‘Nike shoes, sewn by little fingers’ is the opening salvo which sets the tone for Cathal Connolly’s debut single Wugo.
The young Knockmore songwriter, singer and musician (real name Cathal Faughnan) is scornful of the dubious social conscience of a generation, leading him to explore what happens ‘when you get older’ – hence the acronym Wugo in the title of his new song.
Cathal’s song weaves together mostly acoustic sounds such as his trademark piano, guitars and solid drumming with strings and a great synth bass. But the added use of eerie, Theremin-like intermittent high frequencies provide subtle word painting that portends his narrative, with stabbing chords adding to the tension.
Despite the sombre lyrics, Cathal’s wonderful voice, combined with beautiful harmonies and backing vocals, enrich a delightful melody that boasts a stadium-quality, sing-along chorus.
The single, available now on the usual digital platforms, is a precursor to Cathal’s debut album pencilled in for a February 2024 release.
Cathal studied music at the Dundalk Institute of Technology Music School and is Director of Music at The Core Mayo, a resource for young musicians and schools in the Mayo community run under the auspices of Music Generation Mayo and based in Ballina Arts Centre.
He is a multi-instrumentalist who has recorded with numerous artists, including with his own project Schoolyard Champions. His technical skill extends beyond music performance and Cathal is also very adept at recording engineering and mixing. But this will be his first time producing an album.
“I recorded everything in my attic, apart from the drums and strings which were recorded in Black Mountain Studio in Dundalk by Caoi De Barra of Wyvern Lingo fame,” said Cathal.
“The string parts were recorded remotely by Zöe Conway (Louth), David Doocey (Foxford) and Sean Keary (Berlin).”
In addition to his solo debut Wugo, Cathal plans a few more single releases before the album hits the shelves.
That album will be well worth the wait.
