Morrissey & Marshall back to where it all began
By Aideen O'Flaherty
INDIE duo Morrissey & Marshall are gearing up for the release of their new acoustic album, ‘We Rise Again’.
Rathcoole man Darren Morrissey and Springfield native Greg Marshall joined forces after a chance encounter in Temple Bar several years ago, and since then they have crafted melodic and creative tunes that hark back to their 60s influences, like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel.
The London-based band will be launching their new album with a homecoming show at Peachtree East in Tallaght, which has a special resonance for them as they used to go to music sessions in Captain America’s – where Peachtree East is now located.
Darren Morrissey spoke to The Echo about being a musician in London, the decision behind releasing an acoustic album and what people can expect from the band’s album launch.
How did you and Greg meet?
Funnily enough, we met on stage. I was playing with my then-band in the old Eamonn Doran’s in Temple Bar. We used to finish our set with a cover of Oasis’ ‘My Big Mouth’ and Greg, being in an Oasis t-shirt, and quite clearly a massive fan, jumped up to join me on stage. That was the start of it.
When did you realise you had similar music tastes and a desire to make music?
Pretty much from the get-go, I think. We shared a love of 60s and 90s rock ‘n’ roll, and the songs I was writing at the time were very much of that ilk. Greg complemented the tunes perfectly with lead guitar and harmony.
You’ll be releasing an acoustic version of your second album ‘We Rise’. Why did you decide to release an acoustic album?
There’s been endless debate since the beginning of the duo and it’s split down the middle as to whether people prefer the full band sound with big production, or the raw, stripped back acoustic versions of the songs. We wanted to please both sides this time around.
How did recording the acoustic album compare to recording the full-band album?
Although the songs were the same, the recording process was different in every way. To record the full band album, it took around two years. We had the premier league of musicians and spent hours getting the sound right and refining each song. We recorded the acoustic album in one day, with each song done in one take. To be honest, that’s how I like to do it – it’s a rush.
You’re both based in London, have you had more opportunities as musicians in the English capital compared to when you were in Dublin?
We never lived in Dublin as Morrissey & Marshall. We only started the duo after we moved to London, so I can’t really say. Maybe the outcome would’ve been different, for better or for worse, if we had stayed in Dublin but I don’t really think about that. You make your own opportunities, in my opinion. All I know is we’ve done really well. Our management, record company and studio are in London and it’s a good place to base yourself if you’re touring in Europe. I think about, and miss, Dublin every day, though.
How do you feel about playing a hometown show in Tallaght next month?
I’m really looking forward to it. We’re playing a room where so many incredible musicians used to go and play regularly. I honestly don’t think Tallaght realises what it has in terms of talent. We’ve been touring for 5 years all over the shop and I’ve never known a bunch of musicians as talented as the crowd that used to play in Captain America’s (the sessions were great too). We’d love this show to be the start of something special for Tallaght and we have plans to get the great musicians of Tallaght showcased in Europe later in the year, so keep an eye out.
What can the audience expect from your album launch in Peachtree East next month?
Good songs and a room full of love.
Morrissey & Marshall will be launching ‘We Rise Again’ in Peachtree East on Friday, February 9 at 8pm and tickets are €10. You can find out more about the band on their website, morrisseyandmarshall.com
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