Music Matters: Scally
In a new section in the Westmeath Examiner, we speak to local musicians about the music that matters to them most and why.
What is your favourite album?
It changes quite often but Brian Benjy – Still Waking is the album I’ve most deeply connected with since 2020.
What song do you wish you had written?
I’m content with all that I’ve made but if I had to pick one it would be Beautiful Strangers – Kevin Morby.
Which band from any era would you love to have been a member of?
The Stone Roses, 1989-1994. Peerless in many ways, they created an unprecedented psychedelic rock ‘n’ roll sound and encapsulated that free and hedonistic spirit of early ‘80s and late ‘90s. They were a little gang but hippies at heart, they all wore cool clothes and there was no mobile phones back then as well…
What song are you most proud of?
The F**ked Up World. Or Killing The Nation from the Mass Psychosis EP I did with The Ballyboyz 2023.
Guiltiest musical pleasure?
If the pleasure makes you feel guilty then maybe you shouldn’t be indulging in it!
Most memorable gig you’ve ever been to?
Kevin Morby – La Rochelle, 2023.
Most memorable gig you’ve ever played?
As Scally and The Dirty Rats, we supported a punk band from South Africa called The Soap Girls, in Letterkenny, late 2018. The gig ended with an audience member on stage wearing a giant nappy and the Soap Girls filled it with cat food! Something else happened at that gig but it’s probably not printable in a family newspaper!
Biggest musical inspiration?
Shane MacGowan and Bob Marley. Shane more so as a direct musical influence, Bob inspired more of my broader outlook on life.
Who is Westmeath’s greatest ever musician?
I’ll design a hybrid! For the voice, Joe Dolan, for the raw genius talent, Paulie Martin, and for the energy and buzz I choose me!
If you could only listen to five songs for the rest of your life what would they be?
Beautiful Strangers – Kevin Morby
War/No More Trouble – Bob Marley
Thinking Of You – Lord Echo
Fools Gold – The Stone Roses
Nil Aon Easpa Orm – Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly.