Person to Person: 'Coming off stage knowing you’ve done well is a great feeling'

TELL us about yourself;

My name is John Blek. I am a singer and songwriter from Glanmire, currently living in North County Cork. I will be releasing my tenth solo studio album, The Midnight Ache, in January 2026 which I am very proud to say was recorded in my very own studio, Bigger River Recording Co.

Where were you born?

Cork of course!

Where do you live?

I’m living 40 minutes north of the city in a village called Castletownroche.

Family?

There’s my wife Ciara, 10 month old daughter Daisy, my Mom and Dad, my sister Dee, and my three crazy nieces Cara, Caoimhe and Roisín. As well as all my very lovely in-laws.

Best friend?

My wife Ciara for sure.

Earliest childhood memory?

I’m really not sure. Working backwards in chronological order isn’t something I’m good at. Maybe listening to tape cassettes in my Dad’s old van. I had a pretty good childhood and subsequently can’t remember much of it!

Person you most admire?

Personally, my Mom and Dad. They’ve always been there for me and been great supporters of my career in music once they realised I’d never have a normal job!

Professionally, Jeff Tweedy of Wilco. Constantly creative and operating independent of the conventional music industry.

Person who most irritates you?

McGregor, Trump, Netanyahu. It’s a much longer list than this.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

I think going to California with my family as a 13-year-old. Seeing Yosemite National Park was a profound experience. Even the haze in the air seemed to have a little magic.

Favourite TV programme?

It’s not really a TV show I guess but I religiously watch Stick To Football on Youtube.

Favourite radio show?

Late Date RTÉ Radio One. There’s always such a variety in what’s played and a great selection of DJs covering the shows.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Chorizo and Bean Stew.

Favourite restaurant?

Off the top of my head, Da Mirco, Bridge St. Cork.

Last book you read?

How To Write One Song - Jeff Tweedy.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Joan Shelley - Real Warmth. I picked it up at my favourite record store Music Zone, Cork.

Favourite song?

Constantly changing but today it is Comes A Time by Neil Young.

One person you would like to see in concert?

Tom Waits

Do you have a pet?

No

Morning person or night owl?

I have a 10-month-old daughter so I’m currently a reluctant morning person.

Your proudest moment?

The day our daughter was born. Though the pride was tempered with fear.

Spendthrift or saver?

Saver, something my folks instilled in me from a young age and it’s pretty essential for a life as a self-employed artist.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

General road safety, parking, footpaths, that kind of thing.

What makes you happy?

A good gig. Coming off stage knowing you’ve done well is a great feeling.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a decent person and a good artist I suppose.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m recovering from a two week tour of Europe but it’s back to the studio where I’m always working on my own new music as well helping other songwriters with production and writing.

• Cork singer-songwriter John Blek has announced his new album, The Midnight Ache, coming January 16. The first single, 747, is available now on all main streaming platforms. For album preorders and upcoming tour dates, see johnblek.com