Interview with Aine Duffy
I’m from County Cork, Ireland and a genre-bending innovator. I try to use what I can from my writing, building, and performing with my electric guitar for a fairer, fun world. So I am a passionate activist for social change, tackling important issues with wit and infectious humour.
I deliver biting commentary filled with sarcasm and fun. This ensures powerful messages are heard and remembered. I challenge gender imbalances in the music industry. One example is my “Don’t Touch My Knob” event. This was in response to a lack of female headliners and no airplay for female Irish based artists. I also created my inventive “Duffbox” mobile stage. This allows artists to tour and retreat in Ireland without battling the price of accommodation. I also self built my own small sustainable home with a green roof.
We are half way through 2025, how has this year been for you so far?
It’s been really really interesting. I released music, even though the data pouring out of Ireland was not in favour of women. I set myself a task of coming up with a way to help Irish artists with touring costs by converting a single axle trailer (so you don’t need a special licence) into a micro camper you can stand, cook, sleep, wash, chill, recharge (solar generator and panel) in. It will help small venues also and I have called it the Duffbox.
I also started my “Don’t Touch My Knob “ campaign which has been really fun but important.
I am enjoying putting out my radio show called “Blás.” It is the Irish word for your taste or accent. You can listen to it on overthewestradioonline. It features unbelievable Irish-based artists/musicians that the mass market shouldn’t hide. They are so good. I want to show them off because it’s a treat for the listener. This also shares our culture that survived a bruising.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Kind, Fun, Useful
How did you get into your current career?
Playing in the pubs at 15! At the time our town had 32 pubs. My bit was called ”Sing along with Áine.” I had to learn all kinds of songs for all ages. I was like a jukebox. Many had a party piece to add at the end of the show that was hilarious.
How would you describe your work?
Unique, truthful. My music pushes genres. When I’m sharing a story, I don’t keep the same tone. I adjust the tone throughout the different emotions of the story! So I add music that matches the emotion, or an emotion that matches the music.
What do you want people to take away from it?
A bit of a boogie – a workout for the brain and body and Inspiration.
What inspires you and who are your influences?
Mary Robinson, our first female president, is pretty amazing. Her enduring impact stems from her consistent pursuit of human rights, her ability to redefine political roles, and her commitment to giving a voice to the voiceless on both national and international stages.
My musical influences are vast and wide, from Skunk Anansie, Planxty, Sinéad O’Connor, Chase and Status, The Prodigy, Erykah Badu, Nusrat Fatheh Ali Khan, Jeff Buckley, Patti Smith, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, the Cinematic Orchestra, Ozomatli, Millie Jackson, Nina Simone, Fourtet, Yma Sumac, Sheila Chandra, Curtis Mayfield, John Martyn, Bessie Johnson, Shirley from Garbage, Rory Gallagher, Disclosure, the Cranberries, Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Fleetwood Mac, Nitin Sawhney.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Write about what you know and love and things you believe in, natural is sexier.
What’s next for you? What are you most excited about?
Don’t Touch My Knob is in a few weeks. It’s in an old women’s prison from when food and money were kept from the Irish. If they committed a petty crime like stealing a piece of cloth or food, they were thrown in the prison. They were often shipped to Australia to work in factories like slaves. Alternatively, they could be picked from a lineup by men to be married off.
So an interesting and historic spot to play, ironically showcasing the lack of female representation in Ireland, even though we are here. Only 2% of the airplay in Ireland was from Irish females. Sadly, this was mainly Sinead O’Connor and Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries after their passing. Also there were no female headliners at the Marquee and only one female dj at Longitude, our electronic Music festival. It is pretty embarrassing. I am going to showcase some seriously talented women there instead of complaining. It’s so systemic. People genuinely don’t know about them. They are phenomenal.
The last few years, I’ve been across all media platforms. I’ve had so many national radio interview requests. These bring positive news for all Irish based artists. Yet, they won’t play my tunes – ’tis wild!
The UK and international chart playlists are brought over; it’s like having local products you can’t put in the supermarket. Once I was introduced and interviewed as Billie Eilish’s cousin, and they proceeded to play her music instead of mine. It’s higher up roots…..But if you look at the core of it, if my music had been played, the royalties would have stayed in the Irish economy. These royalties would assist me to create more jobs. The same applies to any other Irish-based artist. It’s even bigger than that. It’s huge for our economy, tourism, culture, and general well-being.
Tunes and stories and craic, I’m not asking for much. It’s a win win. Imagine if it made a little difference. Then releasing my next tune will be a treat.
