Steven O’ Brien is one of Irelands best kept secrets
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Twitter. I like the reviews and interviews.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in Wexford Ireland my house was at the bottom of Vinegar Hill it was a famous battle site during the 1798 rebellion. When I was a kid the BBC aired the Beatles Anthology documentary that got me into music in a big way.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Easy it’s the name I was born with.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I think it’s great. My album and B-Side album are free on Bandcamp. It’s a good way to find new audiences.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Be Different. Stand out from the crowd. Find a niche in the market.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
All the time, laugh it off.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
One night I did an impromptu performance of Johnny Logan’s Eurovision classic ‘What’s Another Year’ with a red headed German.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Inspiration comes from everywhere and anywhere and the songwriting process is always different. There is no magic formula, if there is I haven’t found it yet.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
I’m working on a website at the moment. I use facebook, Twitter, YouTube and bandcamp etc.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
I’m not embarrassed by any music. I think there is something good to be taken from all songs.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
I’d buy half a million dollars worth of chocolate and share around the world.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
I’m planning a down grade. I have a new baby on the way in May. At the moment I record with a Tascam 2488 mk11 portable studio. I plan on getting something smaller like a 4 track machine.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Facebook and Twitter are great.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
I’d like to have been a percussion player with Talking Heads when Stop Making Sense was filmed Hollywood’s Pantages Theater in December 1983.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
I’m currently working on a new Ep. and the hopefully a live album. That should be a lot of fun.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Working in a supermarket.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
An Oasis bootleg called Slide Away. I was thinking at the time. I wish I had enough money to buy the album Morning Glory which was five pound more expensive.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
It’s hard I have a two year old boy and a baby on the way. I write a lot of songs on the toilet. It’s the only time I have some peace and quiet.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
Iceland is Green.
