The Dublin artist Pippa Molony recently collaborated with producer Rory Sweeney on the Hungry Ghost EP centered on a conceptual theme that explores dreams and folklore.
Molony is making the trip to Dingle this weekend, to play Other Voices’ Jameson Music Trail for the first time, and Nialler9 caught up with the songwriter to ask about what to expect, and to get some recommendations..
Is this your first Other Voices experience? Is OV something you’ve wanted to do ?
Yes, this is my first Other Voices experience. I have always wanted to play the festival though, and love the acts they book so it is a real privilege to be a part of this year’s lineup. Especially when artists like Fionn Regan, Rachael Lavelle, Laura Marling, Junior Brother and Róis are playing, artists whose work has been hugely inspiring to me. Two years ago, Rory Sweeney and EMBY played a song during their set that I am featured on, so I was definitely there in spirit for that, but wish I could’ve been there to see it or perform.
Have you been to Other Voices or Dingle before?
Yes! Just once, last year. I sort of went on a whim, but it ended up being one of my favourite weekends that year. All of my best friends were there, and there was such a buzz in the town. Dingle is so beautiful, and a Christmas-time festival… What’s not to like? I have a few lovely photos from the few days of friends and their hot whiskeys / scarves / mulled wines / sea-salt ice creams. Very wholesome.
What was your favourite gig you saw ?
I had a great time last year. So many amazing artists were playing. I loved Elaine Malone when I saw her, Aoife Wolfe, Majia Sofia… I also loved performances by Leo Miyagee, New Jackson and Curtisy’s set made me laugh. He was great, just picturing Curtisy performing in a digital aquarium was not one of the things I thought I’d see at the time. It was gas.
Is there a bit of magic in the air in Dingle? Do you have a favourite spot in the town?
Oh yes. There’s definitely a touch of magic in the air. I love Dingle, I’ve been many times in the summer, it’s a small town so you can see all of it over the weekend. All the pubs are fantastic, I can’t remember the names super well as we ran in and out of them so quickly after gigs but we spent a bit of time in McCartney’s, Dick Mac’s, The Dingle pub… and actually, Neligan’s was a great spot. Maybe that was my favourite place to go in between sets.
What can people expect from your performance in Dingle?
At Other Voices, I’ll be performing tracks I just released from my Debut EP, Hungry Ghost. These songs explore themes of identity, escapism and transformation. Expect a lot of synth and other electronic sounds, some a cappella bits and some newer, unreleased songs I have been working on lately and gearing up to release… I’ll be performing at McCarthy’s on Sunday, Dec 1st at 3pm, and also as part of Rory Sweeney’s set at 5pm on Saturday in the same venue.
Here’s 10 tracks from 10 Jameson Music Trail artists that Pippa is excited to see.
1.
Aoife Wolf
Bristle of Delusion
Aoife Wolf’s latest track is haunting and grungy, with gorgeous harmonies and these ascending, bendy bass and string lines that stay with you. She describes it as “born out of a state of anger and frustration amidst the strange and bewildering experience of inhabiting a woman’s body”. It’s an ear worm and I cannot get enough of it.
2.
Adore
Supermum!
Adore are sooo great. This song is deadly, super punky, Lara’s vocals are full of such character and attitude. If you have a chance to see these guys live, don’t miss it – they’ll blow your socks off :L
3.
Rachael Lavelle
Big Dreams
I’ve had this track on repeat since it dropped last year. Rachael’s voice is stunning—her vocal delivery is absolutely flawless, and her lyrics are brilliant; “I came for the comedy / I left for the bus / There was nothing new to me / I have a lot of feelings.” Such a captivating track.
4.
Jasmine Wood
II
Fave morning commute music. The kind of song that you listen to, and think you’re in a movie or back in time, or where you might be persuaded to live out in the country somewhere surrounded by nature. It’s absolutely gorgeous, just like the album it comes from, Piano Reverb. Buzzing to see her live at Other Voices this year.
5.
Lisa O’Neill
No Train To Cavan
Probably my favourite song of Lisa O’Neill’s, it’s very special.
6.
Coolgirl
Road Closures
The Latest release from Coolgirl [ Lizzie Fitzpatrick]. This song is super cinematic and gets under your skin, very cool indeed.
7.
Róis
Cití
Rois is so inspiring to me. Pure genius. She’s quite literally redefining Irish music. Her latest album, Mo Léan, is extraordinary.
8.
Julie Dawson
Silly Little Song
An absolute gem from Newdad’s lead singer, Julie Dawson. This track is irresistibly poppy, with production by Jack Hamill (Space Dimension Controller) that takes it to the next level. It’s another earworm, and I love anything that uses a vocoder.
9.
Ahmed, with Love.
Até Logo…
Cannot. Stop. Playing. This. Song. Since. It. Was. Released. Came out a few weeks ago, and I’ve been listening to it ever since.
10.
Bricknasty
Pebbles
This track feels like the perfect end scene of a movie—the main character driving off into the sunset, buzzing about life. It’s the definition of feel-good music, and the strings are quite unexpected too. Always in awe of Bricknasty, they are making some incredible work. Excited to see what’s next for them.
Pippa Molony is playing McCarthy’s on Sunday, Dec 1st as part of the Jameson Music Trail at Other Voices in Dingle this weekend.
