MUSIC MATTERS: Daniel Allen (Some One’s Sons)

What is your favourite album?

It changes a lot! Growing up I’d probably say it was something like ‘Whatever People Say I am, That’s what I’m not’ by Arctic Monkeys or ‘Inside In/Inside Out’ by The Kooks. I also listened to Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Live in Dublin’ with the Seeger Sessions Band on repeat. Today I’m addicted to ‘The Livelong Day’ by Lankum.

What song do you wish you had written?

Finnegan’s Wake. It’s an 200-year-old Irish ballad about a man named Tim Finnegan who lived, died and was reborn – all due to a bottle of whiskey.

Which band from any era would you love to have been a member of?

The Pogues. I don’t think they get enough credit on their impact of Irish music internationally, or how good they were as songwriters and musicians.

I’m not sure I could hack their nights out, but I’d give it a lash.

What song are you most proud of?

There’s a song we haven’t released yet called ‘Paddy-O’. It’s a workers ballad about fighting your boss.

Me and Greg Dunne wrote it over a few voice notes in about an hour, and never touched it for a good year.

We started playing it live in June and it’s probably our most popular song.

We’re not sure how, since it hasn’t been released, but that makes it all the more special.

Guiltiest musical pleasure?

The Lumineers.

Most memorable gig you’ve ever been to?

In 2013 I went to Bruce Springsteen in Belfast. He was his own support act, came back out with the full band and had two encores. Brilliant gig!

Most memorable gig you’ve ever played?

We’ve been lucky to have a few very special ones. Greggy Dunne proposed to his now fiancé, Ursula, at our first gig at last year’s Fleadh Cheoil.

I think he just found the Greville car park really romantic.

This year’s Electric Picnic was incredible, it was one of the best atmospheres we ever played in.

I’d also have to say our two performances on the main stage of the Fleadh Cheoil, in Mullingar and Wexford.

Biggest musical inspiration?

Bruce Springsteen, Shane MacGowan and Christy Moore.

Who is Westmeath’s greatest ever musician?

There’s no show like the Joe Show!

If you could only listen to five songs for the rest of your life what would they be?

Further On Up The Road – Bruce Springsteen and the Seeger Sessions

Rainy Night in Soho – The Pogues

Rasputin – Boney M

Cliffs of Dooneen – Christy Moore

Hot Stuff – Donna Summers