MacD on Music: Come On Up For The Rising

Derry is a town of incredible talent. Since the beginning of time, we’ve been pumping out one brilliant artist after another, and for a brief while some of our finest were in what could possibly be described as a retrospective supergroup. The Whole Tribe Sings featured, amongst others, Declan McLaughlin, Johnny Nutt, Phillip Wallace (aka Hypnic Jerk) and Paddy Nash.

In the years since the group split, their solo output has been some of the best this town has to offer (with most of it available in the local section of Cool Discs) and this week I’m talking to Paddy Nash about his latest solo effort ‘Still We Rise’, due to be released this Friday (October 3rd) and launched at the Foyle Folk Club that night in Tinney’s.

Tell me about the new album.

It’s called ‘Still We Rise’, and it’s out on the 3rd of October. It’s a collection of songs that explore resilience, solidarity, nostalgia and hope-themes that feel really important to me at the minute. Musically, I tried to blend the honesty of folk with the energy of rock’n’roll and a touch of Irish storytelling, which has always been close to my heart.

As I was writing it, I wanted to capture both the intimacy of personal stories and the bigger sense of community spirit. In my own words: “This record came from a need to celebrate community and small acts of kindness in challenging times.”

What's your creative process when you put an album together?

Honestly, it usually starts with scraps of ideas-a line that sticks in my head or something I’ve seen or heard that makes me want to pick up the guitar. The songs come one at a time, but as they build up, I start to notice a thread running through them. With ‘Still We Rise’, it was all about resilience, community, and the small kindnesses that get us through tough times.

I don’t sit down and plan it all out from the start-it’s more like the songs tell me where they want to go. And once I’ve a few I’m happy with, I let Diane hear them, she’s usually a good judge. From there I send them to Eddie O’Donnell who, for me has the greatest musical sensibilities I’ve ever witnessed. Eddie does his thing and that’s when they really come alive.

How would you compare making solo albums vs. making them with a band?

The process is a lot quicker doing solo albums as I usually know how I want the songs to sound. With the band it’s more organic with lots of different ideas and opinions.

Do you have anything planned for the future?

I’m writing a novel. It’s called ‘Saving Lizzy’ and it’s about these old boys who dust off their instruments and decide to start a Classic Rock Cover Band. They team up with a young singer who’s own star begins to rise and they inadvertently become her backing band.

The Whole Tribe Sings reunited last year. How did it feel playing with them again?

It was great craic. There’s a special bond between us and we can just pick up from where we left off even if it’s been a few years. The songs have stood the test of time I think as well.

Are there any other up and coming artists you think we should be keeping an eye on?

I’m a big fan of local music and currently I’m loving TRAMP, Polar Bolero, Lavengro, tessio., Klyda, Hypnic Jerk, Rosborough and Zac Mac. Other than that I think The Lathums from Wigan are going to be huge and Jesse Welles is the songwriter we all need right now. 

And that’s it from Paddy Nash. His new album ‘Still We Rise’ will be released this Friday on CD, Bandcamp and all good streaming platforms. He will be launching it at the Foyle Folk Club in Tinney’s that night. Admission is £5 and doors are 8.30 with music starting at 9pm sharp.

Now, onto other business. Friday saw new music from Roe with the release of her new single ‘Lydia’, a song she describes as “two friends, living very different lives and one leap of faith on a quest to find true, unadulterated happiness”. It’s available now on all good streaming platforms.

Also last Friday, Boy M5 released the single ‘St. James’, a song with “fire in it’s bones and heart on it’s sleeve” and, like everything else here, is available on all good streaming services.

READ MORE: MacD on Music

Finally, to close out last week’s new music, Brian Martin Joseph released the single ‘Petrified’, the first from his upcoming album ‘Safe and Sound’. The song was recorded in Brian’s own Beechwood Recording and features vocals from Rebekka Francis. The album also features contributions from Daryl Martin (from the band Prophery), Paul Herron and others.

Moving on to gigs, this Saturday will see Sandino’s play host to Rockers Reunion XXII, which will see Bad Medicine, Master of Pulpet and The Sabbath Project taking to the stage in benefit of Foyle Down Syndrome Trust. Tickets are £10 (cash only) and doors are at 9pm.

And now, time for the socials. Information on Rockers Reunion XXII can be found on Instagram @sandinosbarclub, Brian Martin Joseph and Beechwood Recordings @beechwoodrecordings, Boy M5 @boy.m5, Roe @roemusic and Paddy Nash @thenashman.