‘He Knows’ is the debut single from Kilkenny based singer and multi-instrumentalist, Ali Comerford. Having toured the world performing viola in classical ensembles for 14 years, Ali moved back to Kilkenny in 2020 and has recorded her debut album of original folk-based but classical influenced songs. The first release is the song ‘He Knows’ and is a swaying acoustic folk lament that also showcases Comerford’s proficiency of playing stringed instruments with a chorus filled with meandering, luscious strings that weave a beautiful melodic tapestry against her dulcet guitar.
FACTS:
1: I have a Masters in Violin Performance and also a Masters in Viola Performance.
2: Kilkenny where I’m from in Ireland, is a medieval city and it’s very beautiful!
3: My Dad was a wildlife ranger (he’s now moved up in the ranks) but when I was a kid we always had injured wild animals in the house. I remember we had a swan, rabbits, ducks, a kestrel and lots of hedgehogs!
QUESTIONS:
1. What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
I think my music is how I process life as it happens. It’s how I figure out how I actually feel about things and so my biggest inspiration is just whatever is going on around me all the time.
2. How and when did you get into making music?
I started playing violin when I was four and I was also coming up with my own little tunes. I’ve been writing proper songs since I was 14 but I just never shared them and I thought it was about time that I did.
3. What are 5 of your favourite albums of all time?
Carole King – Tapestry
Fleetwood Mac – Rumours
Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On
Lianne La Havas – Blood
Solange – A Seat at the Table
4. What do you associate with Berlin?
The Berlin Philharmonic!! What an incredible orchestra.
5. What’s your favourite place in your town?
I love the rose garden by Kilkenny Castle! It’s really beautiful when all the roses are in bloom.
6. If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
I’d like to be a lawyer I think I’d enjoy the performative aspect!
7. What was the last record/music you bought?
I actually just bought Tapestry on Vinyl!
8. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Carole King! She’s been my idle as a songwriter for so long, it would be amazing to do something with her.
9. What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
I remember going to see Chris Thile play one of the times he was in Ireland and being in complete awe of his skill.
10. How important is technology to your creative process?
I have always been a very acoustic performer so technology hasn’t been central to my writing. However recently I am exploring more electronic music so that might change.
11. Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career/art?
I have a sister and two brothers, they are very supportive. All of them are musical so they get it.
Photo © Shane Hatton
