 13-piece band, full brass section and everything, just an amazing sound. That's the brand new single. Pay me my money down, struggle when the saints go marching in. Right, we move on and we say hello and we say welcome back to Highland Radio again. That's Jamie Donnelly, hello to you. Hello Paul, how are you? Thank you so much for having me. The pleasure's ours, pleasure's ours. You've just, you've been busy. I was trying to think when, when was it that you were up there? Before Covid wasn't it? Oh, it was back in 2017, would you believe it or not? It was when I launched my first EP together, you and I, so. 2017? I know, it's been six years I know, it's mad. You've come a long way since then, haven't you, and you're recording and you're digging away as well. Oh yeah, thank God, I'm very busy. Since I've released two more albums and my current EP come into my life, so I've been busy in the studio and I get quite used to it, but I've been busy so I'm very lucky, yeah. Yeah, come here, congratulations on this new EP coming to my life. There's some beautiful songs in it. Thank you. And I'm not, I wouldn't be like an overly religious person really, but there's some very, some good words and lyrics and a lot of them songs and you call wrote, did you call write one of them this coming to my life, the title track? Yes, the title track, yeah. Me and Jeff Sney, he's the boy I write songs with, he loves over in Southport, but how we work is like, he would write the lyrics and then I put the music to it, so we're kind of like Elton John, we've got that. Very good. So we wrote that actually way back during COVID, that's where he kind of got the inspiration for it when we were all in the first lockdown and you know, he is quite religious, so he just brought this to me and was like, how do you feel about writing a gospel song? And I thought you know what, just give it a go and see how it turns out, so thank God. It is, it's brilliant, but you launched it in Southport last week? I did, yeah, I went over to Jeff and he had set up a few gigs over there, so we launched, had two gigs over there two weekends ago now, so yeah, they went really well. And tell me this, career ways, are you full-time or are you? Well, yeah, at the minute I'm kind of full-time singing, I also teach with a drama school called Much Ado Stage School, which is based in Castle Dair against Iran. It's one I attended actually when I was younger. My too, my, up in Castle Daird. Yes. My granddaughter's going out. Is that Eva? Eva and Clara. Hi. They love it, absolutely love it. Well, they're very talented themselves, not even literally either. Well they get that from me. This is my stage, you know, not their granny's stage, but it would be more of my stage. But no, it was brilliant, brilliant. Do you know what I said? I remember the very start when they started to join, I was going, no, you don't need that, you know. But the confidence that they've gained is unbelievable. That's what it is, I know. And that, you know, that'll stand with them, you know. Totally. But I've been at a few shows that they put on and they're tough, they really, really are, tough class, they really are. I'll have to say, Roche does go above and beyond, like for our work. And like every show, as you say, she goes all full whack, like she pulls out all the stops. But no, she actually was in the show, we did in the summer, we done like Glee Blonde. This is like another thing with what you do, it's kind of for like past peoples or like older people who want to kind of get involved in the arts. And we done the Glee Blonde and I was Elle and Roche was Paulette. So we had a lot of fun doing that too. Very good. Is that a new thing for you, that kind of acting teaching or what? Well, that's actually how I started off. Like that was kind of my first, believe it or not, I was dancer first. And then I got into the acting and then I kind of found my voice. So that's how I started. But I've always loved musical theatre because it's a combination of all of them, really, like and getting to perform live on stage, it's class. Well, they have, I know the girls are talking about a pantomime, they don't ask me what grips are on them, but they're involved with a pantomime too, something this year. And it's always, there's always something wrong, but I have to say that the shows that Roche puts on really genuinely enjoy them, you know, you look forward to it, like, you know, it's something she's going, no, no, no, show, you know what I mean? But they are really good, they are really good. Well, people here under the arch, you know, they're so lucky, like there's so much going on, like even like on Instagram, Castle Derek, like, there's so many opportunities at the minute. And do you know what I noticed, Jamie, a way back and when, you know, they were putting on the shows at the start, and from a probably a sexist viewpoint, I was sitting, you know, it was mostly girls, right? And then I've seen young fellas dancing and I'm going, you couldn't have done that years ago in Stamanna or any town in the North, or, you know, you couldn't have done that. And I just love their, I love that is what I want to do and they do it so well. And I mean this for the fellas, you know, it's brilliant to see. And obviously it's encouraging all of us to have a go at it. So it's brilliant. Well, that's it. Like I do vocal coaching as well as I'm singing, and I have a few boys at the minute and they're considered doing it professionally. There's actually lots here kind of taking that leap, you know, to go over to London and get their proper training and stuff. So yeah, that's thriving at the minute. Long may it continue. Right, come here. We're going to get into a piece of music if you don't mind. And