Start Listening To: Somebody’s Child
We caught up Cian Godfrey aka Somebody’s Child ahead of their debut self-titled album out 3rd February via Frenchkiss Records.
Somebody's Child has been a rapidly growing presence in the music scene of Ireland, having opened for well-known acts such as Kodaline, Primal Scream, and Kaiser Chiefs, as well as appearing on the popular Late Late Show. Cian Godfrey, the brainchild behind Somebody's Child, took his time to hone and perfect his craft before presenting it to the world, waiting until the relatively late age of 23 to do so.
The formation of Somebody's Child began many years ago. Godfrey grew up in Paris in the late 90s and early 00s and was pushed into playing piano, with no real exposure to music aside from his father's record collection featuring artists such as Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits. After leaving school, he attended a music college in Dublin which gave him the space he needed to explore his passion and put his ideas into motion, leading to the eventual creation of Somebody's Child.
At first, the project was merely a platform for Godfrey to create music for other people, due to his aversion to the vanity of the entertainment industry. Eventually, it transformed into the full-fledged indie rock band we know today after members joined up and Godfrey was placed at the helm.
How are you feeling about releasing your self titled debut album?
A mix, excited but powerless.
What inspired the album?
The album is a culmination of my life until this point, it’s my journal so no one thing inspired it per se.
What has been the most rewarding experience you have had as a solo artist?
Well Somebody’s Child is really a band, but the creative direction comes from me, so it’s a bit of a grey area. I love having a band for playing live, but I also find it difficult to share those intimate moments when writing with others, so the best of both worlds I guess.
Could you tell us about one of your most memorable performances?
Our last hometown show in the Button Factory was great. It brought together people from different stages of my past which was strange, but also tons of new fans which is always good.
How has your sound evolved since you first started performing?
Massively I would say. We have picked a lane in my head, but that’s changing now again as we look towards album two.
How do you produce your music?
My bandmate Shea demo’s it up usually as we write. We work on a bunch at a time and get them up to standard, and then bring it into the studio to work on it with a producer. In the past we’ve also gotten someone to mix our demos up to releasable standard.
What messages do your lyrics convey?
Various topics, some more political than others.
Tell us an artist you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why?
The Strokes. They don’t get old.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from making music?
I try to learn something about myself in every song.
What do you love right now?
Cooking.
What do you hate right now?
Doing the dishes.
If your debut album were a film, which would it be?
Blade Runner (original).
What advice would you give to other aspiring solo artists?
The start is always the hardest.
Are you looking forward to any new music this year?
I have been so wrapped up other things I haven’t had the time to get on top of my music yet this year. I’m sure it’s going to be another good year.
