Meet Jack O'Rourke

Name and position: Jack O’Rourke, singer, composer, maker of songs.

Age: 34

Lives: Cork city

Pets: I’m a proud uncle to a Cockapoo, whom my brother and his girlfriend have adopted.

Favourite thing about Cork: When auld ones throw shade about other auld ones – “That one? She’s all fur coat, no knickers.” Also, creamy pints of Murphy’s and the Good Day Deli for eggs on Sunday.

Least favourite thing about Cork: When you leave your Christmas shopping to Christmas Eve and you’re in the middle of Smyths with parents behaving like Soviet war criminals, and you just want some spiced beef.

One thing you’d change about Cork: More shared space for musicians and artists to work in, initiated by the council. That, and more Razzzza. 

When you were small, what did you want to be as a grown-up?

A vet – my Dad taught me a lot about nature and flora and fauna. I was a great sprinter and long jumper, so an Olympian also. I found my first piano aged four, and the rest is history.

Tell us about your career progression to your role today:

My debut album ‘Dreamcatcher’ reached numero five on the Irish album charts, a song I wrote called ‘Silence’ won The International Songwriting Award in Nashville, judged by Tom Waits and Bill Withers, and became the Amnesty International anthem for marriage equality in Ireland after I played it live on The Late Late Show.

I’ve played ‘Dreamcatcher’ with an orchestra live at Cork Opera House, headlined at Other Voices, played Electric Picnic, Indie, Sea Sessions and gigs in Paris and London and shared stages with Imelda May, The Hothouse Flowers, Sinead O Connor, The Frank and Walters, John Sheehan, Declan O’Rourke, Bell X1 and John Sheehan from the Dubliners – it’s been brilliantly mad! My current EP ‘Ivory Towers’ is released and I’m touring it around this great isle at the moment.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of what you do?

Collaborating with other musicians from different genres. Harmony creates a third voice between two singers – singing with Loah, Kormac, Marlene Enright and MayKay this year alone genuinely transports me to another world. As a songwriter, I think songs come to us – we’re just the vessels. You work at them, and when one fits with your voice, it’s magic. 

What motivates you?

Authenticity, music, honesty and a fine pair of legs.

What advice would you give your 15-year-old self?

Those that matter don’t mind, and those that mind don’t matter.

If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing?

I’d definitely love to write plays. Or travel the world. I fancy being a gourmet chef on a cable network T channel too. My stage name would be Cookie laRue.

What is your greatest life or career achievement to-date?

Becoming a secondary teacher – it’s my day job. It takes me out of my own head because you’re responsible for your students. It gives me discipline and routine and it is genuinely rewarding. It also keeps me out of trouble – the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle I can only dip in and out of. I don’t have the constitution of Keith Richards – he can eat nails and piss rust.

Who has had the biggest influence on you in your life?

My parents, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell and the lady who invented Yorkshire puddings.

What is the life dream now?

Everything in it now, and a villa to write and chill in.

How do you switch off?

I read or play piano. Or swim.

What is your favourite Cork memory?

Singing ‘Poc ar Buile’ at a lock-in at Sin E as a UCC pup.

What is your favourite place in Cork?

My family home in Currabeg, Ovens. My parents have created a paradise and a self-sufficient eco system.

Do you have a favourite quote or motto?

‘Religion is for people who are afraid of going to hell, spirituality is for people who’ve already been there’ - Bonnie Raitt

When are you at your happiest?

It would be too X-rated to write.

Any regrets?

Not recording my grandmother telling stories about the war or her life. Giving my last Malteser away to Mary O’Day.

What is your hidden talent?

I can give excellent directions in German – ‘Gehen Sie geradeaus und nehmen Sie die erste Strasse rechts’.

What might we be surprised to know about you?

I have disproportionally large lips.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

Naw boy.