Interview with Drop-D

June 2005

How would ya describe yourself in 3 words?

Crazy, Lazy and regularly Hazy.

What got you into singing and playing guitar?

I think the very first time I thought of becoming a musician was when I heard Bryan Adam’s Summer Of 69 in Spain but I was too young at the time to know what was what then so it was probably when I moved house when I was 11 and moved in next to some Metallica junkies. After sometime I had been converted into having the rock n’ roll dream and the rest is history.

Who have been your biggest influences?

Metallica and Nirvana throughout my teens but any musician good or bad who plays music for the sheer love of it no matter what their status. Corny but true.

What is your biggest claim to fame?

Hmmm, good question. Well supporting Cyclefly in Sir Henry’s a few years back still gives me a buzz when I think about it. I went from discovering their music, following them as a fan, to playing with them on a big stage in a big venue. 17, young and stupid to supporting heroes of yours is just an amazing feeling. Playing in America also was a feat in itself. Signing autographs after your shows their was definitely an ego overload. More please!

What are "The Sessions" a new project you are working on?

Well, it’s a new night kicking off this month in the intimate surroundings of The Phoenix. It’s a way of bringing back the song. It’s going to be completely unplugged so if the audience wants to hear the music they will have to give their full attention. If not then there is a bar downstairs to chat to their hearts delight. If you want to listen to music, come to The Sessions, if you want to chat, phone a friend.

What can we expect from them?

Quality music by 4 different acts every second Sunday performed by people you like in a way you’ve never seen before.

What's your favourite venue in the Real Capital?

To be honest, The Phoenix holds its own in my book. I’ve seen great acts play there, some to 5 people, others to 100, but there is a special buzz to the place. I played their recently with Well Red and had one of the best gigs ever. We ended up jamming altogether onstage and sung until the wee hours. Fantastic stuff.

What was the most recent gig you've been to?

Mundy in the Cruisicn Lan. I never say no to a offer for a spot on the guest list! (neither does dropped? Hee hee.) Great performer.

Where do you go for a pint around town?

Depends on who I’m with and how long we’re going to be out. Charlie’s has the best atmosphere and craic in town it has to be said.

What would be Jon's beverage?

If I’m on the wagon then a 7up is nice but if I want to escape for a while then a pint of draught Bulmers hits the spot. Ah memories…

3 people you'd most enjoy having dinner with? Why and what would be on the menu?

3 ex girlfriends of mine. The conversation would be interesting and it would be a great way for them all to get to know each other. Remember that fish on The Simpson’s that Homer ate in the All You Can Eat restaurant once? The poisonous one? That for starters. Homer for the Main Course, he’s got the most meat and Maggie for dessert cause she’s a little sweetie. This just turned into a cannibalistic feast. Any movie questions Hannibal??

The person you'd least like to be stuck having dinner with?

Russell Crowe. He seems like a real bastard. He’d probably go to the Bathroom and sneak out the back door and leave me with the cheque.

What are your views on the music scene in Cork at the moment?

Thriving but not enough venues in which to showcase all the talent. Lots of big fish in a little pond too. Most of them have never played outside Cork and ask why can’t I make it? There are some stars here though like Annette Buckley, Niall Connolly, The Citadels, Rest and 10 Past 7.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I’m recording demos at the moment and hope to do the main recording in September for an E.P to be released early 2006. Once that is out ill be hitting the road to promote it, sell my body and try make it home for Sunday dinner. After that who knows?

Lost on a desert Island, you can have 3 albums what would they be and why?

Tool – Lateralus (I would rock out until I die of exhaustion, great way to go if hope is lost) Counting Crows – August And Everything After (If I’m still alive then this is the perfect thing to relax me after Tool) Anything by me(The last thing I wanna do before I die is look back on my empire and make myself believe that I was worth more then I actually was)

You've one bullet, who would you most like to shoot? Don't lie now Jon!

I would say a guy in Cork who shall remain nameless. Screwed many musicians so I feel it would be justified. Failing that I would say an ex girlfriend of mine. Don’t you just hate them!

What do ya do outside music?

Mostly eating, sleeping and overdosing on Father Ted. MUSIC takes up most of my time. If I’m not working on a new song then I’m traveling to a gig, playing a gig, watching a gig . . . you get the picture.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

In my stereo right now is Annette Buckley’s new album. It’s fantastic. Also, Leonard Cohen – The Best Of and Counting Crows – This Desert Life. In the cassette player is some Japanese mix tapes. Really funky stuff.

Who can ya foresee as being the next big act to take the country by storm?

The people who deserve it usually never get there so I’m hoping Rest will do it. They’re definitely on the way.

Boxers or y-fronts?

Oh that’s gotta be Boxers. So much more space for the delicates.

Your worst job? Elaborate?

That’s a hard one, there’s so many. I would say anything that doesn’t involve music in some form but if I have to name one then it would have to be working as a bartender in a Spanish tapas bar in Cork. Criminals, that’s all I say.

The worst thing you've done behind your parent’s backs? (Remember you're under oath now Jon. Hee hee)

The first thing that came into my head would be breaking into a room of their house by breaking through it’s window to get to a drawer that had money in it. The money went towards a new electric guitar for myself and drum kit for my friend that day. We were young but we knew what we were doing J

Your favourite Irish Album of all time?

I don’t have a favourite but one of them is Turn – Forward. Another would be Annette Buckley – The Ever Changing Colours Of The Sea. I think ill still be listening to these records on my death bed. Actually can some one remember to play them at my funeral? Tracks 1 thru 12 please.

The Sessions Launch Night will be taking place on Sunday June 26th in The Phoenix, Cork. with Eoin Coughlan, Gavin Moore, Annette Buckley and Jon Leahy.

By Houli