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 Cairo Station who just released their new single ‘Menace’.
What was the inspiration behind your artist name?
We debated a name for a long time, which quite a significant amount was done over Xbox party chat. We opened one of the games we had played in the past and one of the Missions was called ‘Cairo Station’, which struck a chord with us for whatever reason and we settled with it a short while later.
You’ve just released a new single. How did it come about and what does it mean to you?
Menace, the single, has been poured over for hours by us and we’ve really put a lot of love into it so we are proud and relieved that its out and people have taken to it. The initial idea sort of came about out of nowhere, starting as a bit of a bass and guitar part until it was eventually slowed down and drums and vocals were added. For me it seems to have evolved quite organically, with all the pieces kinda falling into place over time.
Have you any more releases or studio time lined up for later in the year?
We’re always working and writing, and we have bits and pieces done but we’re not gonna release anything for the world until we totally love it aswell, and being a little bit picky that can take time. So yes we have more planned and more coming for this year, so just hold on for it
Tell us about your song writing process.
We really don’t have any kind of set structure or formula at all and mostly move off of inspiration. Some songs, like ‘Menace’ , start with guitar or bass parts and some others like a song we have called ‘Signals’, which is a staple of our live set, started with the lyrics and chords. Everyone contributes and we’re pretty open to taking whatever path leads us to a finished idea. We just like to have fun with it.
Who were your favourite artists/bands growing up? Have your influences changed over time?
I don’t recall a lot of music I loved when I was growing up to be honest, my real obsession with it didn’t start until I was nearing the end of my teens. Arctic Monkeys are the band that kind of kicked it all off, and I slowly found other bands I liked in that vein. My favourite band right now and probably of the last few years are Queens of the Stone Age, I just love the weird approach they take and their attitude to live performance. I love everything really, from Sade to Mastodon, if there is energy there, I’m in.
What’s been your favourite local release from the last twelve months?
Off the top of my head I can’t remember many albums out of NI this year, which is a shame but I really did love Grandstand by Brand New Friend. And single wise ‘Dilemma’ by Gush has been in heavy rotation, and the EP they put out also deserves a shout.
If you weren’t a musician, what line of work would we find you in?
Software Engineering. Rather dull.
If you could collaborate with one artist or band from NI, who would it be and why?
I watched them at Glastonbury the other week (on BBC unfortunately) so I’m gonna think big and say Two Door Cinema Club. I think all of their old work is aging really well and they are still to this day smashing it, which is hard to do.
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?
General interest. Venues. Funding. Making music and ‘the scene’ more accessible to younger people; the Oh Yeah are doing a good job of this with 14+ shows etc. but for a lot of people, especially if you don’t live and grow up in Belfast or Bangor etc. there’s very little. NI can be a bit of a black hole but personally I think that there is so much talent here right now that the future is looking bright, there seems to be a buzz about all the gigs I’ve been at recently that wasn’t really there previously.
What does success look like for you?
If I could stand on a stage and play with the people I love, to a crowd who for whatever reason want to be there, every single night, I would. That is success to me personally. Doing what I love and doing it for as much time as I possibly can.
You’re going out on tour and can have anything you want on your rider, what would we find on yours?
New strings? Bass strings are bloody expensive.
Where and when can we next catch you live?
We are playing at the Oh Yeah Music Centre on August 3rd supporting The Thing Is
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.
