Galway trio The Whileaways have released their new album, When You Are Falling, and undertake a national tour. We asked Noelie McDonnell of the band the BIG questions . . .
Together since 2012, Noelie, Noriana Kennedy and Nicola Joyce have also been part of Bird on the Wire, their collaboration with Pauline Scanlon celebrating the songs of Leonard Cohen.
We need your consent to load this Spotify contentWe use Spotify to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Individually, the three have continued to pursue their own musical projects. Noelie has been touring as a member of The Saw Doctors; Nicola has recorded an album with The Half Room, her traditional and folk song project with her brother and Pauline Scanlon; while Noriana has been touring in Ireland, London and Paris as part of a traditional music collaboration which included Bothy Band fiddler Kevin Burke.
Speaking about the title of their new album, the band say, "We're all a bit older now, carrying the weight of different life experiences.
"We’ve been through the wars a bit and we all know what it feels like to have the rug pulled out from under us. But there’s a quiet reassurance in that title and in the music, a collective hope that when everything is in freefall, we will ultimately hold each other up."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My dog's name is Dinny. My late father used to always ask me 'how's Miley keeping?
I love growing vegetables. As my friend, the brilliant songwriter Padraig Stevens, says: it puts great pace on your life. Another friend of mine was talking about his first harvest of new potatoes, putting his hand into the soil and having the feeling of the spuds saying: "Welcome home... Where have you been?"
One of my first ever gigs was opening for The Saw Doctors in Tuam Stadium in my hometown in 1991, when I was 13 years old. It's great to get to join them now all these years later on backing vocals and guitar.
How would you describe your music?
We try to tell straightforward stories with our music. The songs might make you laugh or they may make you cry but we would aspire to something that is hopeful and uplifting.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, John Prine, Guy Clark, Dolores Keane, The Staves, Bonny Light Horseman, Gillian Welch, The Saw Doctors, Pauline Scanlon, John Spillane, Elbow, Greg Brown, Lucinda Williams, Nicola Joyce, Noriana Kennedy, Padraig Stevens.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I was brought to see Mary Coughlan in Leisureland in Galway in the mid-80s. My sister, brother and I knew all the words of all the songs on Tired and Emotional. Earlier this year we got to play with Mary when The Whileaways hosted Galway's Town Hall Theatre's 30th Anniversary. She was mesmerising as she always is. It was such a joy for us.
What was the first record you ever bought?
A-ha's debut album on the back of their huge hit single Take On Me. It was 1985. We had Graceland and Born In The USA at home. I bought this album with my own (piggy bank) money in HMV on Grafton Street. I saw a documentary recently about Take On Me. It took them years to get anyone to release it or take it seriously. It made me appreciate the song in a whole new light. You have to admire their persistence!
What’s your favourite song right now?
Change by Big Thief. Adrienne Lenker's writing and voice are so pure and direct. This song finds its way straight to my heart every time I listen to it.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"I'm living in a foreign country now, But I'm bound to cross the line, Beauty walks on a razor's edge, Someday I'll make her mine, If I could just turn back the clock, To when God and her were born, 'Come in," she said. ‘I'll give ya shelter from the storm" - Shelter From The Storm by Bob Dylan.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Hearts And Bones by Paul Simon. There's a real sense of home about this song for me. It's heartbreaking but you can dance to it!
Where can people find your music/more information?
Our music is available to buy and stream in all the usual places. Find out more and keep in touch with us on our website.
Alan Corr
