Limerick band Protobaby talk about new album ‘Cosmic Heart’, putting the original lineup back together and a music industry as fickle as the Irish weather. The band play Kasbah Social Club this Saturday.
LIMERICK band Protobaby released their eagerly anticipated second album ‘Cosmic Heart’ this month. Without any “Metallica style therapy sessions” or major drama Protobaby finds itself back to the same lineup that released the debut album ‘The Spark’ in 2012.
On the back of that strong debut and a polished live show, Protobaby played gigs all over Ireland, toured the UK and Europe, including festivals in Poland.
Their singles were regularly played by quality alternative radio deejays. The boys even got their mugs on the cover of Hot Press Magazine.
Along the way various lineup changes saw Aoife McLoughlin become the band’s lead singer.
Today the band is now as it was in the beginning, Colm McGuinness on Vocals; Tony Monahan on Electric Guitar; Bryan Ronan on Drums and Aidan Graham on Bass. Limerick Post asked some questions. Colm and Tony helped with our enquiries.
Limerick Post: So how did the original band get back together?
Tony Monahan: “No drama to report I’m afraid! When Aoife decided to leave the band (which was on great terms) we knew we wanted to keep going. I was doing a bit of writing/recording outside of Protobaby and I asked Colm would he be interested in writing some stuff together for a bit of fun.
A couple of months after I mentioned to the lads about the idea of Colm returning to the fold and we decided to give it a shot.
We all get on really well anyways so there was no issues that way. I think there’s a definite let’s make sure to enjoy ourselves vibe about things since we got back together.”
https://youtu.be/zCrvXGLUpgI
LP: The new single ‘Popstars’ compares the fickle Irish weather to the fickle pop business. Is it hopeful song or a song of resignation?
Colm: “Is it a cop out if I say both, a hopeful resignation if you will!
“I use the Irish weather as a metaphor to express my undying will to always try to see the best in people and situations I find myself in.
“I’m an optimist but at the same time a realist and I can see how difficult it is to make an impact in the music industry and to go on to make a sustainable living from the music industry.
“I guess I became resigned to the idea of creating music for my own satisfaction and not to become famous. People have often said to me, “you should go on the X-Factor” but I don’t create music and sing because I want fame, I do it because I can and I love creating something that can change someone’s mood or support them in whatever mood they are in.
“With that said, there is a little part of me that is tempted by fame and fortune and although I don’t particularly like this part of myself I can’t deny it is there. That’s what the song is about, optimism, pessimism and ego!”
LP: The artwork is impressive, what what does it symbolise?
Tony: “My brother Darren Monahan designed the cover. He’s a budding young architect and that had an effect on the design.”
“Darren stated that the cover is a critique on modern society. Just like Copernicus placing the sun at the centre of the solar system, we somewhat place the ‘x factor’ and fame, at the centre of ours. Our planets orbit this ‘x’ to form the shape of our monolithic society!”
LP: How is this album different from The Spark?
Tony: “A lot of the songs on Cosmic Heart were formed with myself and Colm demoing stuff together.
“I took on the role of overviewing and producing the album. I definitely wanted to expand our sound using more keyboards/synths, sampled drums, fuzz sounds, big reverbs. while keeping Colm’s voice the common thread throughout.
The album was mixed primarily by Mike Gavin (Windings). It was great working with Mike. Having it done locally made it a far easier process. Album was again mastered by Richard Dowling of Wav Mastering who was a great help also.”
“I would say there’s more layers to this album and lyrically touches on a lot of subjects. I think it’s a real grower! Hopefully!”
LP: Excited to get on stage and rock the Kasbah this Saturday?
Tony: “Really really looking forward to it! It’s been a while! We have a lot of songs to choose from now so that’s nice. We also continue our tradition of performing a new 80s cover!
“The Limerick music scene has a real buzz about it at the moment with acts such as Rusangano Family, Bleeding Heart Pigeons, Windings, Fox Jaw and Slow Riot all releasing new material. It’s great to a part of such a vibrant music scene.”
Limerick Post recommends you get in early to hear support act Laura Duff who was part of the Music Generation programme and now studying music in Cork.
Protobaby play Kasbah Social Club, Dolan’s this Saturday April 9. Indie DJs will be on standby to play the after party till bedtime. Tickets www.dolans.ie the album is available from Steamboat Music, HMV and protobaby.bandcamp.com/album/cosmic-heart.