first piece up, you're going to do first. I am going to do the title track of the new EP. Very good. This is Come Into My Life. Come Into My Life. Lovely new EP from Jamie Donnelly. And this is the title track co-written by herself as well. Whatever you're ready. What's your name, Brian? I'm Brian Kerrigan. Yeah, in Harmley's studio. He was here later, Kenny. Yeah. Very easy to work with. He's great, have to say. Everything that I threw at him, he's not fair to tackle it. You know, I might be pulling like crazy ideas. Like example, my last album, I brought to him a Beyonce song called Daddy Lessons. And I was like, let's quantify this. And he was like, huh? Very good. You had a good go at it anyway. And thank God it turned out quite well. It turned out brilliantly. And congratulations on that too. Because that album, when did you bring that out last year, was it? Yes, it'll actually be a year old on Friday, the 24th of November is when I brought it out. And these are all, this is like, I have listened to this album and there's a couple of my own favorites, you know, that Dolly Parton. I love Dolly Parton, right? I think she's just an amazing songwriter, you know. And I love that, why'd you come on here looking like that? I always loved that song. But what made you think you just think I'll do something with the girls only, like? I don't know. The idea came to me. I recorded a song way, way back called Drinkin' With Dolly by Stephanie Clale. And it talks about like, you know, the girls and Tammy Winnett and Dolly and all. And I thought, oh, it would be so cool to like dedicate like something to them. And then that's kind of how the idea came about. And I didn't, initially, I didn't even think of calling it, this one's for the girls. I had picked that song to be honest. And I was like, what could I call it? Like that would, you know, get that message across someone's sentence. And I thought, ding, brilliant. That's the title track. So not worked out well. You have 13 tracks and you fairly packed them in. And you're some, you know, as you say, you're taken on a Beyoncé song there. And I know that's not an easy thing to do because she's like, she's not known for country music. So you've, as you say, you have counterfeited of us, you know, well done. What about songwriting? Do you do much? Do you get a chance much? Or you're probably busy a lot? Well, as I say, I kind of just co-write. That's what I kind of mainly do. I don't really write much myself, kind of struggle lyrically. That's why me and Geoff kind of work so well together because he struggles musically. So we just... The combination works. Thank God it works. Yeah. So I would love to get more on date, but I think like songwriting, you have to expose yourself a bit, don't you? Like, you have to be vulnerable. And I just wouldn't be a fan. There is a songwriting. Any songwriters you're talking to, you know, a lot of them, some of them would tell you, you know, that a particular album might be different from the last album. And it's basically down to the mood or whatever. You know, maybe looking through something in life at that time, you know. So you're knocking through. So you don't need... That's why you don't need... You can't find the ammo to write a song. I know. You said, I just heard you offer us energy. I mean, you're back to London. You're walking London as well. Well, I, you know, try and, as I said, did the musical theatre in the summer. I've done a few productions and that kind of brought back my love for it, reminded me of it. So I luckily got an agent over in London and I've been getting auditions and things like that. So I'm kind of back and forth with them in it. For auditions? Auditions, yeah. Just to see how things turn out. Oh, so you're not on venture? No, I'm gay, as they say. Well, that's true. And that seems to be the centre of where everything's happening, isn't it? Well, especially, like, you know, the West End and stuff, like, kind of, that's where you need to be. So... Why were my, my veins are all over at the West End over a couple of months back. Why? Have you seen a count from... Would have been the Lion King? Would have... Good to be in there, eh? Yeah. I think whatever they say to me, but that, and because they're that sort of background that you have with that theatre stuff, they just love that whole everything for them, you know, where I'd be just looking at the show, they'd be looking at everything. So that's what, that's what the, like, emotion to you has done for them. It's given that sort of respect and understanding of things, like, you know, which is great. Come here, I just admire your emerald guitar. Oh, they like it. Oh, what did I tell you? I'm an owner myself, too. I have one about four or five years. No, maybe more now, and it's a green one. But that's absolutely beautiful. I love the veneer nut. Well, that's just quite old, too. It's one of, like, their new, or their oldest models. I think it's the X-20. Mine is an X-20. Is that? An X-20 lefty. I was one of the first to get them produced, eh? I'm left-handed, and I went down the Alistair, and he said that, I don't even think they were making a left-handed one, so I got a left-handed one. Imagine that. I love it. You know what, they are great, and, like, they're made of carbon fibre, so you could be out in, like, 40 degree heat. Doesn't they say? No, what happened to it? The tuning, like, is the same. I don't get neared enough, right, but you see when you get neared, it's on, every time I've taken it, it's on chin, all the time. That's great. Who have we got here? George Brelin. He's head of security over the Dwellin' Banshees. George said, you're sounding great, and that's it. Mary Gamble. Beautiful song, Jimmy. Leanne Brown, Sweeney. Hi, Jimmy. Love