“Danny Carroll is one of the brightest, most precocious talents we have”
Cian Ó Cíobháin, RTE RnaG
“Danny Carroll’s lyrics are some of the smartest, wittiest that the country has to offer”.
Will Murphy, The Thin Air
“This idiosyncratic first outing for Carroll introduces us to an intriguing songwriter we’ll be hoping to hear much more from” – Andrew Lambert, Headstuff
Ahead of his debut album ‘I Am The Cheese’, to be released on vinyl and digital this Friday 1st March, Danny Carroll shares final single and accompanying video, ‘Match of the Day’.
The official Match of the Day video is directed by the prolific songwriter and renaissance man Laurie Shaw, and follows a fantasy narrative of Danny as a hotshot goal-scorer. Unfortunately, after being attacked with a globe during a home robbery, he’s suddenly struck with Spherephobia (fear of spheres). Bloody typical eh? Eventually, Danny beats his affliction and returns to the pitch, but he’s never the same footballer again. The video was filmed at the DIY Super League in Limerick and The Glen Park in Cork city. It features cameos from the bands Fonda and Messyng. Video link – https://youtu.be/KKL2kMLjOxU?si=nKoLodKR-UZr-07o
Speaking on the song, Danny explains “In recent years, Match Of The Day has become a comforting constant in my life. During the pandemic it was a familiar form of escape – millionaire mercenaries will dive in pursuit of penalties, panellists will complain about refereeing decisions, there’s a consistency to it despite being unscripted drama. It’s my most deliberate attempt at writing a novelty song – like Lime In The Coconut by Harry Nilsson, or a Beatles tune sung by Ringo. The video allowed me to live out my childhood fantasy of being a star striker, albeit with grave consequences.”
Part of the Dublin music scene for years, Carroll is co-curator of A Litany Of Failures compilation series showcasing independent artists from across Ireland. Having gigged in various projects, he’s opened for kindred spirits such as Jeffrey Lewis and Pavement guitarist Spiral Stairs before the time came to work on his debut solo album. Enlisting the help of Belfast based producer Chris W. Ryan (New Dad, Just Mustard, Robocobra Quartet), the two developed songs with a playful, anything goes approach, with Carroll’s songs likened to softer touchstones of indie rock – Silver Jews, Jonathan Richman, and Lee Hazlewood.
In January 2023, he released his debut solo single ‘Affection’. Hailed as “a compelling re-introduction” (The Last Mixed Tape) and an “idiosyncratic first outing” (Headstuff) the track went on to receive coverage on RTÉ Radio 1 and Hot Press among others.
In September, Danny shared his second solo offering ‘Cheesemonger’, a “wonky indie-folk epic” (Irish News), as part of the compilation A Litany Of Failures: Volume IV, which has already been hailed by the Irish Times as “indispensable listening for any Irish music fan with a modicum of taste”. The track was accompanied by a striking, macabre video made by Iarla McKeon (KhakiKid, Big Sleep) and quickly followed by tours with like-minded counterpart Laurie Shaw and the Scottish singer-songwriter Hamish Hawk. (Video: https://youtu.be/UMkBgUMw-7c)
‘I Am The Cheese’ album will be released 1st March 2024. Pre-save the album on Spotify (https://RecordU.lnk.to/I_Am_The_Cheese), or pre-order on Bandcamp (https://dannycarrollmusic.bandcamp.com/album/i-am-the-cheese).
‘I Am The Cheese’ Tracklisting
- Pep Talk
- Golden Hour
- Pimlico
- Conventions Of Cool
- Match Of The Day
- February
- Affection
- Cheesemonger
- October Afternoons
