Kilkenny three-piece SOLA have been making their mark locally for a few years now.
Well recognised for their three-part harmonies and folk-inspired, finger-style guitar playing, the trio (of Clare Lynch along with sisters Bridget Cody and Siobhán Cody) released their debut EP Forgotten Things in the summer of 2020.
Most recently though, the band took to the Tudor Kitchen at Kilkenny’s Rothe House for an intimate show – their first in front of a live audience in almost two years.
Ian McDonnell of Mc Gig Photography caught up with the band to get to know them a bit better.
What first got you into music?
Siobhán: The performance side of things sparked my passion for sure. I feel so at ease when I’m on stage!
Bridget: There was a real interest in folk music in our house growing up. I would always listen to the artists my parents loved.
Clare: My parents encouraged us as children to take up many musical hobbies.
Who inspired you to make music?
Bridget: Listening to James Taylor and Joni Mitchell inspired me to write music.
Clare: The Staves for me. Seeing three girls making folk harmony popular inspires me.
How would you describe the music you typically create?
Siobhán: Folk
Claire: Harmony
Bridget: What they said!
What is your creative process like?
Clare: Bridget writes the songs firstly!
Siobhán: We dissect the song as a group and see where everything fits. We look at the lyrics and decide which lines deserve certain harmonies. Lots of Barry’s tea too!
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Siobhán: Imelda May
Clare: Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill
Bridget: Declan O’Rourke
If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?
We all agree on Lisa Hanigan!
What’s your favourite song to perform?
Siobhán: Origins. I love the feel to this song.
Clare: Right now it’s Night Dust but it changes every time we sing new songs.
Bridget: State of Flow. I love the harmonies in this song.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
Siobhán: I love Eva Cassidy. Her vocals get me right in the heart.
Bridget: The Staves. To see the challenge of having three people putting their heads together and making it work!
What’s the most trouble you’ve gotten in?
Bridget: Couldn’t possibly say…
Siobhán: I’m obviously not going to tell you any of my real stories haha! Ah no, Well I can think of one horrible story. One night when I was closing up a bar I used to work in, I was mopping the floor and spilled a whole bucket of dirty water on a bands PA system and speakers. I’ve never mopped a floor since!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Brdget: Stay true to your sound.
Siobhán: Remember why you’re making music.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
Bridget: If more emphasis was on radio play and gigs rather than streaming.
What’s next for you?
Releasing Origins!
Photos: SOLA live at Rothe House
For more photos from gigs happening locally, check out Mc Gig Photography on Facebook.
