Busy promoting his first full-length album, the excellent ‘Word Play’ on Dublin’s Scribble Records, and with preparation for a double Glastonbury performance well under way, Kormac is a busy man. A long time member of the Bodytonic stable, Kormac has been consistently pushing the boundaries with his live performances, a thrust that has finally seen the release of his eagerly awaited LP. ” I started writing music for it nearly two years ago but it was during the last twelve months that I really got stuck in and got it finished.” The album features collaborations with DJ Yoda, Koaste, Mc Little Tree among others. For those of us not in possession of a Glasto ticket, Kormac and his big band will be in full swing as headliners of Body and Soul’s Solstice Gathering at Ballinlough house June 19th and 20th.
Your Album was released last month, how long was the recording process, and how do you feel now that’s in the bag?
I started writing music for it nearly two years ago but it was during the last twelve months that I really got stuck in and got it finished. It feels good to have it done as there’s a bunch of other stuff I’ve had on the back burner that I can finally get my teeth into.
The album has several collaborations, Dj Yoda, Koaste, MC Little Tree among others, if we ignore reality for a second, who would be your ultimate collaboration?
Probably Billy Holiday or Helen Forest.
I know you’re playing at Glastonbury this summer with the full band, which must be a dream come true. How did that come about?
A guy called Chris got in touch saying he wanted me to DJ at his club in London and for the big band to play his stage in Glastonbury. I did the club gig, we had a chat and decided to go for it. Since then, we’ve also been asked to play in the dance area on the Sunday and I’ll also be doing a DJ set at the festival. I watched Glastonbury on the BBC every year growing up so it absolutely is a dream come true for me.
On the topic of festivals, you’re one of the headliners for the Body And Soul festival in June, how do Irish festivals compare to what you’ve seen elsewhere?
The crowds have been as good as I’ve come across. No matter what stresses people have endured getting there, they always seem totally up for it and in great form. Some of the most memorable gigs I’ve ever done have been at Irish festivals. I especially like doing them with the Big Band.
You run a club night called Kormac’s Bakesale in the Twisted Pepper, what guests do you have in the pipeline for that?
Yeah, myself and (our VJ,) Q The Monkey designed the concept and I curate it with Eoin from Bodytonic/Twisted Pepper, who does alot of the hard work. It’s loads of fun and we’ve started doing them outside Dublin too. We do a few each year in Bar 903 in Galway. I can’t say too much right now as I’m waiting on confirmation from a couple of acts but let’s just say, I’m excited.
You supported Beardyman for his Irish tour; he’s undoubtedly one of the most innovative artists around at the moment. How inspirational is it to see someone pushing the boundaries of their craft like that
To put in bluntly, very. Unfortunately, I come across a lot of “same old, same old” and really very average DJs on my travels and it’s really refreshing to see people creating music in new and different ways while still catering for the dance-floor. We had a ball on that tour.
What’s in the future for Kormac?
Writing new material, a new A/V show, a summer full of DJ and Big Band gigs here and abroad, some new trainers and I hope to visit a Chinese buffet later.
Words: Paddy O’Mahoney
