Holly Munro - On Our Radar Q&A: "I write from a very honest and confessional place – though now I’m at a stage where I’ve grown to be more playful"

Tell us about your new single.

I wrote ‘Big Kids’ about living in a house share with my friends. It captures my feelings around realising it was coming to an end – that we’d all be going in separate directions.

How would you describe your songwriting process?

I write from a very honest and confessional place, though now I’m at a stage where I’ve grown to be more playful. Really, I just write as a way to express myself, I try not to put myself in boxes.

Earlier this month you performed alongside several other Irish bands at the London Irish Centre – how does being Irish affect your work?

The sense of community is a big thing. A lot of my friends are also musicians, and in Dublin, it feels like everyone in the scene is rooting for each other.

Are there any Irish venues you dream of playing?

My dream venue is probably Vicar St. I supported James Vincent McMorrow there and it was a great time. Workman’s is also one of my favourites – who doesn’t love those chequered floors?

How do you feel about performing live?

I try to be as present as possible. I used to be an anxious mess and that would get in the way, but over the years, I’ve developed my own calming rituals. If I set goals for the show, I find I can be a bit more playful. Honestly, it makes me emotional thinking about the fact that people even come out to support me, so that makes it easier.

Do you have any upcoming plans you can tease us with?

I can’t say much, but I will definitely be putting out loads of new singles this year. New producer, and a slightly different sound!

• ‘Big Kids’ is out now.

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