As a full time musician I don't have weekends!

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Oisín Walsh-Peelo. I’m a musician and songwriter. I grew up in County Wicklow but live in West Cork and absolutely love living here.

I have two brothers, Tadhg and Ferdia, and a younger sister, Síofradh. I’ve played as a session-musician with many different bands over the years and now I am focusing on my own music. I just released my first album ‘Os’ under the name O Deer and I’m currently recording another album with my band The Fynches.

My main instruments are the piano, guitar, harp and the saxophone but I love trying new ones.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Completely depends whether or not I’ve been giggin the night before. If so, I love a quite one — cooking a nice dinner, listening to records and maybe watching a film. If not — a few pints in my local Fisher’s Cross and maybe some music if I’m lucky.

Lie ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

I prefer to think of being a night-owl than fond of lie-in’s! That’s the trade off. I normally work late so I’m a well seasoned late-nighter at this stage. I also write music at night which I enjoy in the quieter hours.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

As a full time musician I don’t have weekends!

If money was no object where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

I’d probably go somewhere in Portugal. I only gigged there so I’ve been meaning to go back. I’d bring my partner in crime, Jen.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

Yes indeed — I go most mornings down to Red Strand beach which is a minute from where I live in Donoure near Clonakilty.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

Sometimes. But I’m normally working at weekends so I’m better at catching up with people during the week normally.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

I do. I make country wine and beer at home which is really enjoyable and a good challenge.

I still love a good poc-about on the beach as well — especially in the summer.

Entertain or be entertained? Do you have a signature dish?

I love cooking for people. I do a decent roast these days and go to town on the gravy in particular but I also love pasta dishes. Pasta alla puttanesca would be a signature dish in my family.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork — where are your go to spots for coffee/ lunch/ special meal?

Well I’m out by Clonakilty so I’d frequent Stone Valley for all my coffee needs. They’re such legends and I love their various roasts.

For lunch I’m really loving the sambos at The Pike Deli, they’re done on beautiful focaccia and full of gorgeous ingredients.

A special meal — It used to be Pilgrim’s in Rosscarbery but they closed recently. I recently won a prize to eat at Dede’s in Baltimore which I’m really excited to try.

Sunday night comes around too fast.. how do you normally spend it?

Either on a stage or in a studio. 

If I’m lucky enough to be at home I’ll be chilling with a film.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

Haha. Never! There’s little-to-no continuity to my life as a self-employed musician (and I wouldn’t have it any other way!) but if I did have a weekend it would begin on a Monday morning.

ABOUT THE ALBUM

O Deer is the musical project of Oisín Walsh-Peelo. Inspired by folk idioms, Oisín’s music is mellow and delicate, and draws from his diverse musical language, his debut album ‘Os’ is out now on CD and digital.

https://odeermusic.bandcamp.com/album/os

‘Os’ on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0PAAVNP52n3hNTav5Y0Sv1?si=PUaLb5c_SuaCDbWxXiT-Yg

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/odeer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/odeermusic/