the new song, well done. Sully Bogan. Really miss, I really miss the pantomime in Sturban. It was a funny, there's a pantomime in Sturban coming again this year. This one came on last year again, yeah. So don't be, I used to love the pantomime, I always loved the pantomime. And Fair Place, Sturban, Great Town, George's. Thank you. And maybe, so, oh, George's the song, I said he'll try and play it here, but I don't think we'll see how we get on with the hook-up. But no, the guitars are beautiful, and if that's an open, you keep it very, very well. Well, thank you. Give a couple of guitars. Only have the two. I have a wee, Yamaha. But that was how I ended up getting this one, the sound, the input of it fused, and I said to my daddy one day, I need to get a new input, but of course he took it, get a new guitar, and I landed him from school, and this was something there, I was like, aren't I lucky? You are lucky, you are lucky, and it's a thing you'll have forever, so enjoy it. Right, we're going to take a nap break, and we're going to come back with another song. What song are you going to do for this day? Oh, sure. I'll do the title track of my album, This One's For The Girls. Yes, on the way, don't go away. Make it a roast dinner to remember with done stores. Enjoy bored beer, quality-assured beef, sirloin roasts from just $14.99 each. A selection of show-stopping sides, like cauliflower cheese and potato gratin, any two, only €5.50. And your choice of delicious desserts, like lemon roulade or strawberry cheesecake, two for €10. Plus, with our 10 or 50 grocery voucher, you save even more. Make Christmas for everyone at done stores. Terms and conditions apply, voucher can be used to next grocery shop a €50 or more. A public interest message from Donegal County Council. Change is in the air when it comes to solid fuels. All coal products, wood products, biomass products, and manufactured part biomass products are now subject to the new solid fuel regulations. All solid fuels must now comply with the new standards. This also means that smoky bitumas coal is no longer available from local retailers. These regulations were introduced on November 1st last year to protect our health and our environment. Recent EPA reports have estimated that around 1,300 people in Ireland die prematurely each year because of poor inequality. For more information, including frequently asked questions for the householder and retailers, please go to gov.ie forward slash clean air or donegalcoco.ie. Donegal County Council, protecting your environment. Looking for real choice? Leave diesel behind and make the move to Toyota Hybrid Electric, Akeli's Toyota Letterkenny and Mancharlis. World-leading hybrid electric technology, lower emissions driving with the widest choice of hybrid electric models from Ireland's best-selling car brand. With flexible payment options available, make the move today. Akeli's Toyota Letterkenny and Mancharlis. Toyota, built for a better world. Hi, Tommy Bow here. Get in store to check out my new 15 Kings clothing collection available in Premium Gents Outfitters nationwide and at 15kings.com. There's Bingo every Monday night at Halfway House Bingo Burnford. Doors open at 7.30 with eyes down at 8.30. €2,500 musko. The snowball is now €2,145 numbers or less. If you're not in, you can't win. That's Halfway House Bingo tonight at 8.30. And that's Jimmy Donnelly. Hey, Worsky said hello, Jimmy. Lovely to listen to your music. 2018 you did our concert for the Worsky Christmas lights in Kerry Keith. Oh, very good. And hi, Jimmy. Great to see you on Highland. You're going well. Love your singing. And Stephen, Bennett, Stephen is a singer-songwriter as well. Great singer-songwriter. He has brilliant performances. Thank you very much. Well done indeed. Well done. That's lovely. Guitar playing. Are you self-taught? No, I went and called R.J. Kadersen years and years ago. I started learning when I was 10. R.J. sadly passed, but he's from Kettseldairk. And he was the one that kind of introduced me to country music in the first place. That's kind of what we did. He brought us songs every week, and we would have just done chords. I remember the first song I ever sang and played at the same time as Country Roads. So he introduced me to the country, really. And that's kind of how I learned about it, and reading the lyrics and getting the storytelling of it and all. That's kind of how I fell in love with it. What's your favourite type? What's your favourite genre and music? In general. You know what? I do love listening to American country, but I love folk as well, and musical theatre. You know what? I could listen to anything, honestly. That's good. That's good. Are you a gigging watcher or do you do watch? I do. Well, I mean, I do anywhere I get the chance, really. I sing at pubs and clubs, and I do christenings, wends, receptions, minerals. Very good. Excellent. Anything, anywhere I get them asked to sing, I'll do it. So actually, my next gig that I'm so excited for is Countryland, our hosting festival on Saturday, up in the Ecken Centre, I think, Icon Centre. Do you know where Balmoral be? Oh, yes. I up there. So they were running a competition for, like, rising star to see who could get a slot on the show, but they actually offered, there were six finalists, but they offered us all the chance to sing, so I have that on Saturday. Is that something that I've seen on the TV, looking at the documentary part, was it, is it wrong to be sort of farmers and lorry drivers and boys to get, no, is it? Or is it? I don't know. I'm wrong, no. I'm not quite sure. It was AJ Promotions, I think, was running it. Right. Who else is on the ball, is there, anyway? Lisa McCue, Mike Damver, Taran Heffern, Johnny