Ahead of his headline gig at this year's Headfest, Irish folk hero Mundy spoke with the Galway Advertiser about his love for the city of Galway, his inspiration for new music, and the buzz he gets from live performance, as he gears up for "a big sing-song" this Sunday in Headford.
Ahead of his first trip to Galway since Christmas 2023, Mundy's affection for the city is infectious.
"Galway is a special place. Music is connected to the hearts down there. There is always an enthusiastic crowd who are up for a sing-song."
Taking place over the June bank holiday weekend, Mundy will be the Sunday headline act. He recounts playing a gig in Campbell's Tavern as the last time he was in Headford. Attendees can brace themselves for a lively performance with all of Mundy's greatest hits, and a few new records sprinkled on top.
"I'm lucky enough that I've a repertoire of one or two songs from every album that people recognise. 'July' is a massive one. I'll definitely play 'Mexico' and 'To You I Bestow' from the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack as well.
"And of course, 'Galway Girl' because of the connection! It's always a big buzz playing that one here," Mundy exclaims.
Mundy told the Advertiser in 2023 that the success of 'Galway Girl' with Sharon Shannon was a "fluke". Fluke or not, the record has amassed over 40 million streams on Spotify. The music video - recorded on Shop Street - has accumulated 21.2 million views.
When talking to Mundy, you are left with the impression of an artist that is driven to push the boundaries - not just of the industry but his own personal boundaries.
"I don't want to be a one-trick pony here. I don't want to rest on my laurels.
"I'm working on a lot of new songs and I love performing them. When I hear people singing back the new ones, it's reassuring you know? It makes me want to write more songs and keep pushing myself."
Having achieved the accolades Mundy has and a recently celebrated 50th birthday, the Offaly-born folk rocker would be forgiven for wanting to kick his feet up and take it easy. Yet, he keeps pushing.
So, what inspires him now?
"I'm very much going back to my roots. I have nine tracks recorded for a new album, and I have another one or two to stick down, and then hopefully I'll figure out a way of putting it out."
Mundy describes his sound as "folk rock with a tinge of Americana". He finds his inspiration for his song-writing in others, he finds conversation particularly fascinating.
"I love listening to people talking - I love eavesdropping.
"I like sitting in a bar and hearing people talking, picking up phrases off people. I find the Irish language, or the way the Irish people speak English almost sounds poetic. I heard a fella saying the other day, 'if it wasn't for hard luck, we'd have no luck at all'. That's pretty profound."
Mundy has his own record label and acts as his own tour manager. He admits that the workload can be tiring and overwhelming. But the "buzz" of performing keeps him going.
"To perform your songs that you have written and to see the crowd clapping, smiling, and singing along, that's just infectious. It's a huge thrill. There are great rewards from this job - people come to see me and sing along with me. It's a massive buzz."
Mundy announced his upcoming tour of the USA this coming June. He will perform in cities like Boston, New York City, San Francisco, and Chicago.
"I will be performing in a place called Bitter End in New York City. It is where Bob Dylan would have started out. It is actually the bar from the beginning of his movie where he performs with Joan Baez."
But before travelling Stateside, Sunday at Headfest awaits. Mundy has one message for those attending.
"Get ready to sing and don't stand at the back - come on up to the front. Have a good time, come on time, and we can work it up to a big sing-song and create a big happy energy."
Headfest, Headford’s community-run festival, kicks off this evening and runs right through the June Bank Holiday weekend, bringing with it five days of live music, sport, and family-friendly events across the town.
Ticket information for Mundy's gig is available at www.headfest.ie or on Eventbrite.
