Interview – The Clockworks

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If you’re yet to come into contact with the work of The Clockworks, well, you’re in for a treat. Having been taken under the wing of legendary music mogul Alan McGee, the Galway quartet is going from strength to strength with their blatant ability to roll out post-punk tunes that never fail to amaze.

Their sound is a glorious amalgamation of raucous rock rhythms and pounding percussion, topped with infectious lyrics that set the scene for their sonic tales.

Following on from the release of their latest creation, ‘Feels So Real’, we had a chat with James to find out more…

Lana: I loved your new track ‘Feels So Real’ – what’s the story behind it?

James: Thanks, Lana. The idea for the song came from an image I had of walking across Waterloo Bridge on a summer’s evening as the Sun is setting, and that sublime feeling that certain moments can give you when you lose yourself. 

Listen to ‘Feels So Real’ here:

Lana: What’s it like working with the legendary Alan McGee knowing that he’s championed so many great bands to success?

James: McGee is brilliant. We love working with him. We’re fans of so many of the Creation bands of the past and had been big fans of McGee for years so working with him now is amazing. He knows everyone and everything, and he’s seen it all. 

Lana: What musicians do you draw influence from?

James: There are so many, and all of us individually listen to a lot of different musicians. We’ve often cited The Strokes and The Smiths as bands that we formed around an appreciation of. We grew up with Indie bands on the radio so that obviously informed our tastes. But we also love a lot of hip hop, The Smiths, The Cure, Radiohead, David Bowie, Motown, Funk. 

Lana: Who are your favourite up and coming bands?

James: Arlo Parks is great, Nixer is great, Alexandra Savior, Do Nothing, Working Men’s Club. There are so many, but that’s a couple of them. 

Lana: What’s the most exciting moment you’ve had as a band so far?

James: The feeling at the end of a day of recording, when we all sit in the control room and listen back to what we’ve done is one of the most exciting things. It’s hard to describe, but when it’s right it’s a powerful feeling. 

Lana: As a band, how does living in London compare to being in Ireland?

James: The two cities, Galway and London, are completely different actually. Life in London is so fast. Everything is happening all of the time at a million miles an hour. Galway is a lot more laid back, chilled out. There’s no pressure in Galway, which is great. We are lucky we had years in Galway together and then could come to London and jump into the hustle and bustle. 

Lana: Is there anyone we should keep an eye on from the Irish music scene?

James: Nixer, Turnstiles, Newdad. They’re three great Irish bands. 

Lana: What does the future hold for The Clockworks?

James: We’ll be gigging as much as we can, when we can. Writing and releasing as much as possible. 

Lana: Any messages for your fans?

James: We really appreciate anyone who takes the time to give us a listen. 

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