theaussieword.com catches up with Belfast based singer/songwriter & performer Rory Lavelle.
Tell us how it all started. What had you first interested in music? I remember my baby-sitter listening to a Simon and Garfunkel compilation and being completely taken by it. I couldn’t think of a better foundation for starting a love affair with melody.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music? The great music that went before really. The melodies, riffs, beats and words that lift you up and put a swagger back in your walk.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist? Ideally I’d like to make a comfortable living out of writing and recording whilst remaining try to myself.
Success, what is the secret to it? I’ll tell you if and when I get there!
What has been your biggest career highlight so far? Supporting Ian Brown to a packed Ulster Hall was pretty special.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring? Bill Withers for his integrity, John Lennon and Bob Marley for their passionate, intelligent, peace endeavours and David Bowie for his vision.
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
I have another 2 albums written already so I’d like to think I’ll have reached a few more people and can gig more frequently. So hopefully on the road is where you’ll find me.
The industry has vastly changed from when I started which was the pre-Internet flyposting era. You can’t just write and perform and think that’ll do it, you need to wear all the hats i.e. arranging, production, PR and marketing. If you can’t get your head around the promotion you need to make sure your music is the best it can be.
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists. That’s a huge list but I’ll go with AC/DC, The Vines, Nick Cave, Crowded House and INXS.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I mentioned earlier I have another two albums ready to go in my head and another half I’ve written recently so I am keen to get back into the studio while I still have the breath left in me. I’ll also be taking “Waves” out on the road shortly with a bunch of very talented guys I’ve been lucky enough to meet along the way so watch this space!
Tell us a bit about your latest record, how would you best describe your music?
I suppose you could tag me as dark, acoustic indie rock. I’ve always written faster than I could gather the money to record so I have a lot of songs lying around from my years in various bands, songs that didn’t really suit the style we were working on at the time. I’ve basically gathered these 10 tracks for their simplicity in arrangement and the at times dark subject matter. I’m a bit of an introspective cynic and the lyrics are a form of catharsis for me.
Do you have any new projects in the pipeline?
I’ve started putting the ground-work in for my second record which is similar to Waves but with a bit more sunshine and loads more electric guitar
Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today?
Thanks for giving me your time and please check the links below for updates.
Website: www.rorylavelle.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rorylavelleni
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rorylavelleni
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