Following the release of his latest single 'Alright', we caught up with singer-songwriter Colm Warren to find out more about what goes into his eclectic sound. If you like Colm's picks be sure to check out his latest single at the end of the article.
1. “No One’s Trying To Kill You” Bill Ryder-Jones
"Could probably pick any one of the tracks from Bill’s incredibly emotional “Yawn” album but this one always seems to be my first go-to. The atmosphere he creates is just incredible, the near-whispering vocal delivery amidst wonderfully evocative guitar sounds and the gorgeous female vocal harmonies on the chorus refrain. The rawness and honesty of the lyrics are perfectly matched with the musical performance – pure, authentic song-writing and I must have listened to this song thousands of times to help get through the Covid debacle!"
2. “The Universal” – Blur
"You’re hooked from the very start with the opening strings and I just loved the orchestral underpinnings to the classic Blur indie sound and Damon’s instantly recognisable vocals to help elevate the song to another level. All of my current work is around trying to blend the timelessness and classic sounds of the orchestra with my own individual songwriting style and delivery – to hopefully augment and elevate the emotional themes of whatever the individual song is trying to explore."
3. “Whatever” – Oasis
"Well you can’t have Blur without Oasis, can you?! Similar to the above, the strings arrangement just takes an already classic rock n’ roll song to a whole new level – and puts working-class Manchester lads, pissed off with their lot, bang in the mix with the supposedly “high culture” of classical music. As a born and bred Derry man who used to vent all his personal frustrations in a punk band, it wouldn’t take a genius to work out what side of the musical fence I come at things from – so, again, hearing such beautiful strings melodies played in the middle of the working class rock n’roll I loved so much growing up was a huge gateway for me to start exploring what may have seemed like much less accessible forms of music."
4. “Queen of the Slipstream” – Van Morrison
"Probably my favourite song from, whatever you think of him, one of Ireland’s greatest ever musical talents. The poetry of the lyrics and the depth of instrumentation he uses to perfectly capture the emotional themes of a song exploring love and spirituality is truly astounding. “Gold and silver they placed at your feet my dear…but I know you chose me instead”…sure it’s just pure, unadulterated, cry-your-eyes-out genius, ha ha!"
5. “Lost Cause” – Beck
"I remember when I first heard this, again as part of another great album, it just caught me emotionally right away and I must’ve listened to it on repeat for about two days straight! Again, it’s the simplicity of the melody, the honesty of the lyrics and the authenticity of the delivery that means anyone in a similar situation or emotional state can instantly identify and connect with the song – no matter what type of music they “normally” listen to. As a songwriter, that’s what you’re always chasing really – a connection with a listener, even if it’s from just one person who “gets” what it is you’re trying to say. After that, for me anyway, the song will have fulfilled its purpose and I can feel I’ve done it justice and got it out of me. Then I can move on."
Watch Colm Warren 'Alright'
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