Music Q&A:
Grainne Duffy

What informs your music and songwriting?
Mostly people, relationships and the world around me. Anything that moves me. And other songs I feel inspired by too.

How have you evolved as an artist over the years?
Well, I supposed I began as rock edged. Then I got more influenced by blues. And the songs were very blues, edged with guitar solos. From there I was inspired a lot by bands like The Stones and how they have blues songs that sometimes have riffs more then long solos. More recently I’m also enjoying acoustic-style material and songwriters like Carole King. So I suppose I’m constantly trying to grow as much as possible.

What are you up to at the moment artistically?
I just recorded an album in LA with a wonderful producer, Justin Stanley. I’m really happy with it and I’ve been promoting it with tours at home in Ireland, in the UK and in Europe and Scandinavia. I’m heading out early next year on a tour supporting Paul Carrack on his UK tour, which I’m really looking forward to also.

What’s on your rider?
Beers for the lads and wine and just some nice nibbles. We are not too fussy really. Nothing extravagant… yet!

Tell us your most embarrassing or surreal experience.
I’m not sure. Maybe when I did a support tour for Jools Holland. I met him in the hallway after a show and I just froze. Couldn’t even say hello! Growing up in Ireland, Later with Jools was a real iconic music show for me and I felt so overwhelmed when I met him, I got tongue tied! Not sure he even noticed, I hope.

What song do you wish you’d written?
Anything by Carole King – Natural Woman maybe. A real classic. Or Dreams by Fleetwood Mac.

What’s your worst lyric?
Ahhhh, that I can’t answer. You’d need to ask someone else. It’s hard to be objective on that one. Sorry!