MUSIC, Beethoven said, is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy, but it’s also an escape, it relieves and uplifts the soul, and for one County Limerick teenager it’s a form of therapy.
15-year-old Padraig Doherty is a transition year student at Desmond College in Newcastle West. He is currently recording his new single, Eyes, with producer John Sheedy and the future looks bright for the talented Castlemahon lad.
This Thursday (March 27), Padraig takes to the stage in the intimate surrounds of Cleary’s Bar to open for Félann, a musical trio drawing inspiration from 1930s and 40s Paris. He will then perform on the Music Trail in Newcastle West next month, performing alongside luminaries such as Jerry Fish and John Spillane.
The Limerick Post caught up with Padraig ahead of his big performance in Newcastle West this week to find out more about his musical journey to date.
“I started playing music before I could walk. I suppose it all began when I was about four and my dad had a recording of the Clancy Brothers and I used to stand on the couch and mimic Liam Clancy. He’s probably the reason I have such a passion for music and why I have such love for the guitar and Irish music.
“I’ve always wanted to give people the same feeling he gave me when he sang. I think when I’m singing I’m telling a story, not just singing a song,” Padraig explains.
Like most youngsters, Padraig’s musical tastes are broad and he counts Crowded House, Ed Sheeran, The High Kings, and The Highstool Prophets among his favourites artists. However, his very favourite band is U2, which he credits his dad for introducing him too.
Padraig also considers music and songwriting a form of therapy.
“I feel for a lot of young men communicating feelings is very difficult so to be able to put my feelings into music or lyrics is very helpful. It’s usually what I do when I’m having a rough day or I’ve got things on my mind — that’s when I find I’ll write the most. Music for me is a form of escapism,” he reveals.
This Thursday night, the homework will have to be done early as Padraig takes to the stage in front of a live audience at The Window Sessions in Cleary’s in Newcastle West.
Are pre-show nerves a worry, I ask?
“I think once I get the first song down, I’ll settle a bit, but I just see it as a new challenge and try to embrace it. I think it’s important to enjoy these things and not let the fear of ‘what ifs’ ruin the moment, especially when I’m playing my own music and it’s more personal,” he concluded.
A wise head on young shoulders and a talented musician to boot. Padraig Doherty, remember where you heard of him first!
