Interview: Cormac Looby Discusses His Debut Single “I Don’t Need Your Love”!

Irish singer-songwriter Cormac Looby has recently his debut single “I Don’t Need Your Love” & has taken the time to speak with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution about the song, along with getting to know more from the artist behind the music.

Hey Cormac, thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. Can you start by telling the readers a little bit about yourself?

Cormac: So, I’m Cormac. Originally from Tipperary, Ireland but I’m now based in Manchester. My day job is as a secondary school Spanish teacher.

When did you first discover your passion for music?

Cormac: I suppose it was something I just figured out naturally. When I was young, I had a big boombox in my room that used to blare out Usher and Maroon 5 (all the great’s) and I loved singing along. When I was twelve or thirteen, I figured out the ukulele was handy enough to learn and I took it from there.

What was the first song you performed in front of a live audience?

Cormac: It was either ‘Hallelujah’ by Leonard Cohen or ‘Your Beautiful’ by James Blunt at a family function. I was rolled out like a dancing monkey those days and I still am today haha.

Have you always known that music was a career that you wanted to pursue?

Cormac: I have always thought it was something I would do, but it took until quite recently to figure out that it wasn’t just going to fall into my lap and I might have to get off my arse and do something about it.

How would you describe your musical style to someone who is not familiar with your music?

Cormac: I suppose playing live, it’s just me and the guitar so you might call it acoustic folk/pop. I do like to add a bit more when recording though.

You recently released your debut single “I Don’t Need Your Love”. How did the idea to create this song come together?

Cormac: I wrote the bulk of the song about four years ago when I was working on summer camp in Spain and we had a few hours down time every morning. It was great to thrash away on the guitar but I’m not sure the other camp staff were as keen haha.

What was the main inspiration behind the lyrical journey of the song?

Cormac: The chorus centres around the idea of someone just being fed up of your shite and how seeing that in someone else’s face is not the greatest feeling in the world. I suppose the verses are bit more explicitly introspective then, or something.

What does the song personally mean to you?

Cormac: The song does mean a lot as it was my first time doing a proper studio recording. It probably signifies that I’ve finally gotten my act together somewhat, which is important to me too. It’s also given me somewhat of a platform to work from now which is an added bonus.

If listeners could take away one thing from this song, what would you like it to be?

Cormac: I would say one of the main takeaway’s is that Richard Hinckley is a great saxophone player and you should hire him to play at your wedding.

Are there any further releases planned that you are able to share with us?

Cormac: I’ve just gone back to the studio (Shed Studios Manchester, big up my man Kommy!) to record a new single which will hopefully be out this summer.

What are some of the things you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Cormac: Apart from music I’m a big Everton fan (for my sins!) and I try to get up and watch them at Goodison from time to time.

What song do you always keep on your playlist & why?

Cormac: I think in recent times it’s probably ‘Poundshop Kardashians’ by Sam Fender. I hate over-listening to tracks but that’s one I never skip. In terms of a more classic track I’d say ‘God Only Knows’ by The Beach Boys, such a good tune.

If you could duet with any artist on the planet, who would you choose?

Cormac: I’d say maybe Hannah Reid from London Grammar or else maybe Billie Marten? Two fairly ethereal women with unbelievable voices and some great songs.

What is the best advice you could share with someone who is looking to pursue a career within the music industry?

Cormac: I would say get yourself into your local studio as soon as you think you have a half-decent song ready. Then flake it up on Spotify and work really hard to promote it. Send emails to radio stations and then send them again, maybe even a third time and you never know who might pick it up. Don’t wait for something to happen.

Finally, is there is anything you would like to say to the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?

Cormac: To the readers, I hope you’re all enjoying lockdown! I’m sure it won’t be long until there’s live music again up and down the country, so sit tight and we’ll be grand!

You can check out “I Don’t Need Your Love” on Spotify below.