Corkonians Abroad: Berlin, a city that never runs out of surprises

How did you end up in Berlin?

I made the move to Berlin around eight months ago, following a five-year stint in the UK. I’d visited before and was always captivated by the city’s energy, culture, and rich history. The main draw for me was definitely the music scene. There’s something here for every musical palate. It’s a city full of possibilities.

What is life like in your new home?

Life in my new home is incredible. I’m constantly engaged, with events happening every day. The carefree atmosphere and abundance of creatives make every encounter a chance for inspiration. There’s never a shortage of stories.

What has been the biggest challenge?

Navigating Germany’s bureaucracy has been quite a challenge, along with the language barrier. Some Germans are hesitant to speak English, so I’ve had to rely on my broken German to communicate. It can be quite awkward but I think they appreciate the endeavour.

How might you spend your weekends?

My weekends are quite diverse here. There’s a wealth of options to explore: from delving into historic sites and museums to catching a gig, comedy show, or art exhibition. there’s always something thrilling to dive into.

With each weekend comes the opportunity to discover something new, to meet interesting people. It’s like the city never runs out of surprises, making weekends here an absolute delight!

Tell us a bit about the culture of where you live?

In Berlin, the culture is vibrant, driven by creativity, and characterised by a strong sense of community. It’s an artist hub where people are generally carefree and open-minded.

I feel that there’s more of a focus on non-traditional values, you can build life in a later stage. Berlin is pretty much a big playground for adults. However, compared to Ireland, there’s a noticeable difference in customer service - unlike the warmth and hospitality often found in Ireland, customer service here can sometimes be lacking and even frustrating.

The party culture is also legendary. Berlin can sometimes feel colder, both in temperature and in the demeanour of some Berliners. Despite this, the city’s unique energy and acceptance of different cultures and lifestyles make it an exciting place to live.

One of the biggest cultural shocks for me was discovering that supermarkets are closed on Sundays here in Berlin.

Additionally, Germans seem to have a unique obsession with noise - many tenancy agreements include clauses about when you’re allowed to make noise in your own apartment. It’s a bit surprising at first, but I’ve come to appreciate the peace and quiet, especially when it guarantees a good night’s sleep.

Tell us about your experience working on your upcoming releases?

Recently, I launched my first single Troubled Mind from my EP Social Paralysis, set for release by the end of May. The second single, Forget What It Was, is due out on May 4.

Inspired by James Joyce’s Dubliners, the EP delves into contemporary themes, drawing on the novel’s motifs. It explores addiction, abuse, and the struggles of isolated youth. I wrote these songs during lockdown, reflecting the uncertainty and stagnation mirrored in the novel.

As a self-release, I’m reaching out to various music blogs and radios to promote it. The support received has been rewarding, and I hope to engage a wider audience while addressing significant issues.

How did you start off in music or get into music?

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Our house was always filled with the soulful sounds of Motown, the grandeur of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound, and the timeless tunes of rock legends. But what really drew me in was the way music made me feel -it had this magical ability to transport me to another place entirely. 

I found myself captivated by the nuances of vocal performances, like the raw raspiness that some singers possessed.

Around the age of 14 or 15, I realized that I had a knack for singing myself. So, I decided to pursue it further and began taking lessons at the Cork School of Music.

That was just the beginning of my journey into music, and ever since then, I’ve been on a quest to explore, learn, and express myself through this incredible art form.

Who would you class as your influences?

My musical influences are eclectic and diverse, ranging from the soulful melodies of Amy Winehouse and Billie Holiday to the poetic lyricism of Bob Dylan and the timeless soul of Otis Redding.

I’ve drawn inspiration from a variety of artists, whether it’s their vocal technique or their songwriting prowess.

Icons like Joe Cocker, The Beatles, and Paolo Nutini have also left a profound imprint on my musical journey, shaping my sound and style in unique ways.

What is your writing process like?

My writing process usually begins with me strumming some chords on the guitar, allowing melodies to naturally emerge.

I keep my phone handy to capture any moments of inspiration or random lines that pop into my head.

Often, I don’t fully grasp the direction of the song until I listen back to these recordings and let the melodies guide me.

Finally, I sit down to pen the lyrics, shaping them to fit the emotion and story behind the music.

What has been your most memorable moment in your new location so far?

I was pleasantly surprised to discover such a thriving jazz scene in Berlin. Joining the jazz jam and taking the leap to sing was a true highlight for me. It’s a rare joy, especially considering that not many women step forward in such settings. Being acknowledged by such top-class musicians is the highest compliment.

Any special mentions to friends or family back in Cork?

Special shout-out to all my family back in Cork! I can’t wait to have you over here in Berlin soon. I’ll be your guide to the city’s hidden gems, and we’ll definitely be having the laugh.

What are you looking forward to in the coming months?

In the coming months, I’m excited to dive deeper into the music scene here in Berlin and share my music with the city.

I’m also looking forward to exploring more of what Berlin has to offer, soaking in its culture and vibrancy.

And, of course, I can’t wait to enjoy the summer vibes and make new connections along the way.

You can catch up on previous Corkonians Abroad here