Cork man fulfils ambition after releasing 'special' Christmas single

A CORKMAN has fulfilled ambitions of releasing a Christmas single just three years after taking up songwriting.

Tom O’Sullivan’s latest offering ‘A Special Christmas’ is currently available to download on Spotify and can also be viewed on his YouTube channel Tom O’Sullivan Music.

Tom from Great Island has produced eight singles to date but was particularly excited about releasing a Christmas song.

The video for ‘A Special Christmas’ was filmed a Cobh and features the area in all its festive glory.

Tom revealed what he loves about this time of year.

“I think it’s a turning point in the lowest depth of winter. Buds are on the trees, daffodils are starting to sprout and the days are getting longer.

“What really makes Christmas special is families coming together and making that extra effort. It’s the smile on children’s faces and the excitement of Santa and adults reflecting on Christmas past. It can also be a difficult time remembering family members who have passed away.”

He spoke to The Echo about his songwriting process.

“It starts with the inspiration from an idea and evolves through the various stages of editing.

“In the meantime, your conscious and subconscious mind is like a washing machine churning around ideas.

“Eventually, it reaches the recording studio.

“Finally, after all the changes and revisions it’s done or “in the can” as they say.

“A new song is born for posterity - a record of your time here on this planet.”

Tom, who plays the concertina, offered some sage advice to would-be songwriters.

“If I’m struck by an idea or a seed of thought I usually write it down or try humming it.

“It’s important to write it down or record humming it on the phone. It’s amazing how initial ideas get lost or evaporate if you don’t make an effort to remember them.”