Spotlight Sounds; Episode Nine with Circa

Welcome back to Spotlight Sounds, a series by Secrets Behind the Sound celebrating the vibrant world of Irish music. Dive into the blend of tradition and innovation that characterises Ireland's contemporary music scene, featuring both established and emerging artists. Explore the influences and experiences shaping Irish musicians and join us as we delve into their creative processes, stories, and journeys. Through in-depth discussions, Secrets Behind The Sound recognises the groundbreaking contributions of Irish artists to global creativity. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, Spotlight Sounds invites you to explore the captivating realm of Irish music—a journey into the stories, sounds, and enigmas that make up Ireland's music scene.

Introducing Circa, a dynamic 4-piece musical ensemble poised to enhance listeners with their distinctive sound and innovative approach to 60s rock and folk rock. Leading the way is Sean Fox Gordon, on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, alongisde Sam Urwin on Bass, Fionn Maguire O'Loughlin on drums, and Maitiu Ó Nealiáin on Lead Guitar. demonstrating a proclivity for expanding the boundaries of established genres, Circa promises a musical experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Their upcoming single, Take It Apart, set for release on November 24th showcases the band's versatility, a testament to their commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Collaborating with the talented Jake Kelly for an accompanying music video, Circa is set to captivate audiences visually and sonically. As they gear up for another single release in January and the announcement of the second Friendly Strangers event- a multimedia extravaganza celebrating local art, music, film, fashion, and vintage apparel- Circa is not only a band but a force shaping the cultural landscape. Circa is on a trajectory to carve their own niche in the music scene, promising an unforgettable journey for fans who crave fresh, boundary-pushing sounds. Stay tuned for the upcoming releases and events that define Circa's vibrant presence in the world of music.

Can you start by intriducing the band and their musical background?

Hello! We are Circa. We're a 4-piece musical group consisting of Sean Fox gordon on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Sam Urwin on Bass, Fionn Maguire O'Loughlin on drums, and Maitiu Ó' Nealáin on Lead Guitar.

How would you define the genre you as a band primarily identify with, and how do you incorporate other influences into your sound?

More often than not we tend to land on 60s rock/folk rock sound, while making sure to expand on what's already been done.

As a group we all bring our different influences to the table. As indviduals when we work out our parts we'll all experiment with varying what genres we take from; whether that be 80s indie, 70s funk, reggae, HipHop, etc, all ideas are welcome! The most important thing is for us to be honest with each other on what we think works, and what doesn't.

Whar are some of the challenges Irish artists face in today's music industry?

In Dublin in 2023 there are no shortage of live music gigs and events to get yourself involved in. That being said, in a growing, but small scene it can be difficult at times to find many acts who match your sound and genre. The way we see it, the more creators we have around us, the more eyes will be on us, and the more success we can all find! One major task we have dound is connecting with the right musicians to establish our own niche scene and subculture that people can attach themselves to.

As an Irish band, is your music influenced by any other Irish artist/band?

With so much great music to come out of Ireland it's hard not to be influenced whether it's intentional or not!

Thin Lizzy, Van Morrison, and Aslan come to mind as inevitable influences.

Fontaines D.C., The Murder Capital, and Sell Everything are some recent acts who've definetely left a mark on our song-writing.

Can you walk us through the creative process when writing and composing music?

Generally Sean will come into our studio with a new song or send a demo into the groupchat, and the rest of us will get straight to work! More often than not our roles all branch into arrangement and structuring as well as our instrumental parts. Each of us vary on which songs interest and inspire us- mission number 1 is always do our best to embrace whoever has ideas flowing. We're very diplomatic like that...

In your opinion, what role do live performances and venues play in the Irish music scene today?

Live performance are a neccessity of course! In a lot of ways live performance is the truest way to experience an act and their work. Nothing leaves an impression better than a powerful performance its a great atmosphere.

Along with that, live gigs and venues are vital for creating a scene and fanbase, if you can host a great show, with fun music, at a nice venue, people will want to come back.

Variety is an important aspects of any music scene. How do you think your music contributes to the variety of the Irish music scene?

We feel our music stands a bit aside from a lot of the more common genres in the music scene at the moment, but we'd be lying if we said introducing new variety is a priority of ours. Although it'd be nice to see more of a shift towards a 60s/70s sound.

We just do our best to hone our craft and make the best music we can, hopefully that can add something new to the industry.

As an Irish band, what advice have you got for other artists trying to navigate the industry and find their unique voice?

In our experience, if you are an artist searching for your voice it's important to be patient with yourself, allow your work and aesthetic to form and develop naturally.

You can never force true expression and at the end of the day a real identity is what people want to attach themselves to!

Our advice would be; be patient, stay consistent with your work and get on TikTok...

What can listeners expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming releases, collabs or prohects you're excited about?

Our next single, Take It Apart, is out on the 24th of November. Which we're thrilled about as it's our first release with an alternate band, featuring: acoustic guitar, piano, multiple vocal harmonies and violin!

You can expect another single from us in January along with a music video made with the brilliant Jake Kelly.

along with that, the announcement of the second Firendly Strangers event- a multi media event and market showcasing local art, music, film, fashion, and vintage apparel, taking place with our good friends The Grand Social. The first event was a roaring success- we aim to expand on the variety and inclusivity the second time around!

I am going to finish off by asking you, what has been the most pinch-mr moment of your musical career so far?

The most pinch-me moment was definetely the first Friendly Strangers event we hosted; seeing people sit and watch the film screening, buying art and clothes, and a lively crowd at the end for all the music acts was incredible. It's important for us to give what we can to the art scene in Dublin and Ireland and it's clear there's an audience for it! Being a part of a moment like that was really like nothing else.