MUSIC: Singer reveals life behind the songs ahead of Joni show

CORK singer-songwriter Clare O’Mahony has forged her own solo music career for nearly two decades, bringing her original songs to Irish and international audiences.

Recently she has developed a new element to her musical performances – a night composed entirely of the songs of Joni Mitchell.

Clare has shared the stage with artists such as Mick Flannery, James Blunt and John Spillane, while working in studio with Declan Sinnott and Ber Quinn (Villagers, John Grant, Cathy Davey, Lisa Hannigan).

Ahead of her performing with her band The Songs of Joni Mitchell at the Draíocht Theatre in Blanchardstown on Saturday, November 3 we put Clare on the Track Record.

1. Most memorable moment in Dublin?

One of my favourite things about Dublin is the amount of live music venues and great artists that pass through there (I'm a bit jealous!). But I do remember seeing Tracy Chapman in the Olympia and that was a super gig that I'll always remember.

2. Favourite place to visit in Dublin?

Anytime I head to Dublin it's usually for one of two reasons, a gig or for work. If I have time, I LOVE to pop into Ristorante Romano! It's an unassuming restaurant on Capel Street with delicious Italian food. I can't help but go there every time I'm in Dublin.

3. When not performing, what else do you do?

I've just begun studying for a law degree by night, so that keeps me ridiculously busy. As well as that, I work during the day in compliance in a large credit union.

We have an office in Dublin too, so I am up and down quite a bit with work. That means I'm getting to know Dublin a lot better than I used to, although I've never been to Blanchardstown. As well as that, my partner Andrea, has two kids so we're always pretty busy there. When we're free, we like to spend time heading out in Cork City, which is really buzzing. We head up to Dublin for gigs quite a bit as well. We just saw Shania Twain (who, by the way, I was not a huge fan of, but now I am – she was super live) and we will be going up for Allison Krauss and Counting Crows, as well as Christine and the Queens.

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

The first album I bought was probably ‘Kylie’ by Kylie Minogue. The first more serious album (or second first album) was an REM album, ‘Automatic for the People’. I collected REM's albums then, because I became a big fan. And, the most recent album was ‘Liquid Spirit’ by Gregory Porter – he has such a great voice.

5. Who are your influences?

I love good song writing and melody – that seems to be lacking in a lot of more modern song writing. I love Joni Mitchell (obviously), Tracy Chapman, Sarah McLachlan, Teenage Fanclub, Sinead O'Connor, Neil Young.

6. With you fronting, who would make up your ideal performance group (dead or alive)?

Drums: Levon Helm, Bass: Larry Klein – he played bass on Joni Mitchell's ‘Chinese Cafe’ , Piano: Carole King, Guitar: Tommy Emmanuel.

7. Any tips on life?

Integrity – just do the right thing! Put the phones away sometimes (except when you're texting all of your friends about the Songs of Joni Mitchell in Draiocht on November 3). Pursuing something you love can happen even while you are making a living in another way – don't give up on whatever this may be.