Founded in 2011 and hailing from Cork City, Ireland and USA, The Art Crimes Band signed to the Californian based SUGO Music record label in 2014 and launched their debut album of original material entitled ‘Radio’ at the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival in 2015. 2021 arrived with new beginnings and the band released the soulful single ‘In The Dark Of The Evening’ (Jan 2021) to much fanfare and critical acclaim. While still busy in the studio that year also saw the group collaborate with Colm Hayes on his debut single Mosaic (April 2021) featuring Grace McMahon on vocals. That summer saw them make a welcome return to the stage at Soul In The City Festival plus multiple shows at The Guinness Jazz Festival that autumn.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil: Hey The Art Crimes Band, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Stephen Kirby: I’ve loved music as far back as I can remember so playing an instrument wasn’t even a choice, just a way to get lost in music further. From there, it’s just a matter of meeting people and playing together, that’s when it gets really interesting.
Katie O'Donnell: My parents were always really into listening to music, they were into everything from Bob Marley to David Bowie. So there was always great music playing in the house. I started playing the piano when I was six, where I covered all of the formal learning of exams and techniques. I gradually started to become more interested in learning how to play my favourite songs and so I got into the more contemporary side of playing the piano.
Gary Baus: I got into music through all the music that was around me growing up in Baltimore, USA. Lots of great punk and hip hop in the neighbourhood and three different jazz radio stations to choose from.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
Grace McMahon: I love the outdoors and anything that gets my creative passion flowing. From a good movie to a long walk to get lost in nature. I also work as a Photographer. Like a great song, a great photo can last a lifetime and can be like a timeless tune. Taking photos for me is like a universal language when you can tell a story in just one single moment.
Your latest song is 'In the Dark of the Evening'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
Niall Dennehy: We had a friend in mind who struggled with mental health and so the lyrics were based around the idea of reaching out for help and talking to friends - knowing you are not a burden. The lyrics are almost like a transcript of a conversation Grace had with that friend one night. Once it was written, we were ready to record and the pandemic hit. So that was the unusual occurrence. But we managed to finish it using our separate home studios and the internet.
Can you reveal the recipe for a musical hit?
Niall: That's a tough one. Someday if we ever manage to write a hit we will let you know.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
Tim O'Leary: Just keep writing and write what you know. What do you feel really strongly about? Did your girlfriend leave you? Write about it. Guy, you like doesn’t notice you? Write a song about it. Did somebody cut in front of you in the cue in Tesco? At least try to get a few lines out of it. Hell, Primus wrote a fairly successful song about a Big Brown Beaver. Now, these songs mightn’t make it to finality but you’ll be surprised when a few lines you scribbled down for a trip to the beach work perfectly for an unrequited love song. So far as “Write What You Know” goes I suppose that just means don’t lie to yourself. If you’re a bit depressed but feel you need to write a happy song it won’t come out happy, it will just come out disingenuous which is much worse. If you want to write a song about a pancake breakfast or want to ask, What’s going on? Do it. Just make sure you mean it. Sure, didn’t David Bowie become famous for writing songs about being an alien and spiders from Mars?
What inspires you as an artist? Could it be the sea, the weather or something else?
Grace McMahon: It has to be the women in my own life that have taught me things. Friends of mine who have witnessed such heartaches and can still smile. My Grandmother was such an independent lady and said what was on her mind. There is something about picking yourself up after a hard time and looking at the world in a different way. You can either let it take you over or you can learn from it.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Stephen Kirby: Come catch us live. The recording studio is so much fun and we’re very proud of our output. That said, nothing beats the up-close and personal experience. We can’t wait to get back out there, see you there.
Do you have a mentor or coach?
Stephen Kirby: This is always such a tough question as there’s so many avenues you can go down…writer, new/old, style icon... I’ll say Keith Richards, a giant in every way, and David Byrne. I have been obsessed with all things Phoebe Bridgers for the last year or so, she is amazing. Such an amazing writer.
Grace McMahon: I loved Soul/R&B girl groups growing up. Like TLC, All Saints, En Vogue. They had a huge influence. Then I found Billie Holiday!
Katie O’Donnell: My brother introduced me to most of the first bands I ever listened to. This would have been the likes of Muse, Arcade Fire and Queens of the Stone Age. He also was the person who introduced me to the world of gigging, which is when my love of playing live started.
Do you think it's easy to become established in the music world, or is it difficult?
Niall Dennehy: It's really difficult. We've been together as this band for just over ten years now and it feels like only now we're starting to gain momentum. You have to keep at it and trust the process.
What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
Katie O'Donnell: I’d love to release some of my own solo music down the line. I’d also like to play keys on more people’s original music.