Seafoam Green is the brainchild of Dublin-born troubadour Dave O’Grady. The band formed in 2011 following a chance meeting with Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes whilst O’Grady was recording in Nashville. The pair struck up a friendship that led to several tour supports across the US and Europe and soon the pair were writing and recording in earnest.
Can you tell us about yourself? Where you’re from and what you’ve been up to over the past few years? I am from Dublin Ireland but I’ve lived in Liverpool for the last ten years. The last couple years I have been working on my album Topanga Mansion. In 2014 I got a call from my friend Rich Robinson saying he wanted to produced my album, we spent about a week in his house writing together before going into the studio with some of his friends. We cut the music for the record in about 10 days in Santa Monica and I spent the next year or so writing lyrics and we finished it in London. I learned so much working with Rich, his approach to writing and melodies was truly inspirational.
How would you describe your music? My music is a mix of folk/Americana/Psych and rock’n’roll, Its based in story telling, I try to paint a picture with my lyrics and depending on what I am trying to say, I lean on different influences.
Can you tell us a little bit about your influences? Growing up my house was full of music, no one played but there was always records on in the house. I remember hearing the guitar on ‘Susie Q’ (CCR Version) and it gave me a feeling I’d not felt before, at the time I didnt really know what it was, just I wanted to feel it again. I father worked nights so when he’d leave for work I would sneak into the back room and play vinyl…which I wasn’t allowed to touch (and rightly so). It was there and then that I dove into the 60s and 70s and I haven looked back since.
What are you currently promoting? I am currently promoting the release of Topanga Mansion on DOUBLE VINYL (April 22nd) its super exciting to have my music on record and is something I have dreamed about from day one. Ive linked up with Mellowtone Records in Liverpool to put it out and the vibe around it has been great.
Have you got a particular song you’ve done that you’re particularly proud of, one that might define you? I’m proud of all my songs, I don’t think there is one that defines me as a whole but more they define where I was when I was writing them, in my mind they are time stamps of when are where they were created. BUT seeing as you asked, I love ‘Petty Tyrants’, its a slower one about a bad situation I got myself into and every time I sing it, it reminds me to keep clear of it again.
What are you currently listening to? Right now I am listening to Delaney and Bonnie.
And your favourite album of all time, the one you couldn’t do without? This question is not really answerable but.. one of my favourite albums is ‘Hope’ by Foy Vance, I first heard it in 2009 on the run up to opening for Foy, its a wonderful piece of music, one of the most genuine out there.
What are your hopes for your future career? I hope to keep on keeping on. Playing music, making records, traveling and paying bills.
If money were no object what would be your dream project? I would love to start a CSNY style band with Foy Vance, Chris Stapleton, Justin Vernon & Susan Tedeschi.. you never know Ive been looking to chat to 3 of the 4 on a couple of occasions…maybe I’ll bring it up next time.
What’s the best thing about being a musician? Travelling the world and meeting new people every day, music lovers everywhere.
And the worst? There is always someone who wants to take advantage of you.
Finally, have you anything you’d like to say to the readers of Americana UK? Thanks for taking the time to read this… I made this album for you and I hope you feel what I felt when making it, its a 57 minute journey and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
https://soundcloud.com/seafoamgreenhq/down-the-river
