Hi Richard, thank you for doing this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself please?

I’m originally from the BelfastLisburn area. I started playing guitar and writing songs at the age of 13, having been shown my first few chords on the guitar by my sister.

I played in various bands over the years, like Admiral Spears, Secondhand News, Stone River and Greengrass. I released my first solo album in 2000, produced by myself and James Devlin and featuring Henry McCullough, Cathal Hayden, Ted Ponsonby and many other fine musicians who I had the pleasure of playing with over the years.

There were several tours of Scandinavia and surrounding areas with Greengrass, and a lot of radio interviews and TV performances.

You’re currently working on a new album – how’s that going, and can you give us any teasers about what to expect?

Yes, I’m busy working on a new album of songs at the moment and hope soon to release ‘Gartan Mother’s Lullaby’, a traditional song from Donegal written by two Belfast men! And also, ‘A King Has Come’, a Christmas gospel song, and ‘The Ballad of Jemmy Hope’ about one of the lesser known leaders of the 1798 rebellion.

I tend to write in batches of songs, so I’ll write a whole heap of songs over a few months and then maybe not write again for a couple of years.

I need plenty of ‘do nothing’ time in order to be able to write, so the time around the pandemic in 2020 was perfect for writing!

Is song writing easier or harder than actually performing your songs? (And is it easier to perform covers than to break out your own songs?)

I perform covers at various venues and events, for parties, weddings etc. It’s probably easier to perform covers than originals; you bare your soul with your originals. I’ve also been playing some traditional gigs with Sean Sweeney and Yvonne McGinley and love backing tunes.

Your daughter Tori is also a writer and performer, and you sometimes perform together. Presumably your own music has influenced her, but have her tastes and interests influenced you at all?

It’s been so good performing with my daughter Tori, and more recently, my son Peter. It’s given me a whole new lease of life in regards to performing. It’s just lovely to spend such a special time with them making music together. Tori has a beautiful soulful voice and has been recording in the studio also.

Who do you listen to yourself? Or are you usually too busy touring and recording to be interested in even more music?

The kids (I have four) have kept me up to date with new music also. We have been to several concerts recently including Lana Del Ray, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, the Killers and Ed Sheeran.

Similarly, you also own Beltany Recording Studios, which even offers a co-writing service. I imagine that involves half-written songs of all genres – does that help keep you on your songwriting toes too?

I’ve teamed up with another fine songwriter from Strabane, Darren Doherty and we have been working together at Beltany Studio. We’ve been working recently with Dublin songwriter Ruari Connolly and local band Undergreen.

We have two large live rooms, a vocal booth and a well equipped control room. We’ve recently recorded Uilleann pipes, accordion, several drummers, and a choir. We provide a lot of the instrumentation ourselves including guitars, bass, keyboards etc. We’re definitely open to working with all kinds of musicians and all genres of music.

How is the studio going at the moment? “No project too big” for the studio is an interesting promise – could there be a whole symphony of completely different music in you that you’re itching to break out?

My dreams are just to continue writing and recording music, teaching and performing music and spending time with my friends and family. As I mentioned above, there’s plenty of room to record large bands. We’ve recorded a 25 piece choir in the main live room. We’re keen to work on all styles of music recording. We’ve been recording an electronic rock band, country bands, traditional bands, podcasts etc.

We can also do music recording workshops for schools, colleges, parties and youth clubs. We have gift tokens that can be purchased and used in the studio or for music lessons. We hope to be able to offer accommodation as part of a recording package for bands that are travelling from further afield.

Are there any local issues (music related or other) you would like to draw attention to?

We look after my mum at our house, so I’ve become aware of the need for support for carers. It’s a privilege but also a challenge to be able to look after her at home and glad to be in the position to be able to.

Quickfire

The book or the film?

I used to read quite a lot but now I’m probably more keen to watch a good film!

How do you relax?

I read (or listen to!) a portion of the Bible most days, and draw strength from my faith in Christ.

Do you have a particular mottobelief that you try to live by?

I have many students and teach a range of instruments from our home. I enjoy helping and encouraging the next generation of musicians.

If anyone else would like to take part in this interview, to raise a profile or an issue, please contact Paul at Dnthirddegree@gmail.com