Hiya folks thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
We both grew up in musical houses. My (Aileen) parents were musicians and in a band together. I discovered very early on the cathartic power of music and the effect it had on me and others around me. Kieran also grew up in a musical family with both sisters becoming professional musicians. His older sister introduced him to the guitar and the music of Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan and many more and he has never looked back since.
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
Aileen Mythen – singer/songwriter
My name is Aileen Mythen. I grew up in a musical family with my parents in a band so music was part of my DNA. I trained classically and sang all types of genres and styles over the years. I even served my time and learned a lot through singing with Abbaesque! I then discovered the blues and songwriting and decided to marry the other member of the band so there was no turning back!
My name is Kj McEvoy and my musical history is somewhat longer and more extensive than hers as I am a few years older! I’ve had quite a few bands over the years. Everything from new/wave, post punk to hard rock and glam-metal bands. I lived in New York for 8 years and played with Electra Record’s artists ‘Smashed Gladys’. I’ve also recorded and toured with many different artists including my sister, Eleanor McEvoy.
Name me your 3 favourite Albums.
Exile On Main Street (The Rolling Stones)
Oh Mercy (Bob Dylan)
Car Wheels On A Gravel Road (Lucinda Williams)
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
Kieran: Sunday Morning Coming Down (Kris Kristofferson)
Aileen: I Should Be So Lucky (Kylie) ☺ ☺
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in, how do you feel you are doing?
I would give us a 10 out of 10 for pure perseverance! ☺ We have always been in it for the long haul as music is a huge part of our make-up and survival. We try not to get too bogged down with the external and instead concentrate on improving our craft and tapping into our own creativity. Obviously, it’s always nice when you perform to a sold out gig, which helps make for an electric and magical night and it means a lot to know people are connecting with your music. Regardless, we will always continue to write songs and perform.
I’m seeing a lot of debate about women not feeling safe at music gigs, any thoughts on what we need to do to help change this for the better?
Personally I (Aileen) have always felt safe at gigs to be honest. It really depends on the type of gigs you are performing at. There’s always safety in numbers so I wouldn’t have found myself alone at any point but of course a female performer is absolutely entitled to feel safe while travelling alone. I would hope that venues and promoters would take a 0 tolerance approach to disrespectful behaviour.
As you develop as an artist and evolve using social media platforms, in what ways do you get new ears on your music? Any tips for emerging artists who may be reading this interview?
I think the most important thing is to be authentic and play and write music that inspires you rather than following any trends. When you are genuinely in that inspirational, creative space and enjoying your craft an audience will pick up on that and hopefully go along for the ride. It’s important also to know your worth but to be humble enough to realise that we never know it all and are always learning and improving. There is no room for anything but hard work and a good attitude.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
Aileen voices many different cartoon characters.
Aileen is a bloody thirsty carnivore.
Kieran is a good tennis player.
What’s your thought on Spotify’s monopoly on the music industry?
It still doesn’t make sense that an artist puts so much into recording an album – time, talent, creativity, management of musicians, production, money etc. and it is then put out into the world for free essentially. It just isn’t sustainable. Artists deserve to be paid for their ‘product’. I do think spotify is useful in terms of getting your music to a wide audience and finding where your music is popular so you can put together a tour in that area. However, as a business and ethical model it just doesn’t make any sense.
Do you sign up for any conspiracy theories?
No. Life is too short.
Did you buy anything you don’t need during the pandemic?
A manicun!?
What was the worst experience you ever had on stage?
I (Aileen) threw up in between songs. It was on a boat and the seas were particularly rough.
Tell us something about you / each member that you think people would be surprised about?
We both have a thing for yodeling.
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
Our yodeling techniques are second to none!!
I hear you have a new music, what can you tell us about it.
We will release our third album 26th May. The songs see us broadening our sonic palette with strings and brass and features some notable Irish musicians including Aongus Ralston on bass (The Waterboys), Binzer Brennan on drums (The Frames) and Michael Buckley and Ronan Dooney on brass (Van Morrison). The album was co – produced by Gavin Glass in Orphan Studios, Wexford. While our second album was recorded in Nashville, musically this new chapter sees us heading towards Memphis and New Orleans with nods to Fleetwood Mac along the way.
Talk me through the thought process of the new tune/s.
A lot of the songs were written in lockdown and experiencing isolation and the anxieties that went with it. As always there are lots of songs about the many different types of love. There are also some unexpected themes in there including a song about Ann Boleyn, which came from somewhere outside ourselves.
What was the recording process like?
It was a very joyful, intense and creatively fulfilling process. We loved working with Gavin Glass as co-producer and so many incredibly talented musicians. Connecting and sharing that experience with other musicians is such a privilege and joy.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
We had the new experience of working with strings and brass for the first time.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
No. Never look back!
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
We would love to invite everybody to our album launch Sunday 28th May in The Workman’s Club. We plan on having one hell of a party with a full band and would love you to join us. We will also be touring Ireland and the UK, which you can find out more about through our website HERE
PRE-SAVE ALBUM HERE
ALBUM LAUNCH AND TOUR TICKETS
WEBSITE
https://www.theremedyclub.ie