DUBLIN-based Fermanagh musician Stephen Brennan has been playing live music for 12 years, first taking to the stage during his school days. Since then, he has performed in many venues around Ireland and beyond.

Here he speaks to The Impartial Reporter about his major influences, his favourite song to play, and his best moment as a musician so far.

How would you describe your sound?

A mix between Blues, Rock, Funk and 80s Pop.

What genre/genres of music do you most enjoy playing?

Different genres for different reasons; I will always love the spontaneity and authenticity of Blues – as well as the free pass that you get to play big, face-melting solos – but if I had a really tight bassist and drummer, Funk and R&B can be heaps of fun.

I think that at some point, every guitar player has enjoyed being the “singer-songwriter around the bonfire”, even if it is a little bit of a guilty pleasure.

How long have you been performing?

I’ve been playing live music for 12 years now; my first performance was at a talent show in the Integrated where I played a very questionable rendition of ‘Voodoo Child’, by Jimi Hendrix.

Where do you perform?

Mostly in live venues around Dublin; Siné, Workmans and Fibber Magees stand out. I’ve played a bit in Cork and Galway as well. As of January, it has been livestreams only.

What is your favourite song to play, and why?

‘Wayfaring Stranger’; I have a deep connection to this piece of music, and I have my own version that I play. It is a simple song about journeying through life, about loss and hope, and the subject is as relatable now as it was more than 200 years ago when the song was written.

What has been your biggest gig, to date?

I used to be in a band that played college balls, weddings and black-tie events; in terms of sheer numbers, I’d say it would have to be one of those – there were a few that had more than 2,000 people in attendance.

The biggest gig in terms of personal importance would be the first gig I played as a frontman of my own band. There’s a different kind of pressure on when you are showcasing your own personal project, rather than playing as a member of someone else’s.

Any funny gig stories?

One that happened last year springs to mind. We were playing a Rock gig and we were covering, ‘Kicked in the teeth’, by AC/DC.

The drummer volunteered to sing but had warned us in advance that the vocal part was extremely difficult – we had faith in him, so it was all good!

On the night, we got to Kicked in the Teeth; the drummer sang, or shouted, the opening line: “TWO-FACED WOMAN WITH YOUR TWO-FACED LIIIIIIIIIEESSSSSSS” – then, silence.

I turned around, and he had fainted behind the drum kit! We brought him back to life, and called it a night after that.

Who are your major influences?

Guitarists such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Albert King, BB King and Nuno Battencourt were big influences in my playing.

Recently, I have been listening to a lot of NPR tiny desk concerts on YouTube – especially Anderson, Paak and Run the Jewels. My favourite album of 2020 is ‘Modern Johnny Sings’, by Theo Katzman; it had a big impact on the music I wrote this year and I would definitely recommend giving it a spin on YouTube or Spotify.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes, I do! when I am writing a song, I will try to think about a moment of time or a character and tell the story from there.

Songwriting and storytelling are pretty much the same thing; the elements which make a good story are usually found in a good song.

What would be your dream gig?

I’d love to play at the World Blues Championships.

Best moment as a musician so far?

Playing music at a wedding in rural Russia was an incredible experience.

What is the most unusual venue you have played?

The Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin. I played there as part of a Swing orchestra at a 1920s-themed Halloween party. The party was organised by a theatre company; between the decor in the old museum and the commitment to the theme, it made for a very spooky night!

What is your ‘go-to’ encore song?

It really depends on the gig. In my last band, we used to close it off with ‘Travelin’ Band’ by Creedence Clearwater Revival. If it is just me, probably a slow and sexy version of ‘Uptown Funk’.

What’s the best thing about performing?

Seeing people having a good time – It’s so rewarding! The excitement before hitting the stage and the post-gig adrenaline rush is pretty fantastic too.

Do you always perform solo or do you also play with a band?

Nearly exclusively with a band, but in the past I have done solo gigs.

How has lockdown impacted you as a musician?

It has been tough to keep practising and learning, given the amount of uncertainty surrounding live music. While playing on livestreams has been fun, it is no substitute for the real thing.

On the upside, I started taking part in online collaborations and ‘cover challenges’ and writing articles for an online magazine, deMars Magazine.

What does 2021 hold for you?

A new band, all of the live music, gigs, travelling and seeing friends, I hope!

Any last words?

I am always interested in meeting and playing with new musicians – if you are reading this and want to collaborate, let’s do it!