Róisín O interview on working in the music industry at a young age

Folk-pop star Róisín O is part of one of Ireland’s most famous musical dynasties. Here, the powerhouse vocalist discusses her stunning new album ,Courageous, supporting Lionel Richie, singing at JJ Abrams’ Oscar party – and why she feels ready for a new phase in her career.

Róisín O is all smiles when I greet her in the Hot Press meeting room, despite the fact that – the embarrassment of it! – we have no sugar for her tea. Thankfully, she’s no diva. Ready for her photoshoot, her auburn hair shines bright red in the sunlight, as she opens up about her eagerly-awaited forthcoming sophomore album, Courageous.

The follow-up to 2012’s The Secret Life Of Blue sees the 34-year-old Dubliner continue down the path she forged in such style, across last year’s trio of breathtaking pop ballads: ‘Heart + Bones’, ‘Still Gold’ and ‘2023’.

Why the ten-year hiatus between solo albums? Well, back in 2018, Róisín joined up with John Broe – originally of Kildare indie band Miracle Bell – to form Thanks Brother. The duo launched that project by performing their debut single ‘We Are Different’ on The Late Late Show. They had a good run in the meantime, making a number of gorgeous videos alongside powerful tracks. Now, Róisín has decided that the moment is ripe for her to continue her solo foray.

With that in mind, the singer-songwriter has assembled a brilliant squad to assist in the creation of her upcoming LP, including renowned sound engineer and producer Philip Magee (Kodaline, The Script), Gavin James, Cian MacSweeney, her brother Danny O’Reilly and more.

“‘Heart + Bones’ was the first track I worked on after Thanks Brother finished,” Roisin recalls, “and I’d never had such a positive studio experience. Phil is the most beautiful friend; so insanely talented, but such a nerd. He makes me feel like I’m the best singer on the planet when I’m in the vocal booth. He comes into a room and knows exactly what the artist needs.”

Her second album, Courageous is out now!