Wanting to make something of himself, Dublin’s Paddy Casey left home in his early teens and busked his away west across his homeland of Ireland.
The singer/songwriter says he felt at the time it was the only way for people to hear his music.
Along the way Casey crossed paths with musicians such as Shane MacGowan of The Pogues, Sinéad O’Connor, Damien Rice, Glen Hansard and an array of traditional Irish musicians as well.
“I don’t think it was very hard at all, so it wasn’t some big decision (to leave home), it was just more fun and easier that way,” Casey tells Metro.
“At the time in Dublin, when I started busking, there were some really, really good people playing on the street,” he continues. “It was like an all-star band … because I just got to sit down and play with them, you know.”
Casey perfected his craft the hard way, without the help of vocal coaches or guitar lessons. He taught himself how to play the guitar with Prince and The Smiths songbooks — something he’s very proud of.
Years later — when Casey was in his 20s and home in Dublin — he was discovered by a major label scout who was so impressed with his talents he was signed almost immediately. Soon after that, he signed a management deal with Paul McGuinness and Principle Management New York and Dublin.
“It’s been a long road coming, but it’s worth the journey … I suppose its been kind of wanting to affect people the way music has affected me,” says Casey. “It’s that wanting to give back … it’s hard to explain. I don’t remember a reason why I started music, there’s no particular reason why I do what I do.”
Paddy live…
Casey, who recently released his third studio album Addicted To Company, which debuted No. 3 on the Irish album chart behind 50 Cent and Kanye West, plays the Danforth Music Hall Saturday and Sunday.
