Who Now?
Elephant is the musical vehicle of Dundalk-based, multi-instrumentalist Shane Clarke who has, of late, taken a turn from a quiet, looping soloist into a full-band foray.
Listen How?
In 4 words, how would you describe your music?
"This is actually the hardest question to get asked i think. I'm terrible at defining things and the songs I write tend to change massively mood to mood. So if I were forced to choose 4 words right now that best describes Elephant it would be "Avant-garde Dark Pop"...and that makes me want to punch myself in the face!"
Have you been to Vantastival before? If so, what was your favourite memory? If not, what are you looking forward to?
"I have been to the last three. My favourite memory is seeing And So I Watch You From Afar in 2013 (I think) for the first time on the main stage. It was an epic performance and the most fun I'd had at a gig in ages. Also, playing the Cricketers Balls stage last year was the first gig I played with Shane O'Hanrahan on piano and synth, so it was pretty special."
What would you call your campervan, and why?
"I would call it 'Mr.Nelson' in honour of Prince's passing."
Other than on stage, where are we most likely to find you at a festival?
"That's pretty easy. Dancing or eating. Sorted."
What can we expect from a live show?
"It really depends on who's with me. Solo, or as a duo, you can expect intimacy and harmony. Loops with lots of thick churchy synth-pads, twinkling pianos and picked guitars. As the full band, you can expect a much more full on & heavy experience, but one that is not without intimacy. I'm really enjoying playing as the full band lately, it feels great to make so much noise for a change."
You said that if your debut album HyperGiant had a concept, that it was ‘a coming of age’ affair. What can we expect from your forthcoming second album?
"I've been working hard on the followup album for a few months now. What has became clear to me is that I am writing a "break-up record". The subject however, is not a person, but the first album, I am breaking up with that side of Elephant.
"I feel like I've went as far as I can for the moment with the folksier side of things and I want to explore different sounds now. In this new album I am taking major influences from 80s and 90s stuff. Dark, romantic, synth-heavy, R&B, rock...think John Carpenter meets Bobby Brown, haha."
Festival packing - notoriously difficult. But what’s your 1 luxury?
"I'm all about luxury these days, I'm too old for real camping. You'll find me in the back of my van, air mattress, two pillows, laptop out watching Twin Peaks sipping on a cup of tea...that's rock and roll man."
What are your musical plans for 2016?
"Writing and recording music. That's my only real aim this year. It's the part of this whole thing that I enjoy the most. I am planning a single release from the new album around the beginning of June. The song is called Stay With Me. I hope to get the album recorded and out before winter. The first album was such a long affair, almost four years from conception to reality. I want to see what its like to push myself, see what comes out. Hopefully it will be decent. Time will tell I suppose, but I'm enjoying myself so far."
Elephant plays the GoldenPlec stage on Friday at this year's Vantastival.