release he took the coveted first place in the lyrics category of the International Songwriting Competition.
This year has included many highlights for Jack including selling out his debut Dublin performance at Whelans, performing ‘Galileo’ with Declan O’Rourke at Live At St Lukes and performing on the Frank and Walters new album alongside Cillian Murphy.
Featuring edgy baroque pop, plaintive ballads and startingly honest reflections on the world around him, ‘Dreamcatcher’ climbed to number five in the Irish album charts.
Released independently, it is available now in all record shops. He plays Whelan’s on Thursday, November 3.
Tickets are priced €13 and can be purchased online through www.whelanslive.com
TRACK RECORD WITH JACK O’ROURKE
1. Best gig you’ve been to in Dublin?
Stevie Wonder – the man is like a modern Mozart.
2. Most memorable moment in Dublin?
Bumping into Randy Newman on Grafton Street – I nearly went up to him to sing “you’ve got a friend in me” in his ear, but figured it might be like Victor Meldrew in ‘Father Ted’ having a meltdown at Ted…
3. Most ‘Want to forget’ moment in Dublin?
Too many to mention… but slipping on ice on O’Connell street, falling, screaming and ripping the backside of my jeans.
4. First album you bought and last album you bought?
‘Incesticide’ by Nirvana was the first. The rawness and the power.
Last album was Nick Cave’s most recent one – stunning and so heartbreaking.
5. When you’re not playing music, what else do you do?
The same thing I do every night… try to take over the world.
No, I teach music and English in Cork City. I swim. I have the craic.
6. Who are your influences?
Johnny Cash, Rory Gallagher, at the moment Beach House and this Americana group called Shovels & Rope. Emmylou Harris, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell. And Prince and Bowie. Too many to mention.
7. With all due respect to your current backing band, if you could pick anyone, who make up your ideal session band?
I could never replace my current band but if they vanished, Richard Thompson on guitar and Sergio Pizzorno from Kasabian in the wings cause he’s so pretty. Julian Casablancas on backing vocals to my lead, cause he’s also so pretty, and I’d like to harmonise with him. Emmylou Harris on harmonies and Feist and Aretha too. Kim Deal on bass. John Bonham on drums, if he was still around. And the Brodsky String Quartet for my ballads.
8. Any tips on life?
Horse into it and don’t take yourself so seriously but take your work seriously.
9. First person you’d invite to your party?
Lionel Ritchie… I’d love him to sing ‘Hello’ to guests as they arrive.
10. Last person you’d invite to your party?
Donald Trump.
