What I love about Ciaran McMeeken’s self-titled album, is
how diverse the music is. An album that has been created to encompass his
experiences as an artist so far in his career, every track is unique, making
this album versatile and attractive to a variety of music tastes. This
collection encompasses an array of emotions, from new love, lost love, anger,
frustration, sorrow and happiness.
McMeeken’s album is a result of over 30 months of
collaborative writing in Europe and here in New Zealand. Recorded at Auckland’s
Roundhead Studios, this album has a full live band with horns, strings and an appearance from a baby grand piano.
Ciaran has a knack for writing songs with a catchy pop hook.
Songs such as That Feeling, Which Way Shall I Go and Who I Am, are songs
that had me singing along on their first play from my speakers. I had also
heard That Feeling and Which Way Shall I Go on the radio. I work in radio, so I have it going on pretty much 24/7 around me, and when I first heard Which
Way Shall I Go, I quickly got my phone out to Shazam. This song I believe perfectly
encapsulates summer, with its memorable chorus and upbeat electric guitar and
drumming, one cannot feel happy while listening.
Another personal favourite is Al Capone. Slick guitar rifts, strong horn section, with Ciaran's smooth vocals, this song needs to be played loud!
If you are looking for an album that has songs that
encompass all the emotions life has to offer, delivered in memorable pop tunes,
this is the album for you. This is a fantastic full length album and Ciaran
should be proud of the gems he has created for his fans to listen to. I look
forward to hearing what other songs he can get on the airwaves so that the
wider New Zealand audience can hear!
Ciaran McMeeken is an Auckland, NZ based musician and song writer.
Ciaran was raised in Arrowtown, New Zealand, and has been playing music since he was 11 years old. After moving to Dunedin for secondary school, Ciaran started playing drums and then switched to guitar and singing a few years later. His introduction to music and his rapid development as a songwriter came at a surprise to those around him given that he does not come from a musical family.
Ciaran recently moved to Auckland to focus on his music, spending the last two years writing, recording and performing. His debut EP The Valley caught the attention of acclaimed producer Greg Haver, who worked with Ciaran to produce the highly anticipated Screaming Man.