Since launching Anna’s Anchor in 2014, Limerick native Marty Ryan has clocked in a hefty amount of miles, travelling by land, air and sea to play shows throughout Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe and America. When he’s not been on the road or on a boat or plane, he’s been writing a wealth of material. Amongst his releases is the coast-to-coast project, ‘The Islands’ and last September’s full-length, ‘Nautical Miles’.
Later this month he will be adding to his discography with a new double A-Side single. ‘Summer Camp’ / ‘You Are A Lighthouse’ sees Ryan looking to the future as the former continues his transition from solo acoustic artists to a full band. While the former is a reworked song that originally appeared on the aforementioned ‘The Islands’.
As he gears up to release the new single, we sat down with Marty for a detailed talk about the music and the people that have shaped Anna’s Anchor along the way. However, Ryan put an unusual spin on things and decided to play it by the numbers.
1 Artist You Couldn’t Live Without…
My dad, he plays a bit of bluegrass on a Friday night in Adare and some folk ballads in Herberts on a Tuesday night. Wouldn’t be here without him, literally!
2 people you know, that shaped your passion for music…
Firstly, Steve Ryan from Windings/GAMAK has had a huge part to play in my DIY, hands on approach. After hearing stories of what they achieved and the scene they had built in my hometown, made me more determined than ever. Secondly, I would have to say And So I Watch You From Afar. An incredibly creative band that’s constantly changing and works so hard!
You Are A Lighthouse (Summer Camp B-Side) by Anna’s Anchor
3 songs you wish you’d written…
Galway Girl by Old Crow Medicine Show
Galway Girl by Nathan Carter
Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran
4 bands everyone should hear…
Windings, Cruiser, Casavettes, Eraser TV. All from Limerick. World domination is on the horizon!
5 songs you love…
Alright by Life Goals
A Different Space of Mind by The Winter Passing
Holyhead by Stairwells
Cutting Room Floor by Chewing on Tinfoil
Enemies by Ganglions
6 bands you’re keen to play with…
Into It. Over It.
Interpol
Martha
Jimmy Eat World
American Football
And So I Watch You From Afar
7 places you’d love to play…
The Olympia in Dublin
Fighting Cocks in Kingston
First Unitarian Church in Philly
Webster Hall in New York
The Gorge in Washington
Asbury Lanes in New Jersey
A sold out Dolans Warehouse in Limerick for the launch of LP #2
8 essential tour items…
Power Bank
Multiple phone chargers as I’ll lose a couple on the way
Bananas
Spare Tyre and misc. car repair stuff
Lots of strings and cables
Sleeping bag
Self-Inflatable ground mat
Fresh packet of Primark underwear, throw them away as you’re using, disposable job so you’re not carrying them around all the time.
9 words to describe your band…
Emotional, Delay, Reverb, Honest, Genuine, Grateful, Fortunate, Punk, Limerick.
10 favourite albums of all time…
Osker – Idle Will Kill
The Gaslight Anthem – Sink or Swim
Windings – I Am Not The Crow
Interpol – Turn on the Bright Lights
Brand New – Daisy
Black Flag – Damaged
Fighting With Wire – Man vs. Monster
Blank – Good Touch Bad Touch
Now Now – Threads
Death Cab For Cutie – Narrow Stairs
‘Summer Camp’ / ‘You Are A Lighthouse’ by Anna’s Anchor is released 25th May.
