The Dublin hip-hop artist has just released his debut album ‘All the Leaves Are Falling’
He’s a former member of a hardcore punk band who trained to be a solicitor and gave it all up to make music and walk dogs for a living. It’s fair to say that Nealo is not your average rapper.
The Dubliner’s thought-provoking debut album ‘All the Leaves Are Falling’ is out now – so we caught up with him to get the lowdown on his very interesting past, and where he’s headed in the future.
1. What’s the music that you listened to growing up that you still listen to today?
Rap and hip-hop. I remember going down to HMV in Blanchardstown and buying CDs on the weekends. Everything from 2Pac to Wu Tang. All that music is great and still holds up.
2. In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.
Nervous anxious excitement.
3. How do you wind down after a gig?
Usually with a few beers and a chat. Sometimes it can be hard to decompress after a bigger gig. It’s a mad feeling actually that you never get used to.
4. What’s the one song you wish you’d written or recorded first?
I never really feel like I’d like to have written or recorded anyone else’s music. It’s nice to enjoy it for what it is. Actually, Elephant by Jason Isbell, haha – that’s the one right there.
5. You can only have three albums on your phone/in your house at any one time – what three would you pick for today?
Earl Sweatshirt – Some Rap Songs. Brian Eno – Apollo, and Jay Electronica – Act 2.
6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
Book: Eckhart Tolle – The Power of Now. THIS BOOK IS A GAME CHANGER!
Film: Wind River
Record: Bon Iver – 22, A Million
7. Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.
Jan du Bont and Christian Slater.
8. You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?
Young’s Chinese in Finglas. A 6-in-1. Chips, fried rice, satay sauce, crispy shredded chicken, chicken balls and regular chicken. All in one block of beautiful MSG goodness.
9. Describe your perfect day off.
Going on an adventure with my son to the beach or to a water park.
10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your next gig (whenever it may be)
If you listen to my music and enjoy it, please come and see it in its natural habitat.
BONUS QUESTION: Recommend a podcast and tell us why we should subscribe to it.
Tony Cantwell’s ShitShow. The greatest Irish podcast of all time.
