Since forming in January 2013, Rise have been steadily on the up. Ahead of their gig at the Grand Social on 4th June, guitarist Ciaran Moran talks about his highlights of the year so far, his favorite record shops and growing up in Smithfield.
What’s been the highlight of your year so far?
Releasing our debut single, which was in relation to Anti Bullying as it raised a lot of awareness and had also got us lots of opportunities from it.
When did you first realise you wanted a career in music?
Well we all have had musical careers since we were kids as we have all played a role in a successful band individually before starting Rise.
In three words, describe the five minutes before you walk on stage.
We would all get into a small huddle and put our hands in and say “Lets do all we can lads”.
How do you wind down after a gig?
We would usually take a day off rehearsal as we would rehearse twice a week so we would take one day off and kick straight back into it.
In three words, describe the live scene in Ireland.
Artistic, mind- blowing.
Whose career do you envy and why?
We would probably envy someone like James Arthur as he is fantastic.
Vinyl or digital downloads?
Vinyl.
What is your favourite record shop anywhere in the world?
Maybe HMV or Tower Records.
Name one rare record you don’t own, but you want more than anything.
Probably 'Love Me Do' or PS. I Love You by The Beatles.
Name one piece of music memorabilia that you wish you owned.
John Lennon’s glasses.
What is the one thing in your life that you couldn’t go without?
It would more than likely be a guitar or my iphone.
Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
One Record - Paolo Nutini - Iron Sky
One Book - The Commitments Roddy Doyle
One Movie - Shawshank Redemption
Name one overrated TV series and one underrated TV series.
Overrated: Ex on the Beach. Underrated: Storage Hunters
Pick the director and lead actor for a biopic about your life.
Director would be Paul Greengrass (Bourne Movies). Lead actor would be - Matt Damon (Bourne series).
Describe the perfect night in.
Chinese takeaway, movies, chocolate and Coca Cola!
Describe the perfect night out.
In a bar with live music and friends and family around.
Where did you grow up and what are the best and worst things about that place.
I grew up in Smithfield in Dublin City Centre. The best thing about Smithfield was that we were always around the corner from town. The worst thing about that place was that the houses were so small.
What is your biggest fear?
Cats. I can’t walk by a cat without thinking my life is in danger!
Who is the person in your life without whom your life wouldn’t be the same?
My parents. I don’t think anyone’s life would be the same without their parents.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you, so far?
"The more you put in, the more you get out". This has made us realise a lot as a band as we find that if we put as much effort into what we want to get out it works.
If you could give one piece of life advice it would be…
"Be who you are and say what you feel , because those who mind dont matter and those who matter dont mind" - Dr Suess
Rise play The Grand Social on 4th June with support from Future Phantoms, The Klares, Mick McCloughlin, Fallen Rule and Foreign Youth. Tickets priced €6.50 are available from entertainment.ie/tickets.
