Focus Ireland Station Sessions Q&A: Mundy

The Station Sessions will bring back the joy of live music to your homes this year in aid of Focus Ireland, with performances streamed digitally over three consecutive nights this week.

Covid-19 hasn't stopped Irish artists from partnering with the Focus Ireland and Iarnród Éireann for a fourth year to raise vital funds on the charity's Facebook and YouTube pages. Previously, choirs and bucket collectors were on hand in nationwide stations for the charity, rather than recording artists.

Hot Press speaks to Mundy ahead of his gig tonight - Tuesday, December 8 - at 8pm in Heuston Station alongside Mary Coughlan, Brian Kennedy, The Riptide Movement and Eleanor McEvoy.

The Birr-born singer-songwriter and founder of the independent record label Camcor Records has broadened his horizons outside of the folk genre since releasing his debut album Jelly Legs in 1996. Real name Edmund Enright, the former Grafton Street busker found international fame in the 1990s and has toured with some of the biggest names in music over the last two decades.

Focus Ireland has been at the forefront of Ireland's homelessness services for years, what does the charity mean to you?

The fight to stop homelessness is close to my heart. Everyone is vulnerable, especially these days. I’ve always try to be a supporter and sympathiser of homeless people.

Do you think that this year is even more crucial for these services, given the pandemic and tough economic times?

Absolutely. Nobody carries cash anymore. I think there should be a way to give a homeless person a few euro digitally via a barcode or something.

Can you tell us about your involvement in Iarnróid Éireann's 'Stations Sessions' gigs?

My friend Shobsy from ‘State Lights’ got in touch and asked me if I’d be interested and I jumped at the opportunity. It was lovely to just sing outdoors and on the platform of the Historic Heuston Station. A few people wandered off of trains while I was there and they looked both surprised and grateful to hear live music.

What artist are you most excited to see perform at the Station Sessions gigs?

I’m gonna say Shobsy, Mary Coughlan and State Lights as they put on a great performance and Brian Kennedy too. He’s a Trojan after all he’s been through.. and Eleanor and the Riptides and.. sure I love Irish Music!

What are your hopes for Ireland's live music industry in 2021 and touring in general?

That we can get back as close to normal as possible and find a way of supporting each other in the future. Collaboration and more inclusion in festivals.

How will you be spending Christmas this year, given the unusual circumstances?

I really don’t know yet. It’s just a very complex year due to restrictions but I’ll make the best of it either way. Thank you. X

Tomorrow's Station Sessions gig will see the Emer O'Flaherty Quartet, Emma Langford, Mick Flannery and Jack O'Rourke perform in Cork's Kent Station before State Lights, Ollie Cole, Damien Dempsey and Erica Cody finish off the week's gigs in Pearse Station on Thursday night. Tune in through the Focus Ireland Facebook page here or YouTube channel here.