RTÉ: Behind the music: Sonaírí
Irish Classical crossover duo Sonaírí, soprano Amie Dyer and tenor David Corr, have released their cover of Fix You by Coldplay. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
David: I really enjoy travelling and exploring new places. I've actually set myself the ambitious goal of visiting 50 cities in different countries by the time I’m 50! I’m also a big Liverpool FC fan, and I’m a huge animal lover, particularly dogs. We have a family Border Collie called Teddy.
How would you describe your music?
Amie: Crossover classical with a Celtic soul. We bring our operatic vocal backgrounds and techniques together with Irish music heritage, contemporary songs and beautiful harmonies, creating something that feels both familiar and fresh
Who are your musical inspirations?
David: Music was always a big part of my family growing up. My grandfather was a huge influence on me and always encouraged my interest in music. He sang in his local choir and also played the harmonica and accordion. At family gatherings, everyone would have to get up and do their "party piece", so performing was something I was exposed to from a very young age.
I also remember being fascinated by classical music as a child. I could happily sit and watch an entire orchestral concert on television! Strangely enough, one of my earliest introductions to classical music was through cartoons like Looney Tunes. I remember the Barber of Seville and Wagner-inspired episodes in particular. Looking back, those were probably some of my first encounters with opera and classical music.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
David: The first live show I can remember going to was actually a pantomime when I was very young. I’m pretty sure it was Cinderella! My uncle brought us, and it became a bit of a tradition for a few years, with him taking us to the panto each year.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Amie: That’s a tough one to remember! The first record I ever bought was either Britney Spears or S Club 7. I was clearly born with impeccable taste…
What’s your favourite song right now?
Amie: My favourite song right now is Niall Horan's Dinner Party. It’s a really fun, catchy song, and apparently I’m in my dinner party era!
Favourite lyric of all time?
Amie: That’s such a tough question, but I think at the moment I’d have to say a lyric from our cover of Fix You. It’s obviously been in my head for the past few months while we’ve been working on the recording and the video, but the reason we chose the song in the first place is because the words mean so much to us, and I think they mean something to so many people. The lyric, "When you’re too in love to let it go, but if you never try, you’ll never know just what you’re worth," has really stuck with me, and I actually mentioned it to David recently.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
David: This is such a difficult question because my taste in music really depends on my mood. I listen to everything from classical and film music to pop and rock.
If I had to choose just one, though, it would probably be Mr Brightside by The Killers. It immediately brings me back to my teenage years and school days, when I listened to a lot of that kind of music. There’s something about it that always puts me in a good mood - and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing it!
Where can people find your music/more information?
David: You can stream our music on all the major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube. You can also keep up to date with everything we’re doing through our website, sonaírí.com, or follow us on Instagram at @sonairi_official.
