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What was the best advice Emmet Cahill ever received? What advice would he give to others? What was his most embarrassing moment … we have the answers here.
Irish Music Daily caught up with Emmet Cahill and threw 12 questions at him. Here’s what he had to say.
Why did you want to become a performer and what career would you follow if you weren’t in music?
Emmet Cahill
Interview about solo album
On girlfriends
In his own words
I’ve wanted to be a performer for as long as I can remember. I’ve been told by my parents that I was attempting to sing before I could even talk, although at that point I’m not sure you could categorise it as singing!!
My parents had me singing and playing music from the age of four so it’s progressed from a very early age obviously.
Going to see a show or a concert is an opportunity to step into an alternate reality. You get transformed into the world of the performers through text and music and it allows an audience to forget about normal life for a while.
Music and performing was always something I was fascinated with from a very early age. To be given an opportunity to bring joy and happiness to people through music is the biggest honour someone could be given so I try to achieve that every time I step on a stage.
Who are your favourite performers and who are your biggest influences?
I love so many different types of music so this is always the hardest question to answer.
Being classically trained from the start, classical music was my first love, and continues to play a big part in my musical life.
I love the old music, in particular older musicals, the likes of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, George Gershwin etc. In terms of modern music, I really enjoy folk and country music, but then again you can’t beat a bit of swing and jazz. As I said it’s a very hard question for a singer to answer!
How much time do you spend practising your singing and music?
When I’m actually touring, I don’t spend too much time practising. It’s more a case of keeping your mind, body and voice fit and healthy. I have done tours where we have had 60+ shows in a few short months so the main priority is keeping yourself in a condition to give your best for every audience, while enjoying yourself at the same time of course. Consistency is so important to me, being as committed on your final performance as were on your first.
When I’m at home I go to singing lessons and rehearsals with my teacher every week. It’s so important to keep up your training, at every stage of your career. You need to mind the tools of your trade.
I would, on average, dedicate 3 hours to actual singing each day; the rest of the time could be spent learning new material. I spend quite a bit of time just messing round on the piano, trying new ideas that might be floating round my head somewhere.
I’m always on the look out for new music too. I enjoy putting my own arrangements to songs I hear, no matter what the genre. Good music is good music in my book, and it can come from a wide variety of sources. If you check out my YouTube channel, it should give you an idea.
What is your favourite film and TV show, and why?
I don’t really watch too much TV. I have recently been hooked on Homeland, Breaking Bad and The West Wing. I love watching documentaries too. I am an absolute sports addict. I follow a lot of GAA (Irish football) rugby, particularly Leinster and Ireland, golf and soccer, currently experiencing the highs and lows of being a Manchester United fan.
I enjoy following the NFL and the NBA whilst in the US. I’ve been to a few NBA games recently.
More questions for Emmet: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Emmet Cahill
Emmet Cahill Q & A
Interview about solo album
Emmet Cahill on girlfriends
Emmet Cahill in his own words
