Singer-songwriter Conleth McGeary, who hails from Tyrone but is now living in Liverpool, has wowed the city with his unique musical style.
He has packed out local venues, cultivated a healthy fanbase and been described by the local papers as an “Irish phenomenon”.
This week he makes his London debut as he launches his first single Smile at The Fiddler in Kilburn - you can get tickets here.
Prior to that he told The Irish Post about his highs, lows and everything in between…
What are you up to right now?
I am currently writing a song. A song that's going to take over the world.
Okay that's a lie. I'm watching Lewis Capaldi’s Instagram story and wetting myself.
Who are your heroes?
My hero is Christy Moore. Everything the man stands for, his message, his music, everything. He's the reason I started playing music. My dream is to sit down and have a cup of tea with him, sing an oul ballad, and talk for two hours straight. "Boil the kettle Christy. One sugar."
What's been the best decade of your life so far and why?
This past ten years have been magical. Been everywhere. My music has kicked off in a mad way, met friends for life, and moved to Liverpool. Irish scouser now. Loving life.
What record sends a shiver down your spine?
Lost by Dermot Kennedy. Game changer. I'm mad to open for that guy. Hope he sees this. DERMO, HELP A MAN OUT. I genuinely am a massive massive fan of this lad. His lyrics are the most amazing things you could hear.
What is your favourite place in Ireland?
The Curragh, Kildare. Used to live there as a child. What a beautiful place. I'm going to write a song about it. It will be lucky. Goosebumps already.
What makes you angry?
Bad drunks. My pet hate. You can drink with the dogs, or piss with the puppies a great man told me once. I just can't stand drunk people when I'm sober. It drives me mental.
What book influenced you most?
The art of not giving a f@#£. If you haven't read it yet, you need to read it. It's a life changer.
What was the worst moment of your life?
Hearing a dear loved one has the big C. I'll not go into detail, but it hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s a cruel world man, thought the ground would swallow me up. We're beating it though. So that will be the best day of my life.
Which local star in any field should the world outside Ireland know about?
Niall Morgan. Tyrone goalkeeper. Can kick the ball about a thousand yards. Sign him for United.
If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?
Not a thing. I'm grateful for every day I have. I’ve the best friends and family anyone could ask for. Can’t believe how cheesy that sounds but I'm happy. Good to be happy in the now and realise what you have.
What is the best lesson life has taught you?
Don't sweat the small stuff! My ma's favourite saying. There's plenty of occasions where life will be tough and will knock you on your ass, so it's good to milk it when it's going good and appreciate it. Smile!
What is your favourite film and why?
Braveheart. William Wallace could shoot lightning out his ass. The "Mad Irishman" is my favourite character from any movie!
What do you believe in?
I believe in God. Have great faith. I believe hard work outweighs talent. Love that saying. I also believe in life after love. Me and Cher.
What trait do others criticise you for?
Being a yes man. I'm BRUTAL for it. I’ll agree to things I know I can't do just so I don’t hurt someone's feelings. Madness.
Where do you live and what are the best and worst things about that place?
Liverpool. I love it here. Best thing about it is the scouse craic. You wouldn't believe what the majority of scousers are like. They're mental. Sure Liverpool’s the capital of Ireland isn’t it?
Worst thing about Liverpool is quadvods in Slaters. That pint glass has ruined many a man on my nights out. Let's go drink quadruple vodkas and get so drunk we wet ourselves.
On what occasion is it OK to lie?
I fought with my cousin Daniel when we were about 10 and I whacked his head off the bloody wall man. Way too far. Uncle Austin heard him crying, "What happened here!??" and Daniel looked at me and then replied, "I fell daddy". Dan knew...snitches get stitches. That lie saved his life.
What do you consider the greatest work of art?
My best friend Michael painted a portrait when he was six. It’s literally the worst thing I’ve seen in my life. And it still hangs on the wall in his mum and dad’s kitchen with pride of place. It's craziness. It will never come down I don't think. When a mother loves her son eh?
What is your ultimate guilty pleasure?
Musicals. I LOVE musicals. I remember playing Joe Jonas in Camp Rock when I was 17. Never pulled as many birds in my life. The lads were giving me such grief until they saw the results with the ladies. 12 kisses and a throat infection. Who's laughing now lads?
Find more info about Conleth McGeary and news about upcoming gig listings here
See More: Conleth McGeary, Liverpool, London, The Fiddler, Tyrone
