At the end of last year I was asked to present an hour of music I like for the podcast Record Box Radio.
This is a spin off of From The Bottom Of The Record Box which is a music discovery podcast. They champion the under-represented, under-listened and misunderstood heroes of music with a few classics along the way. They have many podcasts and worth an hour of your time now and again to listen to great music.
I was given the freedom to chose any music I liked and I thought OK, let’s do this. Then I thought, hang on who do I play? I’ve listened to music most of my life but actually I’ve become a passive listener. People play things and I like them or not.
Spending three years as a trip leader with Backroads Active Travel I was introduced to so many great tunes and musicians such as Jack Johnson and James Taylor. Love those.
However, now I’m now going to deliver a set of music which represents me. It’s like letting people into a part of my soul and that’s a bit scary. I know, I was overthinking it.
Christy Moore and Mary Coughlan just had to be part of it. They have given me pleasure for nearly 40 years. Both have had their demons to contend with but have consistently delivered.
Mary released her new album, Life Stories, during lockdown. She actually brought each album to the post office herself and even included a drawing from her grandkids which I will treasure. Then I realised I don’t have a CD player in the house. Never mind.
I know we have access to so much music through the various streaming services but there are very few artists who can make a living from them. Given the year that we have had, if you can afford to, buy an album. Support the artists so they won’t give up.
In my research, I realised that I didn’t really know know what has happened in the Irish music scene and was delighted to find the likes of Mick Flannery, Paddy Casey, The Stunning and the wonderful Eleanor Mc Evoy.
I would like to say a massive thank you to the guys at Record Box Radio for giving me the absolute pleasure of sharing a piece of me and for making me an active listener again.
