What was the inspiration for ‘How Can You Not See’?
It just came out instantly, as some songs do. They fall out of your mouth or through your guitar. This music is a reflection of my early twenties, and it’s taken me time to process and turn that into something. I would’ve grown up listening to a lot of rock bands – Arcade Fire, Foals, Rolling Stones, Radiohead. I fused some of that into the song itself, to make a contrast between the sweetness of my vocals and a bit of darkness.

How was it working with Paul Koderie, who’s mixed tracks for Radiohead and Pixies?
He’s awesome. He mixed the track after I produced, recorded and arranged it in Galway with my friend Rory. It just needed that extra lift. Paul elevated the song, and that’s what a good mix can do. The drums came back with more energy to them. He took what we had and blew it up a notch.

How did you find the experience of directing the video?
It’s so complex, because it’s not just about the sonics. It’s about the visuals and the metaphorical aspect, the thing you’re trying to portray. On the day, there are all these things you can’t control. It’s like music in that way, you just hope for the best.

You’ve recently returned to Ireland after some time away.
I was living in California for a bit, but it’s quite tricky to pursue music on a non-music visa. I had been writing since after college, but it took a few years for these songs to come to fruition. When I came back, I was experimenting and collaborating with Jay Smith, but Covid made it hard to meet people. Still, it was amazing because I wrote loads.

What can you share about your forthcoming album?
I hope to have it out next year. I toyed with releasing an EP or singles, but the songs fit together and represent this time in my life. I’m also experimenting with some darker, folky sounds. I think a lot of this process has involved me trying to pluck up some confidence and put it out there.

• ‘How Can You Not See’ is out now.

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