Strange Boy is a 1000-year-old poet channeling through the body of a young man from Limerick. 

With hard hitting, thought-provoking lyrics, he combines hip hop and Irish traditional music. He released his acclaimed debut album HOLY/UNHOLY in June 2021 which features vocals by Clannad’s Moya Brennan. 

Strange Boy plays the National Concert Hall on Saturday 7 October as part of the Tradition Now festival, which celebrates innovation in the genre. 

1. What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today? 
The music l listened to growing up that I still listen to now would be rap, of course - some great memories soundtracked by some of the greats. Good times. 

2. In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage. 
Off my head. 

3. How do you wind down after a gig? 
I wind down after a gig by drinking or heading home. 

4. What’s the one song (by another artist) you wish you’d written or recorded first? 
A song by another artist I wish I had written is definitively Amhrán na bhFiann by Peadar Kearney, immaculate songwriting right there. 

5. What is your pet peeve? 
My pet peeve is Irish people fixated on American politics and culture, and even worse when they use the lingo. Rats.

6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see. 
The record I’d recommend would be HOLY/UNHOLY by myself. Since I haven’t written a book I’ll recommend Gods and Fighting Men by Lady Gregory and the film I’d recommend would be any of the Godfather films. 

7. Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life. 
The director and actor I’d pick for a biopic about my life are Stanley Kubrick and Leonardo DiCaprio. 

8. You’re ordering take-away, what do you get? 
When I order a takeaway it’s usually Domino’s or McDonald’s. Something to take a few months off my lifespan.

9. Describe your perfect day off. 
My perfect day off is hitting the gym and chilling out. 

10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your next gig (whenever it may be.) 
Come to my next show while you can still buy the tickets for 15 quid and not 80 quid.

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Strange Boy plays the Tradition Now festival at the National Concert Hall on October 7th. See nch.ie for more.