A Year in Music – 2023 – Pat Barrett (Arrivalists)
by Killian Laher

How are you? How are things?

Things are good, got married in September, rough few months beforehand losing my Dad in May, but much brighter days are ahead, that’s the mantra.

Do you think it’s been a good year for music?

I think it’s been a wonderful year for Irish music, Lisa O’Neill, the Ronan O Snodaigh & Myles O’Reilly record, Lankum’s absolute dominating brilliance, John Francis Flynn, Mick Flannery, Les Keye’s ’20 Greenlea Road’ was a super record too, all top of my moments.

What were your highlights?

I loved the Bathers record – Sirenesque, the Feist record (Multitudes) is beautiful also.

Music seems to be on an endless cycle of comebacks – with goth making something of a resurgence this year. What do you think about that?

I never pay stuff like that any attention, any passing trend will ultimately pass and we’re onto the next one.

Anyone you’d like to see reform/return?

Roy Orbison.

Were you happy with how the album Its Own Time was received?

It found the quietest corners, that’s where my work belongs, I never argue with where it lands. Why would I, I’m privileged enough to have the opportunities afforded me, I don’t want much more. Its Own Time came out just after Dad died, for me it was a full stop. I just wanted it to be heard.

Anything else you’re working on, have you started a new album?

No new music next year, there will be releases, but nothing new. I want to rest my musical head for a year or so, and see if it’s still there when I go back, I’ve done enough the last few years. I’ve other projects I want to achieve next year.