S1 · E30
July 18 · 58 min
PD
MusicBusiness
Please Do Something podcast
Brendan Murphy
Hi, I'm Brendan Murphy a singer and songwriter with a band from Ireland called THE 4 OF US.
Join me, as I chat to people who make a living in the creative world - I will be asking them how and why they do what they do, and some of the important lessons they have learned along the way and in particular around the big topic of Productivity and Creativity
- 20 episodes
- every few months
- Avg 1 hr 3 min
- English
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S1 · E29May 11 · 51 minThe Story of: Lean In For a Kiss / Hymn For Her
We're back with a new format for 2026. I'm Brendan Murphy—join me and Greg Canty as I open the Songwriter's Diary to bridge the gap between new music by my band The 4 Of Us and the songs that shaped our path. It's a conversation about where we are, where we've been, and the musical journey that connects it all. NOW: Breaking down the new single, Lean In For a Kiss. THEN: A deep dive into the Man Alive ballad, Hymn For Her. Brendan Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion
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#28April 14 · 1 hr 28 minThank you Moya
I'm so sad to hear of the passing of the legendary Moya Brennan of Clannad. She was a monumental figure in Irish music, and I am just so grateful that I had the chance to chat with her on this podcast. To celebrate her life and incredible career I am reposting that conversation as a tribute to a woman whose voice defined a generation. Thank you for everything Moya Brendan Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion.
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S1 · E27Jul 28, 2025 · 1 hr 10 minThe Making of Crescent Nights - Part 4: Bringing it Home
Join me and Greg Canty (Win Happy podcast) for the final installment of our four-part series on putting together The 4 Of Us' latest album, Crescent Nights. The final numbers—they're the crucial part that makes you wonder if you should listen again, or maybe just go for a walk. We dive into the album's closing songs, and the journey from youthful optimism to older (and not necessarily wiser) reflections. On "I Know You Know Me So Well", the song embraced its ramshackle rhythm section, and I had to push my vocal limits higher and lower than I'm used to. "Miracle Every Morning" closes the album as a thank you to that rare piece of solid ground in a shaky world, usually found next to the person who holds you steady. Beyond the music, we talk collaborative chaos and why a thick skin was a necessary requirement in the studio. The final piece of the puzzle: Discover how we brought Crescent Nights home. Brendan Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion.
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S1 · E26May 16, 2025 · 1 hr 9 minThe Making of Crescent Nights - Part 3
Join me and Greg Canty (host of the Win Happy podcast) as we pull back the curtain on the making of The 4 Of Us' latest album. Today we explore how lockdown transformed "Waiting Game" into reality with the creative input of our online audience. "Night Out of Town" chronicles a teenager's first taste of freedom, and we uncover the collaborative songwriting process behind "Tree Of Life." Plus: the brutal truth about tracks that got axed. From raw demos to masters—discover the journey of how "Crescent Nights" came to life. Brendan Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion.
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S1 · E25Apr 15, 2025 · 46 minThe Making of Crescent Nights Part 2
Join me and Greg Canty from the WinHappy podcast.for part 2 of our behind-the-scenes look at making The 4 Of Us' latest LP, Crescent Nights. Today's episode features three songs that made the final cut and some unreleased tracks. Hear 'Carry Me to the Water,' a song about our father's summer vacation turned ferry service across beach rocks, and 'Boneshaker,' an anthem to our first taste of freedom on two wheels. Plus, learn about our brother Paul's revolutionary mixing technique on 'Hurt People,' where removing almost every instrument proved that less can be more. Enjoy... Brendan Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion.
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S1 · E24Feb 25, 2025 · 1 hr 3 minThe Making of Crescent Nights Part 1
From the raw demo tapes to the final master, every album has a story waiting to be told. In conversation with my good friend Greg Canty, (host of the Win Happy podcast), spanning multiple episodes, we dive deep into The 4 Of Us' latest LP, Crescent Nights. We'll take you behind the scenes of each track, sharing the inspirations, the late-night studio sessions, and the collaborative journey that shaped this album. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering our music, you're about to get a behind-the-scenes look into how Crescent Nights came to life. On today's episode, we chat about the first three songs: "St Gabriel's Drive", "Murphy's Place," and the title track, "Crescent Nights," as well as a few songs that didn't make the cut. Brendan Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion.
