Project Description
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Interview with
MIKE O’DOWD
(13th October 2023)
Interview with Dave Bruce
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Support for Mike O’Dowd
‘Game Of Love’ First Play on Double J Tower of Song
“A lilting acoustic guitar and raspy vocals shape this troubadour who, through his music, shares his lived experiences.” (Scenestr)
“Mike O’Dowd shows wisdom and strength beyond his age through his soft vocal and dynamic arrangements.” (Beat Mag)
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Have you always wanted to be a musician? When did you get the song writing bug?
I’ve wanted to be a songwriter for as long as I can remember. My grandparents introduced me to Johnny Cash and Marty Robbins when I was a little kid and I remember being lost in the storytelling. Especially ‘Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs’ by Marty Robbins. As a 4 year old that album was like watching a movie for me. I’ve been obsessed with music and songwriting from that moment on.
How would you describe your sound? Why do you think fans resonate with your music?
It’s yet to be seen if fans resonate with my music at all haha
I would describe it as stripped back singer/songwriter music. There’s definitely a story telling element with hints of country, folk and rock in there. The album sounds Australian to me in a similar way that I find Dirty Three or The Triffids sound Australian. It’s really hard describe music as everyone hears things differently. If you listen to a few songs, you’ll know pretty quickly if it grabs you.
Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today?
I’ve been writing my second album since I finished recording the first one and what has really inspired me lately is the freedom of artists like Patti Smith. I’ve been listening a lot to ‘Easter’ by Patti Smith. She sounds completely free on that record. I’m always trying to capture that feeling in the studio. I get a similar feeling when listening to ‘Astral Weeks’ by Van Morrison. I think that’s sonically one of the most beautiful albums ever recorded. I’ve been listening a lot to Arthur Russell too. I love the raw quality of ‘Love Is Overtaking Me’.
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Your new Debut Album ‘One Lover Leaves’ has just been released! Describe its origin and evolution.
I started writing the album while living overseas and finished the writing and recording when I returned to Australia.
It took a few years to come together with covid happening right in the middle of everything. That really derailed things for a while and it became impossible to record. I think at one stage I had to cancel about 7 recording sessions in a row, but I got there in the end. For all its flaws, I feel like it captures a certain period in my life perfectly.
What are the signature tracks, and do you have favourites you like to: listen to/play live??
‘Game Of Love’ is my favourite track to play live. Especially with a band.
I think ‘Early Morning Rain’ is probably my favourite track from the album. It came out exactly as I envisioned with minimal work. I loved the writing and recording of that song, so that may be why I like it so much.
A lot of people seem to like ‘Mona Lisa’. That’s the final track from the album and one of the longer and more ambitious tracks. ‘Only Crossed Her Path’ is getting a good response too.
Any tours or events coming up soon? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
I’ll be announcing shows along the east coast very soon. I’m hoping to play as many gigs as possible over the next 6 months and then take that momentum into the studio for the recording of my second album.
What are your long-term aspirations as a music artist and how are you progressing towards them?
The ultimate goal is to put all of my time into music. Being self sustainable is the goal. If I can dedicate all my energy to music and make enough to keep things going, I’ll feel like I’ve really accomplished something.
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With that in mind, what piece of advice would you give to an artist starting out?
Just work as hard as you possibly can to develop your craft and don’t let anything or anyone discourage you.
Also, anything good takes time, so take as long as you need and block everything else out.
What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
Performing is great when you’re lost in the song. If it feels alive and the song is well written, you can always find something new when performing.
My highlight so far has been performing in New York. Performing solo in smaller folk clubs around the lower east side and Greenwich village was a dream for me.
Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Van Morrison – Astral Weeks
Artist – Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen
Movie – Come and See
Place to visit – I just got back from a trip to Japan, so it has to be Japan. The food, people and energy of the place really blew me away.
Venue to play – I’ve always loved the Old Bar in Melbourne. As a performer, audience member or patron.
Food and Drink – I’d have to say the food in Japan and whisky highballs.
Person in History – I’ve had a portrait of Billy the Kid in an antique frame on my wall since I was a child, so I’ll have to say him. He was one of my first childhood heroes and still is. I was lucky enough to visit New Mexico a few years back and fell in love with the landscape.
Tattoo – I don’t have any and don’t plan to get any. I’m too indecisive. I’m more into jewellery and prefer to spend money on that as decoration.
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Follow MIKE O’DOWD
Website – Spotify – Apple Music – Youtube
Bandcamp – Facebook – Instagram
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Press Release 29th September 2023 (below) HERE
MIKE O’DOWD
releases stunning debut album
‘ONE LOVER LEAVES’
Debut Album Out September 29
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