Belfast based Brian Houston has an ever growing reputation in his homeland, and now after 9 albums is slowly starting to tour/release/promote in the U.K.
After nine albums Belfast singer-songwriter Brian Houston has built up something of a reputation in his native Ireland. In 2007 he brought his unique blend of acoustic/folk/rock music to the U.K and hasn't looked back since.
Suite: 2007 saw the release of your debut U.K album, Sugar Queen, do you feel that the time is now right to make your mark here?
" Well it was the producer who worked on the album who said it deserved a much bigger audience than my previous records, so I started looking in to making that happen. The bits kind of fell in to place after that, things that seemed difficult before now seemed to move more smoothly, and doors opened that had seemed shut before."
Suite: With nine albums already under your belt previous to this one, where do you continue to get your inspiration from?
" Real life mostly. Events and things happening to me or friends around me always triggers ideas for songs."
Suite: Tell us about your cover version, The Days of Pearly Spencer.
" Weill it's the first time I have done a cover, which is probably no big deal, but it features the grandchildren of the original artist (David McWilliams), and it's also mixed by Jeremy Wheatley who works with Jon Bon Jovi and Corrine Bailey Rae, so that's kind of cool too."
Suite: Is it difficult making a classic song your own?
" Yes very much so, especially when a song has been heard a lot and people know the original so well. The key for me was finding the right attitude to sing this one in. Once I got the 'East Belfast working man, come and have a go if you want' head on me, it began to flow more easily."
Suite: Do you feel there are enough opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy your music?
I have emails and letters from people ranging from 12 to 80 who love what I do, so it seems to appeal to a very wide ranging audience. If there were theatres that catered for all ages it would be easier for more people to come, spend your national lottery cash there."
Suite: What's your most memorable tour story?
" I played a show in Wales finishing at midnight, drove to Fishguard to get the 2.45am ferry in the middle of the night, on the tiny country roads guided by the satnav guru. After a long wait and full body search by inquisitive Welsh police, I finally got to take my duvet on-board to sleep on the deck, only to discover that the act of jumping on slumbering Irish musicians is a Welsh mans past time. The glamour of the road!"
Suite: What's the most valuable lesson you've learn't releasing albums yourself?
It's a lot of work. There are reasons record companies exist, and I think I respect that now more than ever.
Suite: What is it that attracted you to acoustic music?
I wasn't really attracted to it, it's just that it's easier to back myself that way, and when I need there to be a break between the singing parts I might play the harmonica because it's cheaper than a backing band, and never asks me to change the chords of my latest composition, if that's folk then so be it."
Brian has tour dates planned for the U.K, Ireland, and America in 2008. He also releases a live album and dvd from his 2007 tour. More details on his website.
