Ines launches new album in An Tain
Singer Ines Khai marks the release of her third album ‘Pitit a Lanmè’ on Friday night with a gig in An Tain Arts Centre.
Since moving to Dundalk, Ines has immersed herself in the local music scene and has played a number of gigs, bringing the sound of the Caribbean to the north east.
Growing up in France, Ines was always interested in music. ‘When I was a child, my father used to be a DJ and I loved to listen to him talking about the band he used to sing with when he was younger,’ she recalls. ‘I knew that I wanted to sing too, but I was very introverted so I decided to start with theatre to get used to being on stage. I took acting classes from the age of 11. When I got more confident, around 15, I started singing in a band with my school friends. I have not stopped since. I have been in different bands, choirs and theatre plays.’
‘My father was my first inspiration with his stories about his band. What he was always insisted on is that music is hard work. You need to be humble and accept that there will be long hours of rehearsals and we never stop learning. I see myself as a life long student. I have studied acting, singing (gospel and classical), harmony. I am studying guitar at the moment. I might take on piano later, who knows?’
‘My musical influences are varied. There is the Caribbean side of course, with traditional music from Guadeloupe and zouk, which is, let’s say, Caribbean Funk! I grew up with Kassav, this legendary band was created the same year I was born. They are role models to me. I also really love Erykah Badu and everything nu soul. Other singers I really like are artists with a personal style and universe of their own like Bjork.’
Ines moved to Cork city with her husband seven years ago when he got work there. She soon got involved in the city’s music scene, meeting up with Phil Bergan, who has worked with artists from different cultures with his touring company FeileAfrica. ‘He introduced me to musicians from the Congo, the US and Ireland,’ recalls Ines. ‘ We created a band, Pitak, and toured all over Ireland for a while. When I started learning how to play the guitar, I used to do a small acoustic set to open Pitak gigs.’
When, about four years ago, her husband got a job offer in Dundalk, Ines immediately began researching the town’s music scene.
‘I found out about Dundalk School of Music, The Spirit Store, B Sharp Music and Beat It Music, which are all part of my favourite places now.
Moving here was, she says ‘a great decision to accept because we settled in happily and really enjoy life here. ‘
‘When I arrived in Dundalk, I decided to keep on learning in Dundalk School of Music and to create a full set. I wanted to see what I would be able to achieve alone, as I had only been working in bands before. I like to learn new things and challenge myself. I feel it helps me to grow as a musician.’
Since coming to live here, she has played a number of gigs at the Spirit Store and has also done ‘pop-up’ gigs in places such as the library at DkIT, Third Place, Classified Records, Roe River Books and Mindsoul.
Ines describes the local scene as ‘amazing’.
‘ There are so many great talents! My favorites are Tara Tine, Alice Robinson, Annie June Callaghan and Sophie Coyle,’ she says. ‘I always have a great time when I go to the Sea Legs Open Mic at the Spirit Store because I always discover someone new with great voice, lyrics, stage presence. Other faves: David Bellew, Nix Moon, Dominic Jones, Mark Corcoran, Orwell 84. I could go on and on!’
She thanks Dundalk musicians are very lucky that they can have their sets filmed by David Manning for Club Sonic TV and showcased on his youtube channel.
As well as playing gigs in
Cork and Dublin, Ines has performed at a few festivals like Arcadian Fields, Vantastival, Carrickmacross Arts Festival, Africa Day in Dublin, Dublin Vegfest and Cork Vegfest.
Having recorded two albums, BwaBwa in 2008. Amazòn La in 2012, in France, Ines is excited about launching her latest album here in Dundalk.
‘I have played a few songs downstairs in An Táin last year during the Poetry Festival organized by Dundalk Writers Group, but it will be my first time playing my full set in An Tain. I have prepared something really special and I hope to see you there!’