Luke Sital-Singh

Irish Myth

Ever since I fell in love with songs, Ireland has remained a mythical place for me. A country with such a rich history of folk music and amazing singer/songwriters was always going to be of great interest to me. Needless to say I’ve always been pretty keen to sing my songs in Ireland.

I’ve just got back from a short Irish tour, opening for Martha Wainwright. It was a complete blast. These weren’t my first ever shows in Ireland as I went there during my tour with The Staves. I’d already played one show in Belfast, which was horrible and one show in Dublin, which was great. So my first experience was mixed to say the least. This time it just had to be great and it was. Phew. Martha has a great fan-base of music lovers who were so attentive and respectful.

Travelling around Ireland by train showed me just how beautiful the country is. The free train wifi made up for the fact that the train service was so confusing I never had the faintest idea if I was on the right train. It’s a wonder I ever made it to any gig.

The Taxi drivers were a definite highlight. It seems every driver has a strong opinion on music, but then maybe it’s just a general Irish thing. There was no hiding the fact I’m a musician whilst putting a guitar in the boot of their taxi. One driver was adamant he prove to me he was a musician, so he rummaged around at his feet whilst driving, searching for a drum stick to show me. I assured him I believed him but still I guess it was worth risking our lives just to make me certain.

My favourite taxi convo was with a sweet guy who’s accent I could barely understand. He kept talking about Elvis being a karaoke singer or something and not liking white singers as much as ‘the blacks’. He chatted away to himself for a while and finally asked me about my music..

‘What music do you play?’

‘Singer/songwritery kinda thing, kinda pop type stuff you know’

‘Is it folk?’

‘Urm well not in my opinion but I guess maybe’

‘I hate folk. Is it sad music?’

‘Yea kinda sad’

‘I hate sad music’

‘Oh, Ok’

And there ended that conversation. We sat I’m silence from then on.

I cannot wait to get back to Ireland to continue strengthening the mythic presence it has in my heart.

Such an inspiring place in which to improve my craft.