Ultan brings raw, undiluted rock ‘n’ roll energy, blending classic influences with his own distinct voice. In this interview, he shares his journey, inspirations, and vision for the future.
1. Lemmy
once said, “If you think you are too old to rock ‘n’ roll, then you are.” How
does that philosophy reflect in your music and your journey as an artist?
Rock n roll will never die - it's an old adage I believe in because it's part of the modern soul. A post industrial celebration of our will to be free of constraint. It kicks dust in the face of those who try to mould and limit us. So it's necessary and what's necessary will always find a way.
2. You’ve been writing songs all your adult life, but only recently started
releasing them. What was the turning point that made you decide, “Now is the
time”?
During the Covid lockdown I began to rework old material and was inspired to write as well. It just kickstarted something again and it's grown organically from there.
3. Your influences span from early rockers like Jerry Lee Lewis and Eddie
Cochran to hard rock and metal giants. How do these inspirations shape your
songwriting and sound?
To say Rock n Roll was a cultural revolution is an understatement. I seriously believe it changed everything. It ran parallel with the technical revolution of TV and emerging popular radio. It was part of a societal revolution. Once the fire was lit....well you know the rest. I'm a child of the sixties. It's in my DNA.
4. You describe your style as falling somewhere between AC/DC, Bon Jovi, and
Motörhead with a touch of R&B. How do you blend these elements into
something uniquely your own?
Every
individual filters and synthesises their experiences. It's a sub-conscious
thing. How it ultimately finds expression is essentially a mystery but I'm glad
I've stayed true to the fundamentals. I haven't strayed too far from the
source. That essential dynamic will always be there.
5. Unlike many musicians, you’ve never played in cover bands or put your music
out before. Do you think that has helped you maintain a raw, undiluted style?
Possibly
so. My taste in music is quite catholic really. I can appreciate all genres bur
rock is my first love. For me it's the most exhillarating.
6. Your latest release is your fourth—can you tell us about the journey from
your first release to this one? How has your music evolved?
I'm a little suspicious of the word 'evolve' . Music is essentially a mystery. A moment of inspiration arrives from seemingly nowhere and you've got to get it down. Songs are different or similar. It all depends on what shows up. Of course you can develop an idea and you try to make it sound interesting. I still write in the same way. I will spontaneously come up with a riff on the guitar or a hooky melody in my head. It's about knitting ideas together.
7. The phrase “Come on, feel the noise – the basics are back!” suggests a
return to classic, no-frills rock. Do you feel rock music has lost its rawness
over the years?
I think the heavier rock has lost much of its melodic essence. I despise all that thrash rock crap or whatever the sub genres of that are called now. You can keep it. Rock should speak to the human soul that strives for goodness, freedom and meaning. For me it's about optimism in the face of everything.
8. You’ve also written poetry and prose, including The Dargan Prophecy. Do your
literary and musical creations influence each other?
It really all comes from the same place. A need to find expression. To say something about the human condition. Maybe to give my own slant or interpretation of things. It's the same impulse. I'm possibly a storyteller at heart. I'm always looking for the essence in things.
9. Belfast, London, and Dublin have all played a role in your life. How have
these places shaped your perspective as a musician and songwriter?
I grew up in Belfast during years of conflict and social strife. London was an escape for me. I hadn't known that kind of freedom before but you could ultimately lose your soul in the place. It's too big and impersonal. Returning to my own country fortified my sense of self. I'm Irish and proud of my history and people. I belong here. I suppose all those experiences are synthesised. How they influence anything is difficult to quantify. Musical influences have a greater bearing.
10. If someone is discovering your music for the first time, which song should
they start with, and why?
Ha....Wildfire Fever is possibly the most Rock n Roll - so why not that?
11. With rock legends like Lemmy leaving behind an immortal legacy, what do you
hope your own music will leave behind?
I hope nothing is left behind. Rock music - even the greats from the 50's, 60's and beyond - is still contemporary. I hope what I do will be the same.
12. What’s next for Ultan? Any upcoming releases, live performances, or other
projects in the pipeline?
Well, they
tell me I need to build an online presence first. (Yawn) I just want to write
and perform but this stuff takes up so much time. It's not like in the past
when a record company would have done all your promo. I hope to get gigging
later in the year if there is an opportunity. There are so few, if any, venues
that let original artists actually do a set. Every city should have a venue
like CBGB's in NY back in the day where you had to perform your own stuff. Most
cities in Europe are so bland now. You have to guarantee your own crowd to a
venue before they will consider you so bands find it hard to get a foothold on
the ladder. Anyway, I will be releasing more songs to my Youtube channel and
all the usual platforms. I'm enjoying making the little videos for them. Onward
and upward. Bit by Bit. ; )
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