Songs From An Empty Room: a Q+A with Sorcha Richardson

Sorcha Richardson released her critically acclaimed debut album First Prize Bravery last year, quickly becoming one of Ireland's most promising young indie acts. Hot Press had the privilege of catching up with Richardson ahead of her Songs From an Empty Room gig at Dolan's in Limerick.

Do you remember the first concert you ever attended?

I saw All Saints at The Point in Dublin for my friend's 9th birthday, and I loved it.

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

Never! I was supposed to be playing a headline show there in April but it obviously had to be postponed along with the rest of my shows. It’s nice, although a little surreal, to still get to play some music in Dolan’s, even under different circumstances.

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

I guess that every show is different and so much of that depends on the room you’re playing in and the people who are there. You can never play the same show twice, and there’s always a sense of unpredictability about it. It’s very energising to share that experience with an audience.

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

Probably photography, because I take a lot of photos anyway. And I’d still get to go to gigs!

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

The crew behind the scenes are fundamental to making touring possible and they often don’t get the credit they deserve. They make it easier for us musicians to do our job and they make the show better for the audience. There’s so much uncertainty for everyone right now but it feels like this part of the industry has been left in the dark a little bit. I think it’s important that we do something to protect these small businesses and people so we ensure that they are still there for whenever we are able to tour again.

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

Of course. And working in the arts and touring can be really challenging to your mental health. It’s so valuable to have a resource like Minding Creative Minds available to people in our industry.

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

A festival, because you get to see multiple gigs in one, and you do run in to a lot of your friends at festivals.

Most recent Irish record you've loved?

Land of No Junction by Aoife Nessa Frances. Very excited for the Pillow Queens album in September too.

What’s next for you?

I recorded an EP at the start of lockdown of some alternative, stripped back versions of already released songs. That comes out July 24th. And I’m just about finished working on some new music which will be out later in the summer.

• Songs From an Empty Room will be broadcast on RTÉ 2fm and the RTÉ Player on Saturday, July 25th from 8.30pm