Brian Grogan‘s How Much Longer, apart from an overarching theme of the difficulties of stamina in the bedroom, is about the uneasy feeling, whether or not you are capable of pleasing your partner in a physical sense. It comes from a place of massive self doubt and inexperience and something I guess everyone experiences when they first step off the boat of virginity.
Musically it was inspired by a mixture of Irish, English and American folk with a heavy nod to Paul Simon in the closing moments of the song.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Brian about the new release, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create?
I’m from middle Ireland, a small town called Cootehill just south of the border. My style of music is comedy folk although there are elements of afrobeat rhythms that come, I think, from a brief obsession with Paul Simon.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
The comedy comes from when I used to play open mics to a mostly inattentive audience. I accidentally wrote a funny song about sex and it seemed to go down well so I continued. Musically my inspiration for these songs came specifically from Damien Rice’s third studio album, My Favourite Faded Fantasy, which I was obsessed with at the time. The simplicity of the music over intense lyrics really captured my attention.
I always get a great buzz from performing live and maybe I just crave the attention/applause. Add to that, the feeling of making people laugh and sing along and it really starts to get addictive. I’ve also been tremendously lucky to collaborate with some incredible musicians who keep things very fresh. I work closely with a friend and songwriter Easymess who has helped me develop my sound massively and for which I am eternally grateful.
How is this new single different from the previous one? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
This single is part of an EP that was primarily inspired by a relationship that had just ended. I suppose part of the idea behind the songs was to time capsule the relationship. Songwriters commonly say how cathartic songwriting can be. I used to joke however that although cathartic, continually singing songs about your ex means constantly reliving the experience over and over again which maybe isn’t all that good for your health.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
CD sales or a lack of them is one but I’ve never actually had CDs manufactured (apart from very rough demos) so that hasn’t hurt too much. I can see how artists struggle with oversaturation but I honestly believe it forces artists to be more creative. If I wasn’t exposed to so much good music on London’s open mic scene, I would never have pushed myself to try and stand out. I’m pretty certain none of the songs on the EP would have been composed if it wasn’t for that exposure. I guess it’s up to the world to decide whether or not they actually needed to be written.
Technology helps me mainly from a songwriting standpoint. All of my previous mobile phones and current phone are crammed with song ideas in the dictaphone app. Not sure how I would have remembered song ideas otherwise. An actual dictaphone perhaps.
What was the last song you listened to?
Virginia by Deep Dark Woods.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I’ll be honest, I don’t own a CD or record player. I want to be cool and say vinyl but I’m really not that cool so MP3s it is.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I’m not an apple product owner and I’m not on bandcamp although maybe I should be? Funny enough, the person that recommended I get Spotify or at least convinced me to start paying for it is also the person that the EP is inspired by so Spotify it is.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
At the moment I’m most active on Instagram (@songsfrombriangrogan) although I am prone to the odd Facebook post now and again. I have yet to harness the capabilities of Twitter.
I’m pretty fresh to the online world. I released my debut single Reach on the 31st of January this year, which Middle Tennessee Music was very kind to share on your playlist so thanks so much for that!
Anything else before we sign off?
Only to say thanks for letting me share my story and rant a bit. Oh also my next single will be released in June this year so keep your ear to the digital ground!
