Behind the music – Longstryde

New Dublin band Longstryde have released their debut single, Superhuman. We asked them the BIG questions . . .

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Tell us three things about yourself . . .

Since my teens I’ve been working with Dad in his fruit and veg store in Bray. Between there and the Smithfield markets is where I daydreamed about Longstryde and scribbled down lyrics on the back of receipt paper.

I’m known not to be the best communicator but give me a pen and paper and you’ll be sorry you asked. As a teenager finding my footing on guitar my parents never once told me to turn down my amp.

I’m working alongside my brother Tommy and our producer/good friend Mikey on this project. Tommy’s vocals and Mikey’s patience are unmatched. We’re both feet in and it’s our belief in one another that’s kept this going.

How would you describe your music?

Our music symbolises breaking free from comfort and familiarity and the running man sketch embodies the journey of leaving behind old chapters to script our own narrative. Our debut single Superhuman offers a glimpse into our sonic tapestry. We are forging a distinct sound and our mission statement is to create music that not only entertains but uplifts and offers a sense of catharsis and connection in a world that can often feel chaotic.

Who are your musical inspirations?

Brian Convery and Niall Dermody are the men who opened the doors to guitar for me. Brian, a neighbour and Niall an uncle of ours always attended the on-street BBQ’s at the top of the Cul De Sac in Kingston, Ballinteer. With guitars in hand, they both entertained till the early hours. Both experts at drawing in the party. Brian’s guitar is the first one I laid hands on, and I was hooked.

What was the first record you ever bought?

The first record I managed to get my hands on was borrowed – without permission – from my Godfather Emmett when I was 11. It was Appetite For Destruction by Guns N’ Roses. The album artwork jumped out at me, I just had to have it. At a time when my classmates were tuning in to Blink 182 and Eminem, I was buried into Appetite.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

What’s your favourite song right now?

Context: Fearless Part I – by Crown Lands. Just watch it , Live At Revolution Recording, Toronto

Favourite lyric of all time?

“I can’t change the world, but I can change the world in me” – Rejoice by U2. A very intelligent and deep line from a 21-year-old Bono.

If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Dreams by Van Halen. A bolt of energy. It works everywhere – in the car or at the gym, it’s nostalgia draws me back to the end of the Power Rangers movie. The song is triumphant and powerful. It holds out hope, urging the listener to greater heights. Just thinking about it makes me want to go out for a run right now.

Where can people find your music/more information?

Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Spotify.

Alan Corr