Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I grew up in a small town in county Cavan , Ireland and moved to the states in my early 20s. I am one of three brothers and have recently got back into playing music after a long hiatus. I grew up in the 90s, a great time for music in my opinion. I resonate with all music but definitely the grunge scene in particular. I idolized most of the Seattle bands from that time.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Niall Tackney”?
A: I plan to keep sharing my music with online platforms and also playing live shows in the near future . Connecting with other musicians and keeping a regular presence on social media seems to be the way to go these days . As to people discovering my music , it’s very laid back , stripped down mostly ,with a melancholic vibe mostly .
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Right now i love listening to smaller relatively unknown musicians that i discover on blogs etc. My personal inspiration comes really from artists like Nirvana,Alice in Chains and Mark Lanegan, but that whole scene for sure.
I feel guitar driven , singer/ songwriter music is making a slight comeback in the last few years . I am really into a relatively new band called the Scratch out of Ireland . I also love that bands like The Jesus Lizard are making albums and touring again , bringing back that 90s menace !
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Day as dark as night.”?
A: The song Day as dark as night is a story of someone’s addiction and the loneliness and elements of desperation a person feels while in the throes of said addiction. It definitely doesent have a happy ending but unfortunately not all people who suffer with addiction and depression make it out to the other side .
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Maudlin .
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Day as dark as night”?
A: Well the song was partially recorded in studio in Brooklyn NYC and finished at my brother’s( Garreth Tackney ) studio in Ireland . He then mixed and mastered the song and helped me craft the vibe i was going for.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I would say that my music tends to lean on the darker /melancholic side but that’s how i am generally lol. We can’t all be sugar and spice !!! Message wise i’m not trying to purvey a message so to speak , generally more like a feeling or how i can feel sometimes , if that makes sense?! My goals would be to hope that i continue to feel the inspiration to keep writing and just putting out what i have laid down .
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Mark Lanegan
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: I really can’t speak to that . All i can say is if you have something that you like to write, compose whatever, don’t wait , just get it down and out there ,however you can . If you love to do it ,thats it , and someone out there will maybe resonate it.Either way you had an idea , you didn’t shy away from an artistic expression. Everyone has something to give.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Dont let fear control you.
