Def Nettle have just released the fantastic debut album ‘DN001’ which I was lucky enough to be at the launch night of at Up-stairs Whelans and photos from that night can also been found on here.
Another recent occurrence was that Abigael got to have a chat with Glen Brady, the lead singer and main man of the band.
Read below to see what was said.
Abby: Could you tell us a little bit about yourself for those who don’t know you ?
Glen: I’ve been making music for over 20 years, as an engineer, producer and DJ. I’ve always written lyrics, songs but never really found the right project to put them in. I’ve been in plenty of bands but usually in the music making aspect.
Abby: Last month you released the single ”Four Years”, how has that gone for you ?
Glen: It feels like a weight off my chest. It’s a heavy song and great way to finalize that period of writing for me. The rest of the singles were very ‘in your face’ and Four Years tells the story of lost love, death and tragedy so it’s more of a ballad than a Punk/Funk show stomper. I was nervous to reveal that side of myself, so it’s cool to see that it was no big deal to do that.
Abby: Your new album has just been released, can you share with us how you’re feeling right now and what it means to you ? What kind of feedback did you get so far ?
Glen: Though it took 3 years (ish) to make the record, it’s an album I’ve been dreaming of making for closer to 25 years so I feel like it’s one of my life’s big accomplishments, whether it’s successful or not. I’m really surprised by the feedback. I suppose I expected it to get a lot less attention if any at all so I’m always shocked when I read a review that really gets what I wanted to say. It surprises me when people really listen and dig into it. It’s very complimentary and I just feel immense gratitude for that.
Abby: So, we know about how deep and meaningful your latest single is to you, but what message or emotions were you hoping to convey through your music in the rest of this album ?
Glen: I guess, when I started writing, I was trying to represent all of the lost souls and scenes I’ve been a part of on my musical and personal journeys. There was so much tragedy and beauty in the street level characters I encountered along the way. The soldiers and sailors of music and the ennui of the party lifestyle, but somehow in writing that story, I started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. A sort of possibility of redemption, not just for the characters within the lyrics, but for myself as well. Maybe a change from Gothic introspection to New Age possibility …God, did making this record turn me into a hippy ?
Abby: How would you convince people to listen to this album ?
Glen: All I can do is make it, play it, do the PR, answer the interviews and hope I convey something that attracts them to listen …. I can name my influences… and hope all that creates an interest. I find that part of the process stressful …
Abby: What are the challenges you have faced during the creative process of your album ?
Glen: Finding and keeping a band together.
Abby: What is your favourite song on the album, and why ?
Glen: Architecture. I think it perfectly conveys what I wanted to say as a writer and the time in my life I was writing about. Making that song helped me let go of a lot of negative emotion. Also, it’s where I found myself seeing Def Nettle as an entity on it’s own.
Abby: Which song are you most looking forward to playing live, and why ?
Glen: The Pills, always. ‘Cause it’s raucous and a crowd stomper.
Abby: What was your worst moment on stage, ever ?
Glen: Any moment where I don’t completely lose myself in it. Any moment where I don’t absolutely have perfect gratitude for where I am and the unique experience I get to have. The worst thing you can do on stage is not give 100%. If I don’t leave it all on the pitch, I hate myself. I won’t let that happen. That SUCKS.
Abby: Are there any questions you wish journalists would ask you but never or rarely do ?
Glen: Howdo you spell your band members names correctly !!!
Abby: If you could meet any celebrity that has passed away, who would it be and why ?
Glen: I wish I could have another conversation with my old friend/collaborator/boss Dolores O’Riordan. There’s a few heads down here that need a good slap from her. Also, she told me not to waste my voice, so Def Nettle – in part – happened because of that statement. So, I’d like to say thanks.
Def Nettles album is available here: https://linktr.ee/defnettlelpdn001?fbclid=IwAR3C5VdKszgU3FJNezXiZaOr6ZL2m4kihQ1zDww5AaYtjsiZ-m16iSGV0LU
Words by – Abigael Paquet
Photos by – Ian Mc Donnell