Ireland-based singer-songwriter Mick Rochford has built his solo career around honest, emotionally driven storytelling, drawing on a lifetime of experiences both within and beyond music. Having spent decades performing as a drummer, including supporting Irish rock legends Aslan, he has since established himself as a songwriter unafraid to confront difficult subjects and uncomfortable truths.
Following the success of his debut album, 'I've Got Something to Say,' Rochford returns with ‘Loving You’, the first single from his forthcoming second album. Exploring the breakdown of a long-term relationship, the track confronts the painful contradiction of still loving someone while gradually recognising that letting them go may be the only way forward.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
A long long time ago…. I played the drums and I absolutely loved it as it’s the heart of the band!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved grunge and heavy Rock. Pearl Jam is my favourite and Sound Garden but I loved Nirvana and 90s power rock.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Pearl Jams 10 is the one I played over and over each song was so different and even the lighter tracks on the album where played to perfection. I love Eddie Vedders rawness.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I really love all types of music and genres I think Billy Joel’s Piano Man has a lot of different layers and deep meaning behind each lyric the story it tells is one that many musicians can resonate with.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
So complete and utter quiet and isolation, just me and the acoustic and the new song it’s something that comes quickly or really slowly and written and re written over and over. It’s a process that needs lots of patience.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I like Irish artists Arron Rowe and Fontaines DC it’s very encouraging to see so many talented new artists getting traction.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Has to be Pearl Jam really hasn’t it.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The listeners that give it a go. That listen for the first time and get the meaning of it when they add to their playlists and their comments on social media thankfully mostly good.
And what is the most frustrating part?
It takes money to self produce and despite millions and millions of tik tok views still waiting to be signed.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Never give up. Write for yourself and what means the most to you.
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Mick Rochford's new single 'Loving You' is out now. Check it out in the player below.