Pine ¶he Pilcrow released their critically acclaimed debut EP in March and are making big waves in the Irish music scene. The piano, cello and violin 3 piece have received early reviews describing their music as “stunning”, “cinematic” and “atmospheric, melodic gold”. Recently nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2016 Pure M awards things are looking bright for this Dublin based folk trio. Their new EP is due out soon. We chatted with singer and fiddle player Hannah Ryan in advance of their first headline gig here at the Civic on 24th June.
Can you tell us a little bit about where you grew up?
I grew up in a village called Mountshannon in Co. Clare. Full of music and artists. It’s a little fishing village with lots of pubs 😉
Who were your earliest musical influences?
That’s such a hard question! When I was very small like under 10 I loved Alison Krauss and you’d often catch me singing her songs and Eva Cassidy. There’s a massive Trad influence for me too, I started playing trad with my dad when I was 6. At home there was a lot of The Beatles, James Taylor, Dylan, Cohen all the folk and big names;) when I was a teenager I became totally obsessed with Queen, Bowie and the Pixies and still hold that love 😉
How did you get into the music business?
I used to play trad gigs with my dad for a sailing club who would hold functions when I was a kid. I used to do covers with two friends of mine and we’d do the odd wedding etc when I was a teen. Bits and bobs of providing strings for recordings or one or two songs in other bands sets through the years and now it’s all Pine the Pilcrow;)
What do you enjoy most about touring?
Definitely laughing away with the guys! We have so much fun.
What is your standout memory in music to date?
We were set to play this noisy crowded pub in Sligo last year and we were dreading it, we thought, here we go, they’ll talk over us and it’ll be awkward but as soon as we started to play the place went silent and they gave us all of their attention. I really liked that moment! It was quite touching!
What music is on your playlist now?
Today it’s been the villagers, first aid kit, Eva Cassidy and a harp music mix;)
Tell us a little bit about your creative process, melody or lyrics first?
I wish I knew!!!!!! It’s hard to know but I think in general I’ll hum a line that for some reason sticks in my head or I’ll find a word or a sentence that I’ll just have to use in some way and work around that. I like the idea of writing a beautiful poem and then putting it to music but I seldom write a song that way.
What do they like to do outside of music that contributes to your musicality or creative process?
I love to paint and draw. I feel like music and art influence each other! Sometimes I’ll paint something that I could imagine coming to life and write a story about it. Sometimes I’ll write a song and want to paint a picture to represent that song. It’s been a lot of fun doing the artwork for the band for that reason. For me, the two keep each other alive.
What is next for you?
Lots more gigs! Hopefully bigger ones all the time. A second EP coming so lots of energy going to that. An album possibly. Touring outside of Ireland. All exciting whatever happens!
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PINE THE PILCROW, Saturday 24th June 8.15pm
