Cry Baby Purple are musical project from Dublin, Ireland lead by lead singer and songwriter Mikey Deasy. He has extensive experience playing as a session musician for bands and artists in Ireland, but has recently decided to start releasing the songs he’s had locked away in his head. He writes in all different kinds of styles including funk, stadium rock, pop punk, and city pop (along with many more). Mr. Know It All is an energetic funk rock song that boasts a Red Hot Chilli Peppers-esque funky shuffle beat in the chorus, with a huge Queens of the Stone Age chorus.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
The interview was conducted with Mikey, who is the lead singer and songwriter of Cry Baby Purple.
Hello Cry Baby Purple. Can you tell us about your early career? Where did you get the idea for the music industry?
I've been playing music for pretty much most of my life! When I started to take it more seriously I was mainly a session bassist for any of my friends bands who needed a bass player. Only this year I decided to start my own project, record all the song ideas I've have stored away. I feel at home when I'm on stage playing music, so deciding to playing music for the rest of my life is not really a hard decision for me!
Where do you start when producing songs?
I start writing a song on my acoustic guitar. Every song idea I have starts on the guitar. Then if I like it I go to my DAW and record a demo so I can show a producer the idea I'm going for. Then I go to the studio and record with a producer and hope that my song sounds good.
Your latest song is 'Mr. Know It All'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
'Mr. Know It All' was a song that turned out completly different than I imagined! When I wrote it I was expecting an old school funk/soul song a la James Brown. Through the recording process it turned into a hard hitting rock anthem. I love how it sounds now! When you are recording songs sometimes you have to let the creativity take over and see where it leads you, even when it turns out different than expected. It's like magic.
What was the most difficult challenge you faced?
Before I released my first single (Sometimes People Hate Me) in 2022, it had been 5 years since I wrote a song at all. I always struggled with perfectionism, and comparing myself to my peers. I never thought I was a good songwriter, and I never wanted to bother releasing music. There is so many amazing songwriters out there. Why should I bother? Well last year I learned to love my own music, and enjoy creating art for the sake of it. I have been happier since.
What is your goal in artistic activities?
When I write a song, I want to make something that I would love. I want to write my own favourite song. I also want to write songs that would be exciting to hear a live band play! I can't have the audience be bored.
How do you know when a work is finished?
You just know. When everything in the song is recorded. After that I'm afraid to add anything else onto a song and ruin it!
What is your trademark? It's about unique sounds or behaviors on stage.
My songs are energentic and funky. So usually I'm dancing the most in the band! Maybe even the audience. I love to talk to the audience and make the show a bit more personal and memorable. Sometimes I talk to much and I need to shut myself up!
What are your biggest achievements so far as an artist, but also personally?
Honestly speaking, finishing these songs. If you asked me a few years ago, I would of never expected to have songs finished and released to the world. As an artist, I am happy that I have shared art to the world. Thats enough for me!
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
My first single 'Sometimes People Hate Me' has been compared to Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Prince. I love that comparison because they are both my favourite artists of all time!
What are your plans for the future?
'Mr. Know It All' is a track off my EP 'Video Brain' which I hope to release in the next few months!