by Isabelle Bannon
Boy M5, an indie-pop band based in Donegal, have released their single “Never Be The Same”, which will be available on streaming services tomorrow. This single is a tribute to their bandmate, mixing engineer, bassist, and more importantly, their friend, Paul Mooney, who sadly passed away in 2023.
Paul Mooney, an incredibly talented musician from Ramelton, passed tragically in 2023. The band has not forgotten their beloved bandmate in the slightest, and will be performing their new single at their own festival named “Moonfest” as a tribute to Paul, on what would’ve been his 32nd birthday. ‘Moonfest’ takes place in The Cottage Bar, Letterkenny, tomorrow night at 7.30pm.
The song acts as a conversation with Paul, adding a deeper layer to the meaning of the song. Opening with “How can I go on without you”, and transitioning beautifully into the bridge “One day, I’ll see you on the moon, where memories don’t fade.”. “Never Be The Same” is a powerful song, full of grief and loss, it tells the story of an unwavering friendship between bandmates, and Boy M5 get their message across gracefully, honouring their friend in the process, providing hope that more music is to come.
Frontman, Kyle O’Neill, said: “This is the hardest song I’ve ever written,” “I kept thinking about all the things we planned, all the music we were supposed to make together. This song is me making a promise – to Paul, to myself, and to everyone who loved him – that he won’t be forgotten. His music will still be heard. His name will still be spoken.”
The tribute was meticulously thought out, in order to honour Paul to the best of their ability. The role of bassist has been passed on to Jamie McClelland, as Simon McCafferty stepped in to follow the footsteps of Paul’s guitar style. Other members who stepped up to honour Paul include Laura McFadden playing the cello, Brian Doherty on drums, and Nigel Hegarty, who helped bring the sound of the band to its full potential, and was instrumental throughout the process.
Boy M5 have been steadily rising to success, through 2024 to present day, with a headline performance in Stendhal Festival, a mention in The Irish Times’ “Top 20 Acts to Watch”, and airplay on Radio X by Chris Moyles. The track proves the band’s strength to keep going and create powerful and meaningful music from the tragedy they’ve faced.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)