Name: Strength
Formed: 2013
Hometown: Derry
Genre: Pop
Line-up: Brendan Sally | Rory Moore | Conor Mc Namee | Neil Burns
◀ Q & A ▶
▶ Tell us about your artist/band name?
Strength is an ode to the widows of Karoshi victims in Japan.
▶ When did you start playing music and how would you describe your sound?
Being taught how to play wild thing by the Troggs on guitar age 12, I preferred the recorder part to the guitar, no guitars in Strength .I would describe our sound as White Rabbit meets Tammy Wynette at a Fugazi show.
▶ What releases have you put out so far?
Hospital Beds and Drugs released 2013 and Disobedience released 2014 on Independent record store day.
▶ Is there a particular live show that stands out amongst all the rest?
Ned’s Point Centre in Buncrana, Donegal, we played a show in an underground cavern, previously used to store ammunition during the first world war by the English army. Stalactites on the ceiling, hot steaming bodies moving to the groove, a very enthusiastic crowd that night. Jolly good.
▶ Can you talk about a Highlight and a low point of the journey so far?
We made a live video for our track ‘I like compressions’ it received over 3 thousand views in a few days, we were not expecting that kind of response. We have been stopped in the street by some people who really dig that track, This is wonderful.
Low point – Having gear stolen from our practice room, bad sport.
▶ If you weren’t a musician(s) how would you spend your spare time?
I(Rory) don’t make music in my spare time, music is just a part of life, it is a necessity, it is like breathing. I don’t even know what spare time is these days, but if I had some I’d probably do some Math.
▶ If you were to go on a world tour and you could pick any 3 acts come along, who would they be?
Sleaford mods, M.I.A & Tindersticks
▶ What would be the 3 strangest things on your rider if you were able to make any demand?
I don’t believe in demanding anything,riders are strange, I don’t believe in putting people out, we could ask for some local flowers at a push.
▶ Is there a particular aim or goal which you hope to achieve through music?
To bring Joy.
▶ Who has been your biggest inspiration as a musician?
My uncle Manus.
▶ Are there any other Northern Irish musicians we should check out?
I enjoy watching and listening to school Orchestras, it’s a real experience that doesn’t come across on recordings of Orchestras. It’s a spectacle.
Alternative bands I’d say Autumns from Derry are doing something different sonically.
▶ What is next for you?
Rehersals for Ned’s point gig next week.
◀ LISTEN ▶
Facebook ▶ /Strength
