Maynooth singer songwriter Nell Mescal has released her debut single, Graduating. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
The 19-year-old, who is the sister of Normal People star Paul Mescal, has been singing all her life and has been performing in groups and choirs for as long as she can remember.
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She began writing music when she was 13 and took the decision to make music her career during the pandemic and she says it has given her the time and space to focus on her sound and what she wants to articulate in her songs.
"Graduating is about feeling like you're supposed to be sad about something but you're not," says Nell. "Then feeling a little bit angry, I suppose and trying to turn that anger into something a little less all-consuming. Just wishing that some experiences were nicer."
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She adds, "I wrote Graduating in an hour sitting on my bed in my pyjamas and made a little lo-fi demo.
"It felt genuinely real and very much me because I was alone on the piano for that hour, just needing to vent.
"I ended up really loving it and sent it to some friends, family and my manager and everyone really liked it!! It just felt right to release this song; it’s so important to me and a little bit scary because it’s quite personal!"
Tell us three things about yourself?
I am a Taurus, I live in London, I have two metal rods that act as my spine.
How would you describe your music?
Personal and honest and mostly sad.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Taylor Swift, Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers, The 1975.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I think it was an X Factor live tour.
What was the first record you ever bought?
It's between a Mary Chapin Carpenter or a Miley Cyrus record (or The Cheetah Girls album!).
What’s your favourite song right now?
Broken Clocks by SZA.
Favourite lyric of all time?
The first thing that comes to mind is, "You called me `cerebral’, I didn't know what you mean, but now I do, would it have killed you To call me pretty instead?" - Brando by Lucy Dacus.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
26 by Paramore or I Am a Town by Mary Chapin Carpenter.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find me on Spotify and all socials as @nellmescal.
