Willie Collins

Well this week in the hot seat in studio was singer songwriter Willie Collins from Fermoy. I have known Willie for a long time now and about 2 years ago he sent me on a CD of some songs he had written himself and recorded in Fiona Studios in Fermoy. Between his busy schedule and mine it took that long to get him into the station. Today was a nice day looking back over previous times, talking music and having a chat about the scene today.



I started with the usual question as to where did it all start for Willie. His reply was it started when he was working for one of the top cabaret bands in Ireland during the 80's Art Supple & The Showstoppers. Willie was the Roadie for the band and in travelling around with the band , setting up gear and watching musicians at work, he caught the bug and it has never left some 25 years later. The only difference is this time around he is singing his own songs as well as cover songs, he plays guitar and keyboards and is often seen playing at local venues in and around Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford to name but a few. In the midst of all this he began playing with a local Gospel group and even had the privilege of playing alongside Liam Lawton at many different gigs  over the years.

This soft spoken songwriter who has many songs written and is planning on releasing an album of self penned songs in the future, currently he is doing ti the way 90% of singer songwriters do it, working saving and then recording to pay for the new album.

It was nice to talk but as I had mentioned on the show in the past it was also nice to listen to Willies songs.  He plays from the heart in a style that allows the listener to picture the song in many settings. The two songs we aired on the program today" Back In My Arms" and " Sweet Sweet Smile" are easy listening / laid back / well produced / gentle but engaging songs. I look forward to the release of the new album next year and my advice is for anyone who comes across him playing in a venue near you take the time to go see him live it is well worth the effort.

To hear more of Willie songs go to this link
http://soundcloud.com/willie-collins-band

To hear the interview listen in below

Shane Supple interviews singer songwriter Willie Collins by Shane Supple on Mixcloud