Songs From An Empty Room: a Q+A with Danny O'Reilly

Danny O'Reilly has had a storied career in the Irish music industry. From a musical family, O'Reilly has been exposed to the ins and outs of the music scene since he was a child. With his band – The Coronas – set to release an album next week, O'Reilly's participation in Songs From An Empty Room was a no-brainer. We caught up with O'Reilly ahead of his gig at The Olympia Theatre on Saturday, July 25.

Do you remember the first concert you ever attended?

Apart from Mary Black concerts as a kid, my first proper show was The Cranberries in the Point Depot. I’d say it was around 1998, it was an amazing gig.

Have you ever been to a show at the venue you’re performing in?

Loads, another one of my early gigs was seeing The Frames in the Olympia. I also remember going to see PictureHouse there when I was about 16/17.

What’s your most vivid memory of the venue (as a fan or a performer!)?

It’s an amazing venue and has a special place in our hearts. Someone told us last Christmas that we’ve played it 35 times since we’ve started! We did a 6 night run there one Christmas, it was the best week ever.

What is the best thing about performing for a live audience?

Everything. I can’t describe it. The feeling of everyone in a room being with you, singing your songs back to you is the best in the world

If you could have one other job in music, what would it be?

Managing a great band of people that I loved, and music that I loved.

Songs From An Empty Room aims to support Irish technicians and crew. Any thoughts on the disruption of their world in the pandemic?

It’s such a difficult time for everyone right now but my main concern is that if we don’t look after techs and crew now, they will be forced to leave the industry and look at different careers. Then, whenever proper gigs and festivals finally do come back, there will be no one left to run them properly.

These gigs will also benefit Minding Creative Minds: is mental health an issue that concerns you?

Yes, 100%. It affects everyone. Its great to have a specific support out there for artists

Which would you rather (and why!): festival or concert?

Both, either, any!

Most recent Irish record you've loved?

Would definitely have to be Villagers: Art of Pretending to Swim

What’s next for you?

We’re releasing an album next week, we’ll promote is as best we can in the current climate then take some time off to write until gigs come back.

• To see our full-feature piece on The Coronas, check out the latest issue of Hot Press Magazine! 
• Songs From An Empty Room will be broadcast on RTÉ 2fm and live streamed from the RTÉ Player from 8.30pm on Saturday, July 25th.