HAVING released their self-titled debut EP in 2018, Toucan are fast becoming one of the Irish music scene’s most electrifying exports.
On November 22 they released their second EP, So Easy To Love You, while embarking on a tour of Britain, with stops in Glasgow, Manchester and Liverpool.
The 10-piece band, led by singer-songwriter Conor Clancy, head back to Ireland for a final gig at The Academy in Dublin on December 5.
Between all of that, Clancy took some time out to chat to The Irish Post this week...
What are you up to right now?
Having a few days rest after a brilliant week on tour around the UK. All preparations are now focused on The Academy, Dublin gig on December 5.
Who are your heroes?
I don't really think I have any heroes, there are some people I look up to, different composers and artists that have made loads of unreal work, but I don't think I idolise anyone to such an extent that I would consider them a hero.
What's been the best decade of your life so far and why?
Well, the last ten years up until now have been pretty fantastic. Getting to finally release this music, and have so many people all over the world sing back the words is incredible. Hopefully in ten years’ time I'll say the same thing.
What record sends a shiver down your spine?
Well, it's not exactly a shiver down my spine, but Brian Eno's Music For Airports is a piece of music that I keep coming back to over and over again, it makes me feel so calm and balanced when I listen to it.
What is your favourite place in Ireland?
I'd say it's split down the middle between Tramore and Cork. They're two places I really feel like home.
What makes you angry?
Seeing any kind of injustice or abuse of power. I also can't stand rudeness.
What book influenced you most?
It has to be 100 years of solitude by Gabriel García Marquez - it's been a favourite of mine for years.
What was the worst moment of your life?
To be honest, I think it was when my family had to put our dog down. She was a golden retriever, 10 years old. She was the only pet we had and we grew up with her from when me and my brother were about seven and four, so she was there for all the formative years of childhood. We were all totally distraught that day.
Which local star in any field should the world outside Ireland know about?
With the multitude of people I know personally who are making amazing stuff, there's way too many to choose from, but Crome Yellow make some unbelievably groovy psychedelic tunes that the world should be listening to.
If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?
I'm definitely addicted to my phone. It's tough because I need it for work, and the work is generally social, but I find myself putting down and then immediately picking it back up again. Have tried so many times to get better at not needing it with me all the time. Would definitely change that if I could!
What is the best lesson life has taught you?
Be patient. With yourself, with those around you and with life.
What is your favourite film and why?
The Meyerowitz Stories by Noah Baumbach, I just love the pace and the way all the characters interact.
What do you believe in?
Not sure exactly how to sum that up. I guess I believe in being as kind as possible, trying to find your passion and always trying to learn more.
What trait do others criticise you for?
Being unorganised or too laid back, without question. It's something I've tried really hard to fix over the years.
Where do you live and what are the best and worst things about that place?
I live in Tramore - the best thing is doing literally anything when the weather is great, and I guess the worst thing is that it's very much a place to come back home to, so there are periods where most of my friend group are living somewhere else and there aren't many people around.
On what occasion is it OK to lie?
I guess if you're trying to protect someone?
What do you consider the greatest work of art?
I really don't think it's as simple a question as it seems. Beautiful pieces of art, just like the people who make them, are too complicated to compare, and the subjectivity involved makes it so that there can't be a 'greatest' work, but an infinite number of greatest works. I wouldn't be someone who thinks they could pick one and say yep, this is the best one. But there's so much out there to be enjoyed, so go see it all!
What is your ultimate guilty pleasure?
If I have a day off, I absolutely love going nowhere for the day and playing FIFA from morning until night.
Who is/was the love of your life?
My girlfriend, my friends, my family and music are all my loves.
