When Chordblossom came into existence, it was always our aim to shine a spotlight on the artists and bands that make up the music scene in Northern Ireland. We’ve been doing it for over ten years now and one of our favourite methods is our Introducing feature.
Put the kettle on, curl up on your sofa and and join us for a quickfire Q&A with some of our favourite new musicians. Who knows, maybe you’ll even discover your new favourite artists.
This iteration of Introducing features the musical talents of Shoresheh who just released their debut EP ‘Safe and Sound’ earlier this month.
What was the inspiration behind your artist name?
The name Shoresheh came from the phonetical spelling of my name in Irish which is Seóirse or George in English. This is a big step away from all the music I’ve performed and recorded in the past under my own name, George Hutton. This new direction has allowed me to find my original voice in its most natural soundings which has been totally transformative from an overall artistic perspective.
You’ve just released a new single. How did it come about and what does it mean to you?
My new single ‘Rays of Gold’ is based on a sonnet I wrote in memory of a late friend and the last conversation we had before he passed away. The lyrics are a reminder that life is so precious and to pursue all we love without a moment’s hesitation.
We never know when the last conversation with someone we love will be and ‘Rays of Gold’ highlights the importance of enjoying every small moment we have with those who have supported us, every step of the way.
Have you any more releases or studio time lined up for later in the year?
I have a number of exciting releases in the pipeline, including a collaboration with Ailbhe Reddy, who has been one of my favourite artists for some time now. The album is almost finished and I’m excited to get it ready for release in 2023, it’s a body of work that means everything to me and I can’t wait to share it.
Tell us about your song writing process.
My song writing process always starts with the writing, so everything for me begins with a poem or just little notions. I’ll jot ideas down as they come and then I’ll gravitate towards the piano and start feeling out the ideas with basic chords. Once I’m happy with the sentiment I sit down with Michael Mormecha and Danny Trouton, two of the most incredible musicians and multi-instrumentalists I’ve ever worked with, and together we arrange the song.
My writing is always honest, maybe sometimes too honest but I’m at a stage in my life where I feel it’s time to wear my heart on my sleeve and really express myself through my words and music.
Who were your favourite artists/bands growing up? Have your influences changed over time?
Growing up I was exposed to so many different artists and genres, so my inspirations are a bit of an eclectic mix including Glen Hansard, Duke Special, The Gloaming, Sparks, Massive Attack and then more recent artists including Ailbhe Reddy and Emma Langford. I saw Sparks in the Ulster Hall and was blown away, the guys are in their 60’s/70’s now and they’re making music that is still so current to this day, they were out of this world.
Glen Hansard and Duke Special although different stylistically I’ve always admired the raw honesty of their vocal delivery and their songwriting prowess. The Gloaming are to me the peak of the contemporary folk sound, mostly recorded live, their albums reinvented the current folk sound and have gone on to inspire so many in that genre.
With the NI Music Prize round the corner, what’s been your favourite album and single released this year?
Oh this is a tough one, my favourite single didn’t actually make the short list but it would have to be Michael Mormecha’s ‘Kraken’. Everything from the intricate arrangement and the incredible attention to detail just blew me away. It’s so beautifully complex and it’s a pleasure to listen to someone with such powerful vocals and stellar musicianship that has been part of the musical fabric in Northern Ireland for so long come back with a monumental bang.
If you weren’t a musician, what line of work would we find you in?
I would 100% go back into strength and conditioning coaching, it’s been and always will be a large part of my life.
If you could collaborate with one artist or band from NI, who would it be and why?
Duke Special, he’s just a genius, seeing him live many years ago when I used to work in the nerve centre my jaw hit the floor for nearly 2 hours. He delivers every-time and commands the light and shade of music effortlessly.
It is intensely difficult to be successful in the music industry. What does NI need to do to invest in/develop to boost your chances?
Truth be told, I think the NI Arts Council does an incredible job of supporting young and experienced artists across the board. The problem lies in the serious lack of radio support for artists in NI, they should be playing all NI artists that are releasing music to a high standard. It’s a terrible shame and more should be done, but the likelihood of that changing anytime soon is very slim.
What does success look like for you?
Getting to do what I love for a living, make music and tour it.
You’re going out on tour and can have anything you want on your rider, what would we find on yours?
Oh, I’d be so boring! Lots of Evian water, protein bars, bananas and a ton of chocolate rice cakes!
Where and when can we next catch you live?
I launched my debut EP last night at the Sunflower, Belfast last night but I’ll be playing Bennigan’s, Derry on 22nd October!
If you enjoyed this feature and fancy discovering some more new artists, we suggest you jump on over to our archive of Introducing pieces.
If you are a band or musician based in Northern Ireland interested in taking part in our Introducing feature, we recommend submitting new music to us via our Contact page and if we enjoy it, you’ll no doubt hear from us.
