Track Record with singer Niall Connolly

NIALL Connolly is returning to Ireland with his eighth studio album, 'Dream Your Way Out of This One'.

His most political album to date, conjuring imagery of conflict and its consequences, Connolly released the album on CU Records on Friday, September 15 with an extensive tour across Ireland to promote its release.

Now residing in New York, Niall plays Whelan’s as part of this Irish tour on Wednesday, September 27.

Here is our Track Record with Cork musician Niall Connolly…

1. Best gig you've been to in Dublin?

Leonard Cohen at the Royal Hospital at Kilmainham in 2008. Phenomenal. Easily best gig I've been to anywhere. I'd been a fan since my teens. It was his first gig in Ireland in decades and the energy, emotion and sense of occasion was truly remarkable. By many twists of fate, Javier Más who played Spanish laud and guitar with Cohen that night, plays on my new record.

2. Most memorable moment in Dublin?

Singing on the rooftop of Apollo House with Glen Hansard. Playing the Olympia opening for Mick Flannery. Shopping for football jerseys with my Godmother as a confirmation present. Being flung from my father's lap as a child when Cork scored a goal in an All-Ireland semi-final. It felt like flying.

3. Most 'want to forget' moment in Dublin?

Arriving at Dublin ferry port on beautiful clear morning (after a very late night before) only to discover the ferry had been cancelled and having to book a last minute exorbitantly-priced flight to make my next gig in Scotland.

4. First album you bought and last album you bought?

First: ‘Out of Time’ by R.E.M. On cassette. Last: ‘The Winter of Our Discontent’ by Brooklyn based friends ‘Caves & Clouds’

5. When you're not playing music, what else do you do?

I spend a lot of time coordinating tours and writing. I also really enjoy spending time off in the Catskills mountains in upstate New York where I accidentally kill plants, light campfires and cook for friends.

6. Who are your major influences?

In no particular order: Leonard Cohen, The Frank and Walters, John Steinbeck and the world outside my window.

7. If you weren't playing with your band, who would make up your ideal band with you as frontman? (musicians past and present)

I love my band but if they all quit in the morning, well, then, I'd pick all of the Cork band, Fred.

8. Any tips on life?

Talk to people. Try to be kind to everyone, including yourself. Don't take life advice from musicians.

9. First person you'd invite to your party?

My wife.

10. Last person you'd invite to your party?

The 45th President of the United States.