Originally from Co. Wicklow and now based in West Cork, Oisín Walsh-Peelo - the man behind O Deer - has travelled extensively with his music.
As a session musician (piano, guitars, harp, low-whistles and vocalist) he has played throughout the USA, Europe, Ireland, and the UK, touring worldwide with a wide range of artists and bands including Hudson Taylor, Gabrielle Aplin, Villagers and more, as well as supporting Hozier in the USA.
His debut album 'Os' has just been released, so we caught up with Oisín to learn more.
1. What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
Oh quite a lot, I'd say. The main ones would be Paul Simon's ‘Graceland’ and Queen's Greatest Hits.
2. In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.
Water, toilet, panic.
3. How do you wind down after a gig?
Hard drugs - (lolz) - Honestly, normally just a hang with bandmates, some debrief chats, nothing too exciting.
4. What’s the one song (by another artist) you wish you’d written or recorded first?
'Long Distance Love' by Little Feat.
5. What is your pet peeve?
I'm not sure what a peeve is but I don't have any pets.
6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
Record: 'Twin Solitude' by Leif Vollebekk
Book: 'Freedom' by Jonathan Franzen
Film: 'Nacho Libre' with Jack Black
7. Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.
It'd be a past-paced action/muso biopic directed by Scorsese starring Javier Bardem.
8. You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?
I'm going for proper chipper-chips with salt and buckets of vinegar.
9. Describe your perfect day off.
A swim in the sea, a good chunk of outdoor time, maybe some book-reading later, a lovely pint of Murphy's with friends, a delicious and wholesome dinner and maybe a decent sing-song after.
10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your next gig (whenever it may be.)
If you don't come, you may well miss the greatest or worst night of your life - depending on what kind of music you're into. Do you want to take that risk?
BONUS QUESTION: Recommend a podcast and tell us why we should subscribe to it.
I really enjoy 'Smartless'. It's pure silliness and makes me laugh a lot when I need something that's just pure entertainment.
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'Os' is out now.
