INTRODUCING: Culann
With a plethora of cinematic videos and deep, story-weaving songs, CULANN are a well-kept secret of Irvine Scotland. Light, progressive rock music interweaves with folk inspirations to create a truly unique sound. We caught up with vocalist PJ Kelly about the band’s latest release Songs of Saints & Reivers.
The band have a very evocative sound that weaves melodic storytelling into their folk inspired prog rock. Their music is a journey, which is both clear and resonant, but also has loads of repeat value in every listen to each song. The band have been working together for many years, and there’s an obvious explanation to how they’ve created such a long-lasting bond. “We’ve been a band now for fifteen years and the more I think on it, it’s all about friendship,” PJ explains. “We were friends before we played music together and that goes a long way, it’s the foundation for the music to be the way it is.”
“Having the five members really helps with the live sound, I’ve always felt it’s a powerful experience when we’re onstage. I think being together for fifteen years has allowed us to figure out what works dynamically both live and, in the studio, we know when to turn it up and when to pull back. That’s definitely been honed over many years playing.”
Songs of Saints & Reivers, as noted, is a beautiful collection of songs. “This EP was mostly written during the very first lockdown of 2020,” PJ recounts. “We would be sending each other bits and pieces and before you knew it we had four songs to focus on. We’ve never rushed writing music but these four came about much quicker than anything we’ve done before, down to the fact we couldn’t do much else. It allowed us to focus entirely on writing. I think when we started it was just a case of let’s write some music because of the situation we were all in, we wanted to do something that would be uplifting first and foremost to ourselves but then hopefully the people that follow the band would have another release from us to look forward to. It turned out to be quite cathartic in many ways, some of these songs are the most personal we have ever written as a band.”
With guitars, bass, keys and drums to accompany the vocals, the five piece have plenty of inspirations, all of which help mould CULANN into what it is. “I think part of what has helped us forge our sound is the different influences within the band, we all have individual tastes, that I can’t help but think find their way into the songs. Where we are from also has a massive influence in a lot of the songs lyrically, it’s shaped us as a band.”
The band’s writing habits also nod to a well-oiled machine when it comes to creating together. “I think it almost always starts on an acoustic guitar then it builds, songs will get sent round in the earliest form and parts will be added then figured out. It’s a really collaborative process and you can hear each band members distinct sound when it’s done.”
“We’re excited to have this out in the world. As a band we have always done everything ourselves so it’s hopefully going to reach more people and we can interact with some new listeners. Every time we speak to someone new who has listened for the first time is still so exciting.”
CULANN are exceptionally engaged with their music, not just from its writing and performance but also in the recording and mixing side of things. “Fortunately for us, our guitarist Greg mixes all of our music,” he tells us. “He’s got such a great ear for it and it allows us to spend a bit more time on it than if you were sending it away. That’s a blessing for sure.
“We recorded at our home from home, Watercolour Studios in the highlands. It’s the perfect place to escape and really immerse yourself in the recording, there’s nowhere else we’d rather be. Greg worked hard on the mix and we couldn’t be happier with the result, luckily enough we’ve managed to have Jon Astley master the EP too. He’s worked with some of the best in the business like THE WHO, ABBA and THE ROLLING STONES.”
By having such a hand in all elements of their music, CULANN have kept the essence of their great songwriting and captivating musicianship. “That’s something we are quite proud of; we’ve not fallen into the well-worn path of losing control,” PJ agrees. “For a long time now, we’ve put on our own shows, everything from the venue choice down to the artwork for the poster is handpicked and created with the intention of delivering the best possible night. That’s the same with the music.”
Songs of Saints & Reivers is out now via self release.
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