| Stepping Out of the Shadows
Irish artist E’van O’Donnell is poised to set the world of country music
alight. With his new debut album Out Of The Shadow, he’s tipped to become
one of the premier country performers in recent years. The singer chats
with rí-rá about his passion for music, his career and the events which
saw him working as a Garth Brooks impersonator in Jersey.
E’van O’Donnell is ready to take the music world by storm. Having already
elicited some big reactions within the industry, he hopes he can also woo
the world with his simple, heartfelt and moving music.
Music is his life, and making music is his goal, according to the Donegal
man.
“It’s hard to explain, but that’s really all I want. Any time I’m on
stage, I’m happy.”
The album will contain 12 tracks, ranging in tempo from Evan’s first
single The Morning After The Night Before to the beautiful waltz Darling
— a new track written by a songwriter from Co. Fermanagh called John Farry.
The music is simple, heartfelt and moving, and he does it in his style
and in his way.
E'van cites his influences in music as George Jones, Merle Haggard, Conway
Twitty and Elvis Presley.
“I don’t pick a particular song because of who did it or what style it
is. I focus on the song itself — what the writer is trying to say... then
I get excited about it.”
But nowhere on his list of influences is Garth Brooks — who E’van impersonated
during his stint in Jersey in the Channel Islands for a number of years.
He took his Garth Brooks Show all across Jersey and toured clubs across
Britain and as far field as Norway. But his heart took him home to Ireland
and it was then that he set about getting his long-anticipated album off
the ground.
Now, with an increasing number of gigs lined up, E’van admits that it’s
a long way from Lifford, Co. Donegal where he began his career as a local
church choirboy.
The singer also went on to audition twice for Stars in Their Eyes and
has aspirations to go right to the top.
“I’m my own worst critic,” he says. “I guess you could say I’m a perfectionist.
I know what I want to accomplish as far as my music is concerned, and I’m
not pleased unless it sounds the same on stage as it does on my records.”
Currently rehearsing with a five-piece band, the country artist is scheduled
to appear on this side of the Irish sea in Watford and Birmingham Irish
Centres in a bid to raise his profile further.
E’van O’Donnell will play Watford Irish Centre on Friday, September 30
and Birmingham Irish Centre on Saturday, October 1.
E’van O’Donnell tells rí-rá all about his favourite things — ranging
from films and music to his most desirable date
What was the last album you bought?
It was Big Tom’s new album.
What was the last film you watched?
Soldier Blue which I just watched last night actually.
What TV programme would you not miss?
I’d have to say Missing.
Who would be the first person you would invite to your birthday party?
My Band — the 1st edition.
The key to making it as a musician?
Look, listen and learn together with buckets of hard work.
What do you love most about Ireland?
Definitely the people.
Who would you most like to work with in the future and why?
Buck Owens because he’s a great songwriter and entertainer.
Best personal experience to date?
On stage with Daniel O’Donnell.
Best professional experience to date?
Appearing on RTÉ.
If you weren’t pursuing this career what other profession would you
have chosen?
I’d probably have gotten into teaching.
What’s your greatest ambition?
To have a number one single.
Favourite method of relaxation?
Driving through the hills of Donegal.
The most important lesson life has taught you?
Work hard and play hard.
Humanity’s most useful invention?
The motorcar.
What’s your favourite tipple?
Red wine.
What’s your greatest extravagance?
My home recording studio.
How would you like to be remembered?
For my music.
Most desirable date?
Jennifer Lopez.
What is your favourite smell?
Lavender.
And your favourite word/phrase?
Money.
Weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Door-to-door selling.
First concert you ever went to?
It was Johnny Cash in Belfast.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
The Old Rugged Cross.
Three songs you’d most like to have written?
I’d have to say, Your Wedding Day, Patches and Slip Away.
Best career move?
Meeting my manager John McCabe.
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