\u201cThe title \u2018Oceanic\u2019 is a loose banner for a collection of songs that draw on memories of a life spent moving between Ireland and Australia,\u201d explains Ballyfermot-born Declan O\u2019Rourke.<\/p>\n
The acclaimed singer-songwriter recently shared \u2018Earl Grey and Edwin\u2019, the final single ahead of forthcoming studio album \u2018Oceanic\u2019.<\/p>\n
To celebrate the release of the album, Declan is embarking on an Irish tour with\u00a0ten concerts across October and November.
A \u201ctender reflection\u201d on the friendships that leave a lasting impression, \u2018Earl Grey and Edwin\u2019 considers how connections can continue to shape people, even when life takes them in different directions.<\/p>\n
From a first shared cup of tea that O\u2019Rourke initially mistook for having soap in it to being encouraged to grow his fingernails so he could play guitar, the song is filled with small, vivid memories of a friendship that endured across distance.<\/p>\n
The \u2018Oceanic\u2019 album has a wide range of themes, from the death of a childhood friend, the love of family, to human trafficking, and the \u201cdecimation of species across our planet\u201d.<\/p>\n
Declan laughs\u00a0and is quick to reassure that while the album does contain mature themes, \u201cthere are some bangers too\u201d.<\/p>\n
In a full circle moment, \u2018Oceanic\u2019 was recorded fully in Sydney, where Declan first started recording songs twenty-five years previously.<\/p>\n
He describes working with Jim Moginie and the players he assembled for the album as a \u201cdream\u201d, remarking that \u201cif you surround yourself with good people in the studio, and if you feel ready with the material, it\u2019s bound to be a wonderful experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
Regarding the singles released for \u2018Oceanic\u2019, Declan describes \u2018Echo\u2019 as a \u201ccracker\u201d, being a good lead single for its \u201cupbeat accessibility\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u2018For Free\u2019 was a more \u201ctender\u201d second single, while \u2018Earl Grey And Edwin\u2019 has the \u201cmost interesting back story\u201d.<\/p>\n
The combination of being a stay-at-home parent and not having a deadline proved to be challenging, as it took Declan almost nineteen\u00a0months to finish the album after recording first started.<\/p>\n
While he reflects he probably had too much time to think (at one point completely changing the cover idea), he tried to embrace the idea that a \u201clonger fermentation\u201d\u00a0would produce a \u201cmore interesting result\u201d regardless.<\/p>\n
Declan would like to thank Jim Moginie, his manager, his family, the players, and the studio engineer for helping to make this album possible.<\/p>\n
He concludes by declaring he is excited for the tour: \u201cI\u2019m getting withdrawal symptoms from the creative end, so this will be a cure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Declan\u2019s singles are currently available to listen to on all streaming platforms, with \u2018Oceanic\u2019 releasing on these platforms on October 16.<\/p>\n
He will be performing in Vicar Street as part of his nationwide tour on October 17.<\/p>\n