How has the impact of Covid-19 affected you and your business?
I had plans to tour and play festivals to promote the release of my debut mixtape, but none of that has been possible.

What is the worst aspect of it all for you?
Sometimes, I feel a bit disconnected from it all. As everything is virtual, it can be weird releasing music when you can’t go out and perform it or see people’s reactions.

Did you have to let staff go?
No. I actually got a manager in January of 2020 before lockdown hit. It’s just the two of us and I feel lucky to at least be able to share the experience with her.

People with high rent or with large borrowings have been worst hit. How have you been?
It’s been pretty difficult. I was living in London and had to make the decision whether to return to Ireland or keep my London room. I have a job outside of music, so I can afford to live and also pay for production/mixing. Everything is self-funded.

Some people have been finding it hard to survive. Is that something you’ve encountered?
It’s been an extremely challenging year for everyone. The music industry in Ireland can feel like it has been forgotten about: we still have no idea when things are going to open back up. So I understand how difficult it is to stay motivated.

Music is a people business – how has the loss of contact with staff, colleagues or with others in the business affected you?
I’m happiest when I’m around other people. So much about music is about buzzing off the energy of people around you – whether that’s at a gig or in the studio. For my part, I have naturally become far more introverted and there is a bit of anxiety around what it will be like once things open up again.

Were you in a position to try anything new or different?
I’ve tried to stay as busy as I can – working a day job, and finishing the music I have yet to release. I haven’t tried anything drastically different, just kept to the basics: like reading, cooking, yoga and lots of walks!

Mental health has been a huge issue for a lot of people involved in music. How has your experience been in that regard?
It has definitely felt lonely at times. I’ve tried to be kinder to myself, and allow myself to take a break if that’s what I feel I need.

How important is it to you to get back to work?
It’s impossible to make any concrete plans at the moment. I’ve – reluctantly – come to accept the possibility that gigs may not happen for the foreseeable future, but it would be amazing to at least have some idea when they may happen.

Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future?
I try to stay positive. Like everyone, I have my good and bad days. But I hope to look back on this and know that I’m a better person for what it taught me. I really have so much respect for any musician still pushing forward during this time. I can’t wait until we are all able to share a room together again.

• 'Music Industry in Ireland: Where To Next?' is a special feature in the current issue of Hot Press, running to over 20 pages, featuring music industry professionals as well as artists including Moya Brennan, Jess Kav, Luka Bloom, Fia Moon, Kneecap, Gavin Glass, Mick Flannery, King Kong Company, Mary Coughlan, Rosie Carney and many more.