By Nick Christophers
When it comes to music it is and always has been universal and not locked into one space. Hence, that is why we music lovers search for music from around the world to see what tickles our fancy. Whether it be from England, Australia, or Ireland it’s always a new experience. Rocker Colm O’Mahony who hails from Ireland is one of those artists who offers us a new type a sound to enjoy.
Colm was always surrounded by music that his older brothers blasted at home. Being an inquisitive boy, he would go through his brothers records and listen to the likes of artist like Queen. It was Freddie Mercury’s vocals that struck Colm the most. Mercury was the lead singer of the legendary band Queen. When Colm was just four-years old he caught the iconic Live Aid on TV and was mesmerized by the talent that graced the stage. It seemed at that point in his life he knew music would be his journey.
“I saw it live on TV. It’s among my first memories, and they’re vivid. I was only 4 or 5. We weren’t to know that rock music was reaching its zenith, and that by the mid-90s other genres and media would come into play and compete with it for our attention. As a kid I thought that things like Live Aid would be the norm in the cultural milieu. I was wrong, but hey we’ve always got the memories.”
He would soon go on that path and formed the band Colm O’ Mahony & The Hot Touches. Only recently they released a debut single titled “Damage” which can be found on all music platforms. Colm has embraced the essence of what rock music was and should always be, which is music from the heart and soul. The new single embodies just that, it delves into the topic of a stormy relationship and how one deals with it. The band which performs at various venues like The Dunloe Lodge and The Failte Hotel are surrounded by other genres of music on the same block like traditional Irish music, country, and heavy rock.
“Having all this type of music in the same area it’s awesome and everyone gets on so well. I’m in veteran territory now so you’ve got a lot of younger acts coming on the scene. Irish folk is seeing a bit of a renaissance amongst the younger generation in the country now. So, it’s being mixed with elements of rock, hip hop, pop and other influences. As always happens the energy of youth gets expressed through the performances and what comes through is exhilarating. I’ll stick to the rock, though.”
Colm would love to one day cross over the ocean and perform in America which is on his bucket list. On the horizon, Colm is working on releasing a full album by the end of 2024 but is currently focusing on a new track called “Preacher’s Daughter” due to be out for the upcoming summer. Colm O’ Mahony and the Hot Touches are slowly bringing their flavor of rock to the forefront. To keep up with their projects and tour dates check out their website below.
