"I can’t think of a better job to have — working with young people around the city as they pursue their musical interests"

Former front woman of Jodavino, Gospel Choir Director and employee of Music Generation, Aoibheann Carey Philpott has launched a new single

TELL us about yourself;

I am a musician, songwriter, artist, mother, foodie, nature-lover, hailing from Ballinora, Cork. I released my first single, Overcome, on October 2. It will be part of a forthcoming EP, Fragments of Joy — a labour of love project for the past 10 months or so.

As a musician, I have been blessed to surround myself with like-minded souls who nurture and support the process. Working on this latest project, I had the good fortune to have Declan O’Luasa at the production helm, with supporting roles from friends, such as Dave Palmer (keys), Davie Ryan (drums) and my own hubby, Joe Philpott (guitar).

When you write alone, you are always battling the demon of doubt, but seeing your vision through to the end takes persistence and effort, something I am not afraid of anymore!

Outside of singing and songwriting, I conduct Gospel choirs — the Carrigtwohill Gospel Choir, who celebrated 10 years this year and the newly founded White Horse Gospel Choir, based out of Ballincollig. We are eager to get back to rehearsals, but it’s baby steps right now, due to the pandemic!

I’m very fortunate to work with Music Generation Cork City as part of the Resource Team. In many respects, I can’t think of a better job to have — working with young people around the city as they pursue their musical interests; working alongside a team of incredible musician educators and being part of very dedicated coordination team in our main hub in the city centre. What’s not to love?

Where were you born?

The Bons!! Ha, ha — Cork boi!

Where do you live?

Ballinora.

Family?

My husband Joe and we are blessed with two beautiful boys — Seán and Tomás.

Best friend?

I have a handful of gems who I consider my besties, from my oldest friend (not in age!) Susan, to my school pals, Donna, Caroline and Sarah, to my college crew, Séanna and Linda and then there’s my buddy Gitta, all the ways over in Germany! I have two sisters, Aisling and Alma, along with two brothers, Ed and Joe, who are always there for me also. I count myself very lucky.

Earliest childhood memory?

Dragging a deck chair along a car-crowded country road going to see the Pope! I had a name tag pinned onto me, just in case I went AWOL. I couldn’t have been more than three at the time — brave parents! I believe they had hoped not to bring me, but as they bundled out the door at dawn, a pint sized mutineer was not letting them go anywhere without her — not much has changed really!

Person you most admire?

I admire all the crusaders for justice out there — it’s never easy to be the voice of dissent against blatant injustice, such as we see in the US, Belarus, Russia, China, Myanamar, Syria, Afghanistan. The fact that the list could go on and on saddens me, but highlights even more the need for brave people standing up for what’s right for their people/country.

Person who most irritates you?

All the idiot leaders of those aforementioned countries.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Probably have to say my honeymoon — the Maldives; sun, sea, sand and my delectable new husband all to myself! (He’s still my husband, btw!)

Favourite TV programme?

Not great on television these days — discovered Downton Abbey recently, 10 years after the fact, and playing catch up since! Very well-written.

Favourite radio show?

Rising Time with Lilian Smith/Shay Byrne is class. Also love Marty in the Morning on Lyric. Dan Hegarty at night on 2fm. John Kelly’s Mystery Train. Fiachna O’Braoinan on Late Date. John Creedon’s show. Have gotten into radio a lot and would put it on instead of TV some evenings.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Probably roast chicken dinner, all the trimmings, followed by a lush and naughty dessert.

Favourite restaurant?

The Raj, Kerry Pike, for curry, The White Horse for yummy pub grub, and Bakestone for kaffee und kuchen.

Last book you read?

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver — superb.

Best book you read?

Like music, books occupy different parts of my emotional recollection — Wuthering Heights, Beloved, Wide Sargasso Sea are some of my faves.

Do you have a pet?

Two doggies — Echo (golden retriever), Monty (proud mix of hairiness)

Morning person or night owl?

Morning person.

What makes you happy?

Surrounding myself with friends & family over delicious food and fine wine makes me happy. That and the great OUTDOORS.

Aoibheann’s new single, Overcome is on all digital platforms including iTunes, Bandcamp, Spotify.

See www.aoibheannmusic.com