About Mags McCarthy
Why country music ?
~ I grew up on a farm in the Country in Ireland. I grew up listening to country music and recordings from Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline. The simplicity of the lyrics and the character of the artists who translated the music of yesteryear just hit home. It’s who I am.
If everything would be possible (waking the dead included), which two people should sing the ultimate country duet?
~ Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks–they’re both talented, animated and energizing entertainers that know how to captivate an audience. The pairing would win “Entertainer Of The Year” for sure.
What song (that you’ve recorded) means the most to you and why?
~ I wrote a song called “Opry.” I always ask the audience to listen closely to the words because it’s my true story and shares my journey and dream–My arrival in Nashville and hope to appear on the Opry one day!
Who would you like to write a song for you?
~ I’d be VERY happy to ask Kenny Chesney to write a song for me. He knows how to strip down a story, and the lyrics, to make for a compelling, meaningful, moving or fun tune.
What is the one thing that readers/fans would be surprised to know about you?
~ I can milk a cow! Yes, I’ve milked several in my lifetime, actually.
Tell us a bit about your transition from the stages in Ireland to the stages here in the states.
~ Country music is very big in Ireland. I play the fiddle and I love how closely this instrument is to Bluegrass music. I think there is a big connection between Irish music and bluegrass music. The fans are the same the world over and I just love them all!
What is the question interviewers never seem to ask you and…you wish they would? (Please provide your answer as well.)
~ Question: What was it like working on a farm?
Answer: Between milking and calving cows, feeding the animals, building and mending fences, and driving tractors, it’s all in a day’s work.
(Now, there’s a country song for ya, don’t cha know?)
Describe the ultimate recording studio (not the technique but the facilities)
~ I’ve recorded in several places both in Ireland and here in the States. I just love to sing; so, it really doesn’t matter where I record. Once I’m comfortable and the sound is good, then I’m in my ultimate space!
Johnny or June ?
~ Johnny Cash–I like that he talked about life and sang about life.
Are you still nervous before going on stage and if so, do you use any “rituals” to calm you nerves.
~ No, I don’t get nervous; I just get excited! I LOVE to perform.
What was the most memorable day in your musical career and tell us why.
~ I played at the White House before President Obama and the First Lady. It’s a day I will never forget as one of my greatest career achievements and life moments.
Please share with us some Irish slang words or phrases and translate the definitions/meanings.
~ Sláinte (pronounced Sh lawn ta) means “Cheers”
Go Raibh Maith Aguit (pronouced Gu Rev ma agut) means “Thank you”
Slán Abhaile (pronounced Salawn a whal ya) means “Safe Home”
Slán (pronounced Selawn) means “Goodbye”