Brady, Derek Ryan, and then the six of us. But there was a winner who got the slot between Lisa and Mike, and his name was Colin. Colin. But he's great. Colin. But he's getting it on the air. I thought, no, we're getting the chance to sing there, so it's really exciting. It's nice to get that and a big gig. What's the plan, say, going forward? Because you've had many irons in the fire, you know, you could stroll into musical theatre quite easily. Well, that's it. I mean, I'm still quite young, I'm still discovering what like suits me, what people enjoy listening to me sing, you know, I still feel like I have so much more to offer that people haven't heard yet. So I'm just literally, I have loads planned actually this year. I got the Chance Day Support Smoky up in the waterfront and in the Hellgrove in Monaghan, and I'll be supporting them again in 2025, which is really exciting. We have two big venues. Oh my God, I don't know. And you're dead. And Jimmy Donnelly has owned us her own thing before them. Just made me a big guitar. And when you're in an event like that, do you add your own, any of your own stuff, or do you try covers just to... I just kind of discovered the first time just to see how it would go down, but I don't know, maybe next time I'll add a few. So why not? Your music is as good as anybody else's. But it's nice to get that big feel for her. Well, I'd say it was Joe Gallagher who gave me the chance, you know, but me and Joe were very close with them on that and he's helped me out a lot. I'm actually with him, I met Brian Kennedy. On Friday night, he was playing in the Bishopsgate and got a chance to see the show. Yeah, so yeah, that was really fun. Nice fella, Brian Kennedy. And you know what? I have to say, he's such an amazing, like such a talented vocalist, like watching him, you learn so much. Exactly. Because he has experience, but he can hold an audience too with his stories and his, you know, excellent, you know. But that's brilliant. A lot of things happen for you and long may they continue. Any plans again for recording or are you just going to let that settle there or even... I have things and like in the pipeline that I'm working on, I'm always kind of trying to have a project anyway that I can work towards. So I'm just, as I say, discovering new genres at the minute. Brilliant. God knows what to do next. You should come back and next time a real pop album like that. But why not? Why not? But it's great to see and as I say, long may it continue. I know the recording is a costly process at the minute and you know what you're doing well and the caliber of the CDs that you're releasing, you know, the good quality. And I always, you know, when you're looking at things you look at, you know, M-sides and, you know, all the photos and I always admire that. And you can see some people have put the effort on and certainly the efforts that are on there because they're totally professional. So congratulations on that. Were you in Glortier? I was, yeah, did that last year. Was that with David James? Yes, David was my mentor. Oh God, help you, that's awful. No, I didn't get that. It was a great experience to be fair. And, you know, kind of above and I think got really close with all the contestants on the show. And Sean was the other contestant. He ended up one on it. So I was delighted to see that happen too. Am I right in thinking you would write down to the wire? Would you say, no, no, no, why am I so awesome? How long did you laugh? I got to, I think I did three shows, two or three shows. That's good. And did you find that an experience? Because you're talking, you're talking TV cameras and everything there and all. Well, that's it. It's just completely different. No, we're having you again. I know, but I'm totally enjoyable. I loved every minute of it. Would you encourage people to go ahead for a different set this year? I encourage people to go for every opportunity they get, honestly. If you get the chance to put yourself out there, why not go first? Why not is right. Well, come here. Congratulations. And it's just lovely to take you back up again. Well, thank you for having me. It's great to be back. Not be six years before you're back again. Hopefully not, you know. And I've had more albums or whatever onto your belt. But you know, I know, because I see your name about and different things, you know, and you are, you know, you're trying very, very hard and you work hard at it too. And, you know, I just want to wish you all the very best going forward because you totally deserve any success that comes along. And I love the fact that you're sharing your skills with young people and encouraging them. And that's important too, you know, because you'd be surprised how many young people would look up to the likes of you, you know, I mean, as a role model going forward. And I hear that from my own, that's how I know that. So well done on that. And so if people want to get in touch with Jamie Donnelly, what, where, where are you on the everything's? I think also she's really Jamie Donnelly music and Facebook and then Instagram, Jamie underscore Donnelly and then all streaming platforms as well. You can find my music on there. Good. Well, listen, we'd love to get a final song if you don't mind. And the final one you're going to do first is Blowing in the wind. Oh, Bob Dylan classic. Go on, whenever you're ready. Lovely for this. She sleeps in the same house is fantastic singing Jimmy and Terry McHugh. Terry, how you keeping or G was a legend. He was a legend. He was an orchestra there. Man, Terry and a great musician. Come here. As I said, thanks very much for coming up. It's been an absolute delight. And we wish you all the very best going forward. Thank you so much.