Leo Mullane

This week I had the pleasure of chatting with 17year old Leo Mullane from Youghal about his new EP and upcoming gig where he will be a guest with Declan O Rourke at the end of the month. I started off by asking him the usual question. Where did it all start for him?.  He told me he got an electric guitar and practice amp for Christmas when he was 9yrs old and from that moment on he never looked back. Countless hours spent practicing in his room lead him to join the Youth Café in Youghal where he was able to meet with other young musicians. 

The Youth Café in Youghal has an amazing facility where young musicians can use a practice room which is fully equipped with a PA and instruments. There is always a group of young people making full use of this facility and here Leo developed his style. Playing along with other young musicians learning to write songs and learning how to fit into a group and make changes to his music as other singers take their turn at the microphone.

It has to be said that it was a time well spent, Leo has started writing his own songs and so far has had one or two songs released on CD. His new EP which is due out over the next few weeks will contain some of his own songs and songs written by local singer songwriter Bobby Lee. This EP recorded at Claycastle Studios in Youghal with the help of John Burke and Warren Tivy will be his first foray into the world of album sales and songwriting for the general public.

During the time we spent chatting we spoke about who would have been a big influence on Leo growing up musically and what sort of bands he listened to. It has to be said for such a young singer songwriter who’s influences range from Glen Hansard to John Martin, Mick Christopher, Nick Drake, Eric Bib, Ben Harper, names that most 17 year olds would never have heard of, and to be honest there are a few names in there that I had never heard, of its great to see this young songwriter being influenced by such a diverse range of songwriters.

Leo sang a few songs during our time on air, I sat back expecting the usual strumming on the guitar followed by a weak voice singing songs we would all know, but I was surprised. I was caught unaware, I had the volume turned down, expecting him to start banging away on the guitar but no, he didn’t, He started each song in a gentle picking style, soft consistent and very melodic. When he started to sing his voice was deep rich and gentle. Rather then shouting into the microphone he held back from it, almost whispering into the mic, the depth and strength of his voice carrying the words across the studio in a melodic and unusually matured well thought out style.

When he opens for Declan O Rourke at St Mary’s Church in Youghal at the end of the month the acoustics’ of the high church ceiling will suit his voice and style. It will be a night that everyone can get to hear this new and emerging talent from Youghal. Leo Mullane, a name to watch out for over the next few years.

Shane Supple interviews Leo Mullane by Shane Supple on Mixcloud