Person to Person: 'I grew up with a lot of music..we all played piano and I’d always get the worst in exams'

Tell us about yourself;

My name is Rory McCarthy. I’m a piano player, teacher, and session musician. I’m very fortunate to get to play with a lot of great musicians and teach a lot of incredibly talented students.

Where were you born?

Cork. Grew up in Carrignavar. Famous for having one of the only heated outdoor swimming pools in the country but only two buses a day.

Where do you live?

Between Cork and Dublin.

Family?

Eldest of four. Grew up with a lot of music. We all played piano and I’d always get the worst in exams. Maybe they all found it too easy, got bored, and moved on. I’m still chugging away at it anyway.

Best friend?

I count myself very lucky to say that I have too many to be able to answer that question. They’re all hilarious, I’ll tell you that much.

Earliest childhood memory?

Not sure but it probably involved kicking a ball or Man United.

Person you most admire?

My wife. She’s a comedian. She’s incredibly talented and hard-working. I get far more excited for her career than my own. She’s also hilarious obviously. Sadhbh McLoughlin, check her out.

Person who most irritates you?

Myself, definitely.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

My best memories of holidays are always Caherdaniel. We have a caravan down there. My parents couldn’t get us to leave the country during the summers, we had no interest. All the friends from there are still my closest.

Favourite TV programme?

I don’t watch many TV shows. It’s all sports and the news when I’m looking for downtime. A lot of the time I like to get away from music when I’m relaxing.

Favourite radio show?

Off The Ball or Late Date on the way home from a gig. A classic musician’s answer.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Aubergine rigatoni. Aubergine and sausage rigatoni if I’m hungover.

Favourite restaurant?

Bar Pez in Dublin.

Last book you read?

Night Boat To Tangier, by Kevin Barry.

Best book you read?

Not a clue. I wouldn’t read that much and when I do, it’s usually books about birds or trees or how we’re destroying the environment. I’m sure that will get even worse as I head into my forties. I really enjoyed Saving Eden about the Gearagh.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Cosán Casta - Cormac McCarthy and Aoife Ní Bhriain.

Favourite song?

Rainbow Connection. The Kermit the Frog version of course.

One person you would like to see in concert?

Paul Simon. I think he’s my favourite artist. His music has got it all. It has got the harmony, the stories, the players and the ’70s production. I find his music so cinematic or something.

Do you have a pet?

No, but my wife has plans...

Morning person or night owl?

Depends what I need to do. Morning if I need to practice, exercise or get my life in order. Night time if I need to make music.

Your proudest moment?

Playing the Grand Ole Opry with Niall McCabe and Ron Block from Union Station.

Spendthrift or saver?

Saver.

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

Build amenities and green spaces where people can walk safely. I get very frustrated at how comfortable people in rural Ireland are casually walking their dogs against cars and farm machinery.

What makes you happy?

Cooking and friends. Preferably both things together.

How would you like to be remembered?

Someone who helped people make music and made them happy along the way.

What else are you up to at the moment?

Releasing this new Notify album and touring that after Christmas. Heading on tour with Pa Sheehy soon and will be recording on a few different projects after that.

Irish ensemble Notify’s new album For Now is available now on CD, vinyl and digital formats. See https://notify.bandcamp.com/album/for-now