Winning a TV talent show can be a poisoned chalice for some people, but since being crowned The Voice Of Ireland last April Pat Byrne whose debut All Or Nothing album is released on November 16th has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top.
“The experience has been amazing,” enthuses the 23-year-old Carlow singer whose tender years belie the fact that he’s a seasoned live performer. “I’ve been gigging around the country for eight or nine years and decided to enter The Voice… I’m a massive fan of Niall Breslin’s and thought, ‘This is a great chance to work with him!’ The best thing to come out of the competition – apart from winning of course! – was clicking with Niall who’s become like a big brother to me.”
Pat didn’t rest on his laurels basking in his Voice Of Ireland glory, but opted instead to cross the pond and undetake marathon recording sessions in Bressie’s London studio. “There was a whole album to come up with, which I was adamant wouldn’t contain any covers, so we shut the doors and went into song writing lockdown!”
Among them were All Or Nothing standouts Dear Romeo, a Springsteenesque rocker which radio won’t be able to resist; another dangerously addictive stomper, Marathon Man and Priceless, the most tender of ballads that celebrates family and the unconditional love it gives you.
As much as Pat enjoyed being in the studio, he can’t wait to take All Or Nothing out on tour. “I’ve put together an amazing live band that includes some incredible known musicians. We’re going for a big, full sound that’ll force you to jump around!”
