Interview with John Lynch
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What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
From when I was very young there was always a sing song or party going on in relative’s house. They all played instruments and sang the old Irish ballads.
As a kid I was fascinated by the shape of the guitar and how people were visibly moved by a piece of music. I knew back then I was doing that !!
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I love reading and watching documentaries on history. I’m a real nerd when it comes to history and folklore. I think in today’s fast world there is very little room for imagination. We are kind of “ ahh we know everything” but when you
Explore the old world the ancient belief and custom there is pure wisdom that in my opinion we have discounted and forgotten.
If we take a leaf out of the philosophy and values our ancestors had it might make living in the fast paced dog eat dog world more comprehendible and kinder.
How long has your band been around?
I’m a solo artist. I started seriously considering a full time move into writing and performing at the end of 2019. Although I had been playing part time regularly since 2010 it was the pandemic that catapulted me into the full time music.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I was born and grew up in Dublin City Ireland. Dublin in the 70’s ,80’s& 90’s was a hotbed of Irish culture. You just had to be there and it would envelop you. The Dublin sense of humour and the quick turn of phrase along with the many characters
In grained a sense of community. Everyone kind of knew everyone in the music scene it was a very supportive environment.
I live in a rural part of Kildare now and I love the country side. Access to nature and space.
How did you come up with your name and what does it mean to you?
My name is John Lynch so I go by that – Its my real name. My biggest influences in folk music would be guys like Christy Moore, Damien Dempsey, Declan O Rourke, Glen Hansard. They all go by their own name so do I.
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
I sold out the Sugar Club in Dublin in Feb 2022 – That one was a special show because for a bigger venue I always use a band.
Since that show these guys have become close pals and all have a great pedigree in the Irish music scene.
Peter Eades played keyboards ,Larry Hogan Guitar, Alan Doherty – Whistles. The three guys all have great stories about who they played with over the years and I am always riveted to the stories.
Now they are supporting me and my music and it’s an honour to play alongside them. This has become the regular line up for me when I use a band..
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
By far the Cobblestone in Dublin is my favourite spot to play. There is something magical about this place. The atmosphere is always electric with just the love of music and an almost insatiable appetite for new music.
My aspiration is to play Vicar street Dublin. I think if I get to play at avenue like that in Ireland I could die happy man.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
I have played along side Kila before a couple of times. I love this band and they would d be my go to for a question like this.
However having done that I would love to support the likes of Glen Hansard or Damien Dempsey.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting started and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
Its always a hard one to answer. Mainly because of the answer itself. I was told this by a well known Irish folk artists and I didn’t understand it at the time but I do now. Here it goes.
Keep doing what you are doing. Keep writing and hustling for shows and gigs. Record and publish your own music don’t listen to the negatives. In fact don’t even tell people your plans until you have them completed that way no one can talk you out of those dreams.
There is no magic wand its just get out there walk the walk and put yourself in the way of an opportunity. Keep on moving.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
See previous answer – So many times I talked my self out of chasing this dream. I’m not there yet but it’s a far better journey.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
Hold on Da – It’s a special one because its about my own father. I remember they day he died and as I drove in my car to be with him that’s all kept repeating “Hold on Da” just till I get there. He did and we held hands as he flew away to heaven.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
I love playing City Stars or Guardians. I love the nostalgia it brings out in the audience. Every show someone would come up to me a say I love your songs about Dublin. And that is more than enough for me.
What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?
I cant even sing a cover version unless I can connect with it at an emotional level. So that becomes my creative process. Its usually something on my mind and I want to articulate it. That’s where the secret sauce is. If you feel it you can write it and the music and melodies just follow. I don’t overthink it I just let it flow. I don’t know where it comes from and I’m not going to analyse it too much. I truly believe it’s a little bit a magic and I love it too much to try and understand it.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
I suppose I’m not one for the love song. But I do try and give a little bit of wisdom in the songs. I suppose I am thinking that when my kids and grandkids might be listening to my material long after I’m gone that I can still give some advice and wisdom from beyond. A lot of the themes would be learn from the mistakes of the past.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
I have a new EP coming out this year “1922”. On the surface 1922 seems like a gentle stab at the establishment but as you combine the collection of songs as curated on the EP it speaks to a cultural demise of Ireland and how though systemic political changes has actually succeeded in harmonizing Ireland into an overall European generic culture. Leaving Ireland as a kind of subsidiary department of Europe complete with political managers or caretakers rather than an independent Sovern state leadership.
How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?
All my social media are on this link tree