As the final date of Moncrieff's exhilarating tour approached, excitement buzzed through the air at Lafayette in London. Nestled in the heart of the city's vibrant music scene, Lafayette provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night. Fans gathered in eager anticipation, ready to witness a performance that promised to be both electric and emotionally charged.
Moncrieff, known for his soulful voice and raw, emotive songwriting, has been captivating audiences across the country with his powerful live shows. This tour, a journey through his musical evolution, has been a testament to his dynamic stage presence and the deep connection he shares with his fans.
On this special evening, as the crowd eagerly awaited the final curtain call, we had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Moncrieff himself. In this intimate interview, we delved into the highs and lows of the tour, the stories behind his heartfelt lyrics, and what this culminating performance in London means to him. Join us as we explore the mind and music of one of the most compelling artists of our time, right here at Lafayette.
London is the last date on the tour. What has been the highlight of the tour so far?
We played at King John's Castle, which was incredible. I grew up playing hurling, an Irish sport, before getting into music, and it's a big part of the culture there. I even brought a hurling ball on stage and played a bit. It was a special moment, definitely a highlight. The atmosphere, the crowd, the fireworks—it all came together perfectly.
You released "Self-Care." Tell me everything about it. What's the message behind it? What was the process of writing and recording it? And is it personal? "Self-Care" is very personal. I spent the last couple of years working on my album and went through a period of falling in love, which didn't end well. I wrote a lot of songs during that time as a form of therapy. These songs didn't fit the narrative of my album, which follows my life from a young age. But I felt the need to share them to give people the full picture of who I am before releasing the album.
Do you use music as therapy?
Absolutely. Music has always been my way of processing emotions. The songs on "Self-Care" are like diary entries. It was cathartic to release them, even if they didn't fit on the album. It was a way to connect with my fans and share a part of my story.
So, releasing these songs was a way of having a continuous conversation with your fans?
Exactly. It was about sharing my journey. These songs were important for me to release before moving on to the album. It’s probably the most personal project I’ve done. It was an act of self-care for myself.
Is "Love Somebody" part of this narrative?
Yes, "Love Somebody" is the first single from the album. I realized I couldn’t release the album without including these songs. It’s a universal theme, and I think that's why it resonates with people. The song is very relatable and has a positive message.
Let's talk about "Cycles," which you mentioned as your favorite song from "Self-Care." Why is that?
"Cycles" is probably the most personal song on the record. It's raw and truthful, which makes it scary to listen to. There’s no hidden meaning—it’s all out there in the lyrics. That level of honesty makes it special.
You played a sold-out show in Dublin a few days ago. How was that?
It was amazing. The Olympia is one of my favorite venues, and the crowd was incredible, especially for a Tuesday night. The energy was off the charts, and it was genuinely one of the highlights of the tour.
What's next for you?
I’m not taking any time off just yet. I'll be heading to Berlin over the summer, but the main focus is getting the album out. It's ready, and we’ll be announcing the release date soon. There are a few new songs from the album that I’m performing on this tour, and I can't wait for everyone to hear them.
Words by Sal F. & Photos by Nicholas O'Donnell.
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