Cork “bubble-grunge” five-piece Other Mother have released their new EP, Can’t Help But Feel Dramatic. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
Other Mother are Willow Esteve (vocals), Fionn Cogan (guitar), Bláthnaid Marsh (keyboard and piano), Cathal O’ Sullivan (bass), and Conor O’Regan (drums).
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In 2025, Other Mother won Munster Technological University’s battle of the bands and have opened for RIARUA, Babyrat, For Nina, Dogswim, Croithe and Gag Reflex, and played at Cyprus Avenue, The Savoy, The Grand Social and Róisín Dubh.
The band have also appeared at festivals and events including ESMAfest, The Next Big Thing, Swarmfest and Féile Solas.
anymore, the lead track from their new EP, explores “themes surrounding body image, health and self-perception”.
Speaking about the writing and recording of the track, lead vocalist Willow says, “I wrote anymore during a time in my life where I was quite unwell and was on a lot of medications.
“It’s based on the feelings of disgust I had towards my body and my health at the time. It’s sad to look back and see how hard I was on myself; this song is a reminder to me to be kinder to me and my body.”
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Cathal: My name is Cathal! I play bass in Other Mother, my favourite band is Weezer, and I love rock climbing.
How would you describe your music?
Bláthnaid: We’re definitely indie rock, and we’re starting to lean into the “Bubblegrunge” sub-genre
Who are your musical inspirations?
Conor: I like David Byrne (especially circa Talking Heads) a lot because he’s kind of an odd guy who seemed pretty uncomfortable with being a front man, and the social aspects of being a musician, but still was, and is, hugely renowned. I think I’m trying to channel that in my day to day except being a drummer is way easier.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Conor: The first proper gig I ever went to was Vampire Weekend at the Leeds/Reading festival when I was 14, though I did accidentally see all of Enter Shikari’s set while waiting – so I guess technically they were the first proper gig I went to. Seeing a mosh pit at 14 freaked me out because I was a nerd and still am.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Fionn: The first record I can remember buying is David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. I’ve always loved the drama and storytelling of Bowie and that album. I’ve loved it ever since and it lives in my room to this day.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Willow: My favourite song at the moment is I Will be Here by Trophy Wife. The lead singer Mackenzie has such a beautiful way of conveying her emotions through the way she sings that I really aspire to be like. On top of her beautiful voice the instrumental is so cool and gets stuck in my head all the time.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Fionn: A line I think about all the time is from Avant Gardner by Courtney Barnett, ‘The paramedic thinks I’m clever ‘cause I play guitar, I think she’s clever ‘cause she stops people from dying’. I remember finding it so funny and honest the first time I heard it and I still can’t help but think of it every time someone compliments me on playing guitar.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Cathal: Danny Don’t You Know by Ninja Sex Party. It’s always a nice surprise when a comedy band manages to pull at your heartstrings
Where can people find your music/more information?
Willow: We are most active on our Instagram and Tiktok! and by we, I mean me. I am the one behind all the typos. Our music is available on all streaming platforms, but we are most active on Soundcloud and Spotify.
Alan Corr
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