by Louise Doyle
A NEW single by Donegal band Boy M5 looks to the future while giving a nod to the memory of its much loved bassist Paul Mooney, who lost his life in a car collision in December.
Paul, aged 30, died just days before Christmas on December 18.
His tragic and sudden passing has devastated his family and friends, and has left a void in the local music scene.
Bittersweetly, the new release, ‘Hide and Seek’, is the last song Paul worked on with his Boy M5 bandmate and best friend, Kyle O’Neill.
Released in recent days, the track bears all the hallmarks of Paul and Kyle’s musical creativity and friendship.
For Paul, who is a much missed musician on the Donegal and north west scene, the new release gives voice once again to his incredible talent.
Boy M5 started as a personal journey in late 2019 when Kyle was in the UK.
It transformed into a full-fledged band when Kyle moved back to Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The stars aligned because, as fate had it, Paul had also moved back home. Boy M5 was promptly formed and went on to achieve meteoric success.
“I reached out to Paul, an old friend and an incredible musician. Our reunion was as if no time had passed, quickly re-igniting our musical chemistry. With the addition of our drummer, the band’s dynamic was complete. We started gaining traction rapidly, headlining at prestigious events like the Stendhal festival, topping New Music Charts, and earning accolades from notable publications like Hotpress,” Letterkenny man Kyle told the Donegal News.
Aptly, ‘Hide and Seek’ is a heartfelt homage to love, loss, and unwavering devotion.
The single tells the story of the lengths a person would go to for the person they cherish. It showcases Boy M5’s signature lyrical prowess and dynamic musicality.
Recorded at Kyle’s Derry studio, Egg House Studios, Paul significantly contributed to the recording of Kyle’s written track.
“It was the last song Paul and I finished together,” Kyle said.
“Musically, Paul leaves behind a rich tapestry of work that we had the privilege to create together. His influence is embedded in every note and lyric of our songs, a testament to his extraordinary talent and vision.
“Beyond his musical contributions, Paul’s legacy will also be defined by the impact he had on our community. He had a unique way of bringing people together, of nurturing young talents, and of being a relentless supporter of local arts.
His spirit of generosity and mentorship has inspired many and will continue to influence aspiring musicians in our community.
In Boy M5, we aim to carry forward his legacy, not just in our music, but in our actions. We aspire to reflect his passion, his kindness, and his dedication to the craft.
“Paul’s memory will be a guiding light for us, motivating us to approach our art with the same integrity and heart that he always did. Paul may have left us in body, but his spirit and legacy will continue to resonate through the music we play, the lives he touched, and the community he cherished,” said Kyle.
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