Villagers: Take 5

Villagers’ exquisite melodies and intimate acoustics make their live shows unmissable. Conor O’Brien gives us the scoop on their upcoming gig at #GIAF16.

1 How do you feel after your second incredible Ivor Novello win?

Well it’s always a nice pat on the ego isn’t it? I’m pretty obsessed with writing so it’s nice to be told that other people are enjoying it too.

2 You called Darling Arithmetic an ‘accidental’ Villagers album because the songs were originally recorded as demos. What made you go with those draft songs rather than polishing them?

They just felt right to me. Most of the performances, especially the vocal performances, are the sound of me figuring out the songs and feeling the words out. I don't think it would have benefitted from a lusher production. It sounds like the way it felt to make it.

3 It’s an incredibly personal album. How much of it is drawn from real life?

I suppose every song I’ve ever written is about me, as much as I’ve tried to deny it. I think that role-play and fictional flights of fancy are just as personal as diary entries; it all comes from the same place. It all exposes the same core elements and preoccupations.

4 What are your favourite songs from the album, and are you going to perform them at Galway International Arts Festival?

It changes all the time when I’m performing but I always get a kick out of The Soul Serene. It just feels slinky and sexy in a soulful way. We’ll definitely be playing it at the festival.

5 Your favourite thing about Galway city?

The people!

Villagers play the Absolut Big Top with special guest Mick Flannery on 19 July.