Whether you're a fan of country music or not, you have to admit Paddy McHugh sure knows how to spin a yarn.
His songs are lyrical and flowing yet they get straight to the point, drawing out emotion in the listener without the need for over-zealous theatricals. If you have any doubts about his musical prowess, know this: he received a ten out of ten critique and glowing review for his song 'Dan O'Halloran' from I Probably Hate Your Band, a website that prides itself on dishing out bitingly critical rants in response to the majority of songs submitted. To receive a good review at all is a massive compliment; to receive a perfect score is virtually unheard of.
The talented musician has now received an even greater compliment, having been selected by Sinead O'Connor to be a special guest performer on the Brisbane leg of her tour. O'Connor is known for her strong spirit, raw honesty and no nonsense style with songs that always tell a story or deliver a message.
While McHugh and O'Connor differ greatly in many ways, their shared passion for story telling with “no bullshit” (to put it in Paddy's own words) make him the perfect addition to O'Connor's tour.
How old were you when you wrote your first song and what was it about?
Roughly 20-years old. It was about a person I wanted to sleep with, slept with, fell in love with and got dumped by. Pretty much the same theme as most of the songs ever written in country music.
Each of your songs tells a story, but are you always inspired by real people and events?
Some songs are pure fiction, some are pure fact. As long as no one is able to tell the difference then I guess I am doing it right.
You're supporting Sinead O'Connor who is famous not just for her musical talent but also for a number of public controversies. What's the most controversial thing that's ever happened during one of your performances?
I sing a song about Aboriginal genocide called ‘Gins Leap’ and I often intro the song by bluntly pointing out that we as a nation have a lot to answer for. Most of the time it is well received, however sometimes not. At a show in Gympie once I had a group of guys walk out yelling unintelligible abuse. But that is exactly why I speak up. I love to challenge people’s points of view and let the cat among the pigeons. Isn’t that what rock & roll is all about?
Being able to support Sinead O'Connor... is it a pinch-yourself moment?
Very much so. I love her songwriting, her voice, her politics, her charm, everything. To have been invited to play is simply an honour. I am still not exactly sure how it came about… I guess I will ask her myself.
You're sound is described as folk/ country and you've dabbled in punk; are there any other genres of music you'd be interested in exploring?
I love reggae and have been seriously toying with the idea of doing my next record in Jamaica… Jah Rastafari!
Where has been your favourite place to perform and why?
The Old Museum right here in Brisbane. Beautiful building, relaxed environment for performers and audience alike, amazing staff and they once let a really drunk me play the pipe organ at 2am after a particularly rowdy show, but Bluesfest was rad too. They know how to look after their musicians.
What was the most memorable donation you ever received while busking?
Once I was busking with a friend in Sydney’s Central Station when a guy put a box of wine in the case. Considering we were only busking to pay for grog in the first place it meant we could knock off for the day… I guess we looked parched.
Having grown up in Tamworth, surrounded by country music, and now being a country performer, it's safe to say that you have a love for the genre; but I'm sure you also have some pet hates about it. Can you share with us what they are?
My biggest pet hate is when Australian performers sing with American accents. Especially when you consider that Australia has a rich history of singing country with an Australian accent. It just seems odd to me and a step backwards. But that being said, each to their own, and I wish any musician trying to have success the best of luck. I just won’t follow suit y’all.
You've received many compliments for your music and the web is full of positive reviews, but what was the worst response you've ever had to your music and how did you react?
I can honestly say I do not recall having had anything really bad said to me. If I have been told something in the past, I must have chosen to just forget it. I am a little rough looking, however, so maybe it is simply that no one has had the guts to tell me I am terrible.
Your first film clip was released in 2014 for the song 'Dan O'Halloran'. What made you select this track for the film clip?
I had wanted to make a clip for this song for a few years but never had enough money. I became friends with some guys who knew what they were doing and were willing to do it cheap, so we bashed out the clip in a day. I am very proud of it. It helped that I have friends that look like dodgy bikers so I didn’t have to hire any.
Apart from your good self, there's a camel-wrangling Paddy McHugh, a boxer, a weatherman and, of course, many others. I understand you are a teacher as well as a performer; if you weren't teaching and writing music, what else could you imagine yourself doing?
I would be a viking.
Paddy McHugh joins Sinead O'Connor as her special guest at QPAC, Brisbane, on Wednesday 11 March.
