Local musician Ciaran Carson has been playing live gigs via Facebook during the coronavirus lockdown, raising money for important causes and also raising spirits in the process.

Here he tells The Impartial Reporter how performing live gigs online differs from playing to a live audience, how he's missing his Full Moon Fever bandmates and the benefits of music during a time like this.

What genre/genres do you consider your music to be and how long have you been performing?

As I have played for 20 years as a solo artist and with bands, I know the importance of getting the balance right of playing to all ages and music tastes of different folk. So, I tend to do a bit of everything from the likes of Rock, Pop, Country, Irish etc.

What inspired you to perform live gigs via Facebook?

My main inspiration was to raise money for the NHS and people in need in the county, firstly donating money directly to the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) and then helping out charities such as Enniskillen Food Bank, PPE and Foodbank Appeal. I am still overwhelmed at the generosity of my followers on Facebook, we had raised over £1,500 and will continue to do so.

In what ways does it differ from performing to a live audience?

Well you are in a room all by yourself for a start... It was very strange at the first attempt but reading the feedback and comments on the page it all became very enjoyable. In addition to that there is no cheering or general banter you would normally have during a live audience, but I have to say the public have been brilliant with support.

Any funny stories/highlights from your Facebook Live gigs?

Well there are a few, mainly just having the crack with the comments flowing back to me while I am playing, but on one live I thought the camera had cut off and the live feed had stopped, this wasn’t the case, so I got up and was walking about, unbeknown to me everyone was watching…

How often do you stream Facebook Live gigs? Are they on a particular day each week?

I try for every fortnight, my main reason for live feeds is to generate money for charity, if a charity contacts me then yes another live feed will happen. I normally go live on a Friday or Saturday night.

What are your favourite songs to perform and why?

My favourite songs are really a mix of what I grew up with. I love playing Rock but yet I still love to play acoustic finger picking of old classic Irish songs. I think when you are playing you should give it your all, and if you can put your own emotions and feeling into it, it will shine through in your performance.

What has the response to your Facebook Live gigs been like?

Really really positive, on my first night I was so delighted to get messages from people all over the world, people who I haven’t spoken to in a while. I found it amazing as you are opening yourself up to a new audience, people who are house bound, people across the seas and people who miss the interaction of everyday life. They have all been brilliant and generous too.

Do you get many song requests? What seems to be your most popular song?

Yes hundreds of requests, there is no way to get through them all on any one night. My most popular would be 'Galway Girl', 'Grace', 'Shallow', 'Shotgun' and many more.

You are also in the band Full Moon Fever, are you missing being able to play with your bandmates?

That is without doubt my biggest miss. Me and the lads just have the best craic whether that be at weddings, pubs, outdoor marquees etc. We give it one hundred percent and a professional performance but also have a brilliant laugh. And that’s what it's all about, having fun because if you can show your enjoyment and delight at playing functions then it will reflect out to the audience. I’d just like to say hello to Paul, Gareth, Rony and the newest member to band Shay, we will be back out rocking soon lads.

What benefits do you think music can bring during a time like this?

Hope and togetherness, music does bring everyone together. I had so many people message me to say thank you for bringing some sort of normality into there homes, so they felt connected with people even though they may be living alone. That’s what makes these live feeds so important.

What are you most looking forward to doing when lockdown is lifted?

Seeing family and friends, playing live with the band and maybe a nice sit down meal in a restaurant with my wife Joanne.

Any last words?

Yes, for anyone at home feeling alone or worried, always remember there are friends and family out there to help. I get a lot of messages from people on my Facebook page Ciaran Carson Music and it just gives people hope. So don’t sit in silence, reach out and this lockdown will be over soon and we can return to better days. Take Care Everyone… Ciaran.