Iann Brennan
Iann Brennan is an Irish Indie Rock artist from Dublin, Ireland. He began his musical journey by learning to play the guitar at the age of 12, soon after he learnt his first four chords he started writing songs. After being part of various bands, Ian decided to pursue a solo career. One of his early solo performances was as a support act for the well-known Irish band Aslan. It was during this performance that Ian met Vinny Lawlor, who is now Ian's manager.
After his old band split up in 2015, Iann initially had no plans to continue making music. However, when his friend asked him to fill in as the support act for a gig after the original act dropped out at the last minute, Iann performed four songs.
These songs were originally intended to be the next batch of his old band's songs. This experience reignited his passion for music, prompting him to reach out to Vinny for potential support slots. Vinny helped Iann secure a few shows and subsequently introduced him to Irish producer Ray Traynor, with whom Iann has been collaborating ever since.
Slide Away – Oasis
I remember hearing this song for the first time and being so captivated by it. I have a lot of memories of this song and it will stay with me forever. When Noel sings “don’t know, don’t care, all I know is you can take me there” I get goosebumps every time. Proper brilliant.
Canadian Geese – Damien Dempsey
I’m a huge Damo fan and for anyone who has ever witnessed his show live, you understand why. This song hits home for many reasons. The lyrics are beautiful and the way it builds at the end with that emotional vocal is intense. I remember hearing him say “I don’t write hits, I write healers”. Total artist.
A Thousand Trees – Stereophonics
Most people who know me know that I am a Kelly Jones fanatic. He really is a true hero of mine. Word Gets Around is an album with simple chords, simple melodies and was all written from local stories and the point of view of Kelly working at a fruit and veg stand. This song tells a fantastic story and is mega anthemic also. I’m all about that.
Someday – The Strokes
The Strokes were one of the last few bands I can think of that had a huge influence on bands going forward. The first strokes record Is a masterpiece to me and to be honest, I could have picked any song from the record, but I’m feeling this one this week so I’m running with it. Unreal. “Alone we stand, together we fall apart”. Excellent
On Call – Kings Of Leon
I remember robbing Aha Shake Heartbreak from my uncles CD collection and burning it onto my computer. Remember those times? That was my first experience of KOL. Then In 2007 I remember hearing On Call on the way to school on the radio. As soon as that bassline hit, I was in. I remember then heading to my local music shop “The Music Box” in Finglas here in Dublin and buying the album “Because Of The Times” and to this day, I’ve never heard a guitar sound so good on a record.
In My Life – The Beatles
Possibly my favourite Beatles song. Changes a lot mind you. Listen to that opening riff and the harmonies on the first lines. Such a beautiful song and it reminds me of my daughter. The best band of all time in my eyes.
One – U2
Man, where do I start with this masterpiece? Lyrically, in my opinion it’s probably the best song ever written. I remember being in a dark place years ago and this was one of the songs that I would put on and it would help me and It worked 10 times out of 10. I have seen this song live about 5 or 6 times also and it hits home every single time.
Crying Lightning – Arctic Monkeys
Arctic Monkeys will always be one of my favourite bands ever. Alex turner is a genius lyricist. Ever try to play this song on guitar and sing it? Nightmare. Incredible. Just when you think they can’t possibly do anything better than any song from the first 2 albums? Boom. They release this absolute banger. Such a great band.
Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve
5 minutes and 57 seconds of heaven. The lyrics to this song genuinely changes the outlook I have on life. The line “trying to make ends meet, you’re a slave to the money then you die” changed my outlook on working fulltime back in 2015. Left my job, decided I wanted to music fulltime and now here I am. Forever grateful to this anthem for that.
Love Will Tear Us Apart – Joy Division
This is one of my all-time favourite songs to jam along with a band. The lyrics are incredible. Such an emotional number. I have many memories of listening to this song . Whether I am happy, sad, angry, it works with everything. “When routine bites hard, and ambitions are low”… Man alive. Incredible. Do yourself a favour, put it on with headphones, close your eyes and just listen.
