MacD on Music: A Tale of Two Columns with Damian O’Neill

There have been many bands of musical siblings throughout history. You’ve got the Kinks (Ray and Dave Davies), the Black Crows (Chris and Rich Robinson) and Oasis (Liam and Noel Gallagher).

Derry has also made a significant contribution to this collection, with Ireland’s greatest punk band, the Undertones, featuring John and Damian O’Neill.

Damian O’Neill has recently released his latest solo album, ‘an crann’, a collection of excellent instrumental pieces that are quite a departure from his previous work. I recently spoke to Damian about the album, and he told me about how it came about, the difference between working solo compared to with a group, and what other acts he’s recently been impressed by.

Tell me a bit about the new album?

It’s an instrumental album that’s quite personal and introspective, recorded mainly at home during lock down. It’s quite a mellow record with certain Irish themes/titles. Old punk rocker finds his inner soul!

I play most of the instruments myself except drums. In fact, Liam Bradley (fellow Derry man and former drummer for Van Morrison) plays drums/percussion on two tracks.

Also, ‘Tune For The Derry Ones’ is dedicated to my niece and People Before Profit councillor Maeve O’Neill and to legendary Tristar founder Jon ‘Ugg’ Clifford RIP. 

Both Maeve and Jon are/were an inspiration for me.

What are the main differences between working on your solo stuff vs. working on Undertones stuff?

With the solo stuff there’s more freedom to be experimental (especially with instrumentals) and not worry what the others may think. I’ve definitely gotten more confident in myself there.

With the Undertones it’s obviously more of a collaborative process when you bring a new song in. Also, they’ll quickly tell you if it’s any good or not!

Do you have a favourite from your solo projects?

I like to think this new record is my favourite work out of all of them, certainly regarding my guitar playing anyway.

Also, my wife and daughter feature on it too so it’s a family affair.

Are there any newer groups/artists you think we should be keeping an eye on?

I was really impressed with Northwest band Tramp when they supported The Undertones in June this year at the Millennium Forum.

I’m also a fan of more established Irish singers like Lisa O’Neill, Radie Peat and guitarist Cian Nugent.

Have you got anything else coming up you’d like to talk about?

My good friend Kevin Sharkey has done some amazing remixes of certain tracks from ‘an crann’. French band The Liminanas have remixed a track too.

Hopefully I’ll release them all together sometime next year.

Plus, there’s a fantastic new That Petrol Emotion 7 CD box set Anthology that has just been released by Demon Records called ‘Every Beginning Has A Future 1984-1994’

It’s the first time the entire back catalogue of the band has ever been lovingly packaged and made available. Would make an ideal Christmas present for any Petrols fans out there!

Damian O’Neill can be found on Facebook, and his new album is available on CD and LP in Cool Discs.

Stendhal

Now, onto other business. Recently the good people at Stendhal got in touch with me to let me know that submissions are open for the 2023 festival. Anyone who’s been to the festival in the past will tell you that it’s an excellent weekend that features a wide variety of acts from all walks of life. This past summer it played host to some of the finest up-and-coming talent, as well as more established acts, acts as diverse as Parker, Hyfin, Rowan, Cherym and Louise DaCosta. As a first time attendee, I can say that there’s something for everybody, from families to people just looking to enjoy a drink or two while hearing some brilliant music.

The festival is a great opportunity for newer acts to get noticed, with many past performers going on to great success both at home and abroad. Director Ross Parkhill said: “The submission process has in the past brought acts such as Ryan McMullan, SOAK, The Wood Burning Savages, ROE, No Oil Paintings and Joshua Burnside to our attention, so it’s always exciting to see what comes through every year.”

Next year’s festival takes place from the 6th-8th July. Artists interested in applying can visit stendhalfestival.com. The application process will remain live until January 2nd.