Only Child, a renowned folk ensemble based in Liverpool, is headed by Scouse songwriter Alan O’Hare. They commemorate 10 years of gigging and creating music with their latest album, “Looking Forward To Looking Back,” which was published on September 23rd of this year. “Looking Forward To Looking Back” is a beautiful blend of songs that put all sentiments in a dynamic environment, with 10 tracks on the album. They may be used to relax, settle your thoughts, and even maintain feelings. The tracks are a tremendous wave that recognizes when to return to a state of calm and binds our thoughts to peace. Only Child’s latest album has left me speechless, therefore it’s a joy to speak with them about their 10-track compilation
SONGWEB: Tell us about yourself and how your work as an artist is influenced by it.
ONLY CHILD: My name is Alan O’Hare and I’m a songwriter from Liverpool. I put work out as Only Child and make emotional music. If it’s not emotional, I’m not interested.
SONGWEB: Who are your most important artistic influences?
ONLY CHILD: The people and places around me. The emotional geography of my life. Artists I admire include Bruce Springsteen, Kate Bush, Christy Moore, and Smokey Robinson. Writers such as George Orwell, Emily Bronte, and Cormac McCarthy.
SONGWEB: Where do you get your inspiration and what trends influence your work?
ONLY CHILD: I get my inspiration from looking out the window, being around people, and spending nights in bars, listening, and listening. I’m always listening to new music and have the radar ready to receive at all times.
SONGWEB: Could you tell us about your current project and its production process?
ONLY CHILD: Looking Forward To Looking Back – A Decade Of Only Child’ is a compilation of the best of my music since Only Child started ten years ago. My guitarist and producer Jon Lawton helped me curate a selection that represents the best of our recordings from the previous four albums and three EPs. We remixed a couple and had each track remastered for vinyl – this is the first ever Only Child record.
SONGWEB: Could you briefly define the objective or purpose of your work?
ONLY CHILD: To communicate… either with one person or one hundred, it doesn’t matter. Connection is the thing we go to art for.
SONGWEB: What have your critics and collectors had to say about your work?
ONLY CHILD: “The message is as beautiful as the musical execution…” – Americana UK
“Taking their cue from Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen & The Waterboys…” – Liverpool Acoustic
“A songsmith reaching new creative heights…” – Penny Black
SONGWEB: How do you hone your abilities
ONLY CHILD: Every time I pick up the guitar, I try to write the best song I’ve ever written. I keep chipping away at chords, melodies, songs, singing, hooks, riffs, etc. and I’m always playing to improve.
Overall, the singer understands that he must capitalize on the moments that characterize the songs’ tenacity and orchestrates them flawlessly. As I listen to the album, it touches specific regions of me. The acoustic setting for most tracks gives them a mellifluous atmosphere, combined with great vocals to fascinate listeners.
Listen to the “Looking Forward To Looking Back” album by Only Child on SoundCloud and let us know your thoughts. Cheers!
You can follow Only Child here for more information.