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S1 · E23Jan 20, 2025 · 1 hr 29 minThe Making of Sugar Island
The 4 of Us have always been storytellers, and our latest album Crescent Nights is the latest chapter in a musical journey that began in the heart of Northern Ireland. Today we delve into Sugar Island, our autobiographical album exploring our early lives in the border town of Newry during turbulent times. Discover how fatherhood, Nashville, and family memories shaped this musical journey of childhood, checkpoints, and first loves. I also talk about how I first found my voice as a singer and how some of the family weren't impressed. Joining me is my good friend, Greg Canty, host of the WinHappy podcast. Brendan Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion.
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S1 · E22Dec 3, 2024 · 1 hr 23 minThe Making of Walk With Me
As The 4 Of Us release our latest album, Crescent Nights, we reflect on the records that have shaped our journey. In this episode, I'm joined by my co-host, Greg Canty of the WinHappy podcast, to discuss my solo project, Walk With Me. Our story begins with an invitation to Music City, USA. Celebrated songwriter Sharon Vaughn opens the doors to Nashville's Music Row, and I return home with a bunch of stripped-back songs in search of a home. It soon turns into a family affair. One track resonates so deeply with my dad that he decides to record his own version in the studio!! My brother Paul helps out along with Declan and Enda, and guitarists Henry McCullough and Kieran Goss lend their expertise. Join us as we recount the transatlantic journey behind my album, Walk With Me. Brendan Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion.
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S1 · E21Nov 14, 2024 · 1 hr 16 minThe Making of Fingerprints
As The 4 of Us release our latest album, Crescent Nights, we reflect on the records that shaped our journey. In this episode, co-host Greg Canty (host of the Win Happy podcast) and I delve into our fifth album, Fingerprints. Join us as we unpack the rich stories behind each song, discuss the invaluable lessons learned from our missteps in the recording process, and explore how the chemistry between musicians is crucial for creating an unforgettable performance. It's all about capturing that elusive feel. Tune in for an intimate glimpse into the making of Fingerprints. Brendan Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion.
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S1 · E20Oct 23, 2024 · 57 minThe Making of Heaven and Earth
The 4 Of Us are set to release our newest album, 'Crescent Nights', reflecting on the previous works that led us here. With our co-host Greg Canty, also the WinHappy podcast host, we dive into the creation process of our fourth album, Heaven & Earth. We used song titles as writing prompts, drum beats as muses, and a box of tricks called the SU 700 to create atmospheric soundscapes. The result? Songs like Sunlight and Gospel Choir. So, are you ready to hop into our time machine and travel back to 2003? Enjoy... Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion.
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S1 · E19Sep 9, 2024 · 1 hr 5 minThe Making of Classified Personal
As The 4 of Us gear up to unveil our latest album, Crescent Nights, we're taking a trip down memory lane to revisit the records that shaped our journey to this moment. In this episode, I'm joined by my good friend and co-host, Greg Canty, host of the WinHappy podcast, to explore one of the most pivotal chapters in our story—Classified Personal, our first independently released album. This was the album where everything changed. We unplugged, slowed things down, parted ways with brother Paul, and left behind our Northern roots to start fresh in Dublin. The black suit was out, red was in, and with it came a bold new sound that redefined who we were as a band—The 4 of Us, Mark 2. We'll unpack the stories behind the songs, the shift in musical direction, and how names like Pulp and The Spice Girls found their way into an album that delves deep into the messy, beautiful world of affairs of the heart. Join us for a candid look at the creation of Classified Personal, and how it set the stage for everything that followed. Let's get into it.. Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion.
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S1 · E18Jul 8, 2024 · 45 minThe Making of Amplifier (the one you may have never heard of!)
Welcome back to another episode of the Please Do Something Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories behind the music. Today, we're talking about "the one that got away" – our elusive, unreleased, third album, Amplifier. With no time constraints, no budgetary constraints, and our very own home studio, we thought we had everything we needed to create a great record for The 4 Of Us. But as you'll hear, things didn't exactly go according to plan!! Join me as I recount the highs and lows, and how we ended up driving ourselves – and my parents' dog, Bruce, a little bit mad over the course of a few years. It's a tale of passion, persistence, and perhaps a bit of folly. Joining me for this journey is my good friend and co-host, Greg Canty (host of the Win Happy podcast). Enjoy the show! Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.
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S1 · E17Jun 14, 2024 · 51 minThe Making of Man Alive
As The 4 of Us prepare to release our latest album, 'Crescