What happens when a Dublin songwriter starts writing about the people, places and stories happening around him?
For Eddie Sherlock, those stories became songs such as “All Around the Town”, “King of the Road” and “The Island”.
In Episode 4 of the Two Auld Folkers Podcast, Eddie joins Gerry Browne and Mick O’Brien for a warm, funny conversation about songwriting, Dublin life, family, confidence and the long road of building a career through original Irish folk music.
Eddie’s musical story started later than most.
He grew up surrounded by singers. His granny and father sang, while his uncle Thomas McLachlan became one of his biggest influences. Christmas gatherings meant music, party pieces and Eddie trying to stay close enough to hear the adults singing.
Yet Eddie reached 21 before guitar started to make sense.
Someone showed him how to play “Zombie” by The Cranberries using two fingers. He played the same thing for two weeks, drove the family mad and kept going.
While singing “Spancil Hill”, Eddie then realised he was in key. He went home delighted. He had finally worked out he was able to sing.
From there came songs rooted in modern Dublin life.
“All Around the Town” began after the death of a young man named Connor. Eddie started writing about violence, addiction, gang activity and families dealing with the aftermath.
Mick remembers hearing the song years ago while driving home from his radio show. The lyrics hit hard because he recognised the communities Eddie was writing about.
Years later, Eddie received a message from a man dealing with addiction who said the song had helped him through a difficult period.
Then there’s “King of the Road”.
A line sat in Eddie’s phone for around two years before lockdown gave him the space to follow the idea. He researched horse names, bloodlines, sulky racing and the language around the sport.
The song was recorded in a bedroom during lockdown. Then people started sharing. Children learned the words. Parents sent videos.
Eddie even tells the story of a child performing “King of the Road” at school before his parents were called in because someone thought the song was inappropriate.
Gerry and Mick also get Eddie talking about self-doubt.
Despite years of gigs, Eddie spent a long time unsure about his own voice. Gerry hears something different, describing Eddie’s Dublin tone as instantly recognisable.
The conversation turns to a question facing many Irish musicians. How do you move from pub gigs to bigger stages?
Eddie has spent years trying. Streaming has helped fund recording sessions and brought his music to listeners in America, Australia and further afield.
Music also brought Eddie to Australia, where a songwriting project connecting Irish and Aboriginal stories led to performances and a small tour.
The episode closes with “The Island”, inspired by the people of the Blasket Islands.
Eddie became fascinated by the islanders, their isolation and the families who eventually left home behind. One image stayed with him, a person leaving by boat and watching the island grow smaller in the distance.
There are plenty of laughs along the way, plus three original Eddie Sherlock songs.
Irish folk music. The music of the people.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEqF7GEWvT0c
Follow Eddie Sherlock:
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MrEddiesherlock
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Produced By Graco Studios:
Website: https://gracostudios.com
Irish Folk Music, The Music Of The People.
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