Seba Safe is the brainchild of Galway songwriter Micheal D'Alton, who has made his mark on the Irish music scene in recent years with a series of well-received singles.

He releases his new EP ‘Rainy’ on 30th June, with new single ‘I Wonder’ on the way this Friday June 2nd. Seba Safe describes the song as “like several diary entries from the last two years. The lyrics are very personal and deal with everyday thoughts, fears, hopes, loss and love.”

We caught up with him to learn more.

1. What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
My folks are big country fans, I still love sticking on Dolly, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. I love Motown also, but what kicked off my music career was the grunge and metal scene. Most weeks for an hour or so, I revert back into my spotted, brace-faced, black-wearing teenage self and scream around my house. 

2. In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage. 
Toilet, screaming, overthinking.

3. How do you wind down after a gig? 
First I like to avoid drunk people who want to burn my ear off. Then I collect pints of Guinness bought for me by said people. Usually I’ll be back in the toilet, dissecting the stories of the show people have posted to see how it felt from their position.

4. What’s the one song you wish you’d written or recorded first? 
I wish I had written ‘Heartbeats’ by The Knife (the Jose Gonzales version.) I’m glad I recorded/released my song ‘I Want’ first.

5. You can only have three albums on your phone/in your house at any one time - what three would you pick for today?
Kendrick Lemar - ‘G.O.O.D KID M.A.A.D CITY’
Josh Ritter - ‘The Animal Years’
Carsie Blanton - ‘Love & Rage’

6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
Whipping Boy - ‘Heartworm’
Emily Ruskovich - ‘Idaho’
Paddleton - ‘The Duplass Brothers’

7. Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life. 
Wes Anderson and Lady Gaga.

8. You’re ordering take-away, what do you get? 
I'm a pizza pig: always have been, always will be. Any pizza. Any time.  

9. Describe your perfect day off. 
Waking up with friends after a night out, going over what happened the night before over a nice breakfast,  jumping in the sea, then going on a rollover with guitars and doing it all over again. 

10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your next gig (whenever it happens)...
I find it very hard to separate me the person from me the songwriter/performer - so when you see me live, it is extremely personal and nerve-racking. What you see is really me and everything I’ve been working towards. It is like a live diary reading every time, and I will always strive to impress. 

BONUS QUESTION: Recommend a podcast and tell us why we should subscribe to it.
I am an avid listener of ‘This American Life’. Every week is completely different but equally interesting. Perfect for driving.

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‘I Wonder’ is out on Friday June 2nd, with ‘Rainy’ EP released on June 30th. You can catch Seba Safe live at the following dates:

Fri. 14 July: De Barras, Clonakilty
Thurs. 20 July: Dolans (Upstairs) Limerick
Fri. 21 July: Monroes, Galway
Sat 22 July: Whelan’s Dublin