What is the bands name?
The All Clear
How did you come up with the bands name?
I am an oncologist (cancer specialist) and the term ‘The All Clear’ is often used to signify that the cancer is gone (‘ i got the all clear’)
What is your genre of music?
Indie rock
Give us a little bio about you.
I am a 55 year old, originally from Wexford in Republic of Ireland and have been living in Northern Ireland for the past 20 years where I work as a consultant oncologist (specialising in prostate cancer) and Professor of oncology at Queens University Belfast. I have released 3 previous albums of original music as a solo artist (Take a Deep Breath [2015], Another Light [2017] and Instead of Many Shades of Blue [2020])
What made you go into music?
I have always loved music and ever since I heard Bob Dylan (when I was 10 years old) I wanted to play guitar and write songs
Who are your influences?
Bob Dylan, Ron Sexsmith, U2, The Beatles
Are you a signed?
No, independent
You released your latest album ‘Harbour Songs’, tell us more about the single and the meaning behind the album.
Northern Soul is a song about how my understanding of Northern Ireland and the legacy of the conflict (Troubles) has changed over the 20 years I have lived and worked there. I was inspired by a documentary on BBC called ‘Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland’ which explored the Troubles from the perspective of ordinary people. As a ‘southerner’ I grew up with one view of NI, and I now have a much better feel for the ‘soul’ of the Northern Irelanders.
Describe each track in two words.
Northern Soul- ‘Nordies Soul’
I won’t be the only one – Rock Band
In the dark – clear darkness
The boy who cried a dozen times a day- Blindboy podcast
Simplest Things – Simply happy
Show me your love – no phones
Accidental valentines – love haze
Right side of vulnerable- Shakey love
Something in the way you found me – love advert
In your love – love fertilizer
I’m not sugarcoated – no phoneys
What was the writing and recording process like?
Writing in my apartment mostly at night, usually a melody with a phrase attached will emerge from somewhere. I will try on guitar/piano and make rough demos. I write lyrics while I am travelling around the world with my day job. Recording took place once I had taught the band the songs and incorporated their ideas.
Who did you work with on the album?
Rock O’Reilly engineered and produced at Start Together Studios, Belfast
Joe and Ali had lots of ideas about the arrangements and feel of the album.
My son Oisín provided backing vocals
Will we see a music video for any of the tracks and I so, can you tell us more about the creative process and making.
Yes, Northern Soul
– Directed by Jim Crone The idea was to show some groovy shots of modern Belfast
Do you have any live shows coming up?
We just had our launch event at The American BAr, Belfast and we are rehearsing (with a new lead guitar player and keyboard player, aiming for gigs in Belfast and Dublin, Feb 2025.
What else can we expect in 2024?
We will record a live session (including reworking of some of my solo catalogue) I am also writing new songs with a view to recording in summer.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Better musicians and better song writers, hopefully with a decent following at live gigs
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
‘Its not a rehearsal’
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
a capo
Humility
To sing in tune
To smile
Spare strings
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes:
Band Insta
Main Insta
