Interview by Kevin O'Brien

She comes from a house where singing and entertaining is just part of day to day life and when your mother is the legendary folk singer, Mary Black and your brother is Danny who is the lead singer with super rock-Indie band, The Coronas, then you have to be talented, and believe me, Roisin O’Reilly is just that. Fashion.ie caught up with Roisin who has just kicked off her national tour of the country and we chat to her about life and fashion.

ROISIN O'REILLY

There is another recording artist going by the name of Roisin O’Reilly, does this sometimes get confusing and what name do you officallly go by for recording / performing purposes?

Yes it has got confusing in the past where people have tried to book me for gigs thinking I was someone else! I started going by Róisín O to stop any confusion but Róisín O has also become the band name, it includes me, Ruth O’Mahony Brady (keys), Alan Tully(guitar) and Brian Murphy(bass).  On the album it says ‘Róisín O’Reilly – Vocals’ to try and show the difference between Róisín O the band and me (Róisín O’Reilly), but now by default I’ve also become know as Róisín O…. so yes it’s all a bit confusing!

Where did you grow up and what was your fondest childhood memory?

Harold’s Cross, my 7^th birtthday when I got my sheepdog Charlie

Did you always want to be a singer / performer ?

Yes for as long as I remember. I can’t remember not loving to sing, I used to sing the plots of story books to my babysitters before I could read. I think from a young age I got a kick out of singing for people and seeing their reaction, hoping it would make them happy, I suppose I’ve never lost that.

Do you remember when you first performed live in front of an audience and how old were you?

I think I was about 6 or 7, I got up and sang ‘A Woman’s Heart’ with my mam at a gig in Germany.

ROISIN & HER BAND, RUTH, ALAN AND BRIAN

As a teenager, what celebrities would have inspired your fashion sense at that time and who today would you think are well dressed celebrities today?

Maybe Destiny’s Child… but too be honest when I was younger I wasn’t that into fashion, I was more concerned with sport and music. That changed when I started college. I really like Kate Moss’ style, and  Sienna Miller too, She pulls off casual so well while being so classy at the same time. I try not to be too influenced by what other people wear though, I think it’s important to have your own style and fell comfortable in what you wear.

What are your favourite colours?

Black, grey… generally darker colours orr else gold or red if I’m feeling colourful.

What is your favourite piece of clothing and why?

A pair of grey skinny jeans from Top Shop I’ve had for ages that fits me perfectly and are so comfortable.

Describe what you like to wear on casual nights out?

I’m a tom boy at heart, I much perfer boots, skinny jeans and blazers to floral dresses.

Where would you normally shop for clothes?

Penney’s! I love a bargin! I also love River Island, A Wear and Zara..

When shopping for clothes, do you go for what is trendy or what works or looks good on you, describe?

I’d say a mixture of both. I see something new I like and will generally know whether it will suit me or not.

Do like to accessorize?

Yes, especially jewellery, big chunky rings and quirky necklaces.

ROISIN WOULD LOVE TO RECORD WITH ARTISTS LIKE JONI MITCHELL OR HER MUM, MARY BLACK

 How do you plan your outfits for stage performances?

Quickly. Whatever, I feel good in that’s new or I haven’t worn in a while.

Have you ever had a wardrobe malfunction, explain?

I once bought a backless dress to go to a wedding, I also bought a strapless, backless bra to go with it. Whether it was the stickiness or me that went wrong I’m not sure, but long story short I was half an hour late to the wedding trying to get the thing on and managed to sneak in just after the bride walked up the isle.

Describe a typical working day in the life of Roisin O’Reilly?

Get up, check my emails, do some phone interviews, do vocal exercises, do my hair, go to soundcheck, get food, do gig, go home to my dogs.

What is the most embarrassing moment in your life and why?

Professing my love to a certain famous musician at an aftershow party, one too many Millers.

What type of music do you listen, favourite band / artist?

I love lots of different types of music. Recently I’ve been listening to James Vincent McMorrow, Abbey Road by The Beatles and Kid, A by Radiohead. Favourite artist would include Joni Mitchell , Daft Punk,  Wallis Bird, LCD Sound System.

How do you chill out?

By watching a movie with good friends and a bowl of butter popcorn.

ROISIN IS SUPPORTING THE CORONAS AT THE O2 IN DECEMBER 2012

If you could have dinner with 3 well know people (past or present) who would you chose and why?

Joni Mitchell, John Lennon and my Mam. The first two because I’m a huge fan and would love to just talk to them, the last because she’s a great conversationalist and would keep the chat going if I got to star struck to speak.

If you could collaborate with any music artist or band in the world today, who would you chose and why?

Daft Punk, because I’ve never seen them live and hopefully that would give me the chance! Also because they’re unreal and I love their music.

Do you have any gigs coming up where people can see you perform?

19^th of Oct - Cyprus Avenue, Cork, 21^st Oct - Dolan’s Limerick, 25^th Oct – John Daly’s Mullingar, 3^rd Nov – Monroe’s Galway. We’re also delighted to announce we’ll be supporting the Coronas at there gig in the 02 on Dec 14^th!! For more info you can check out roisino.com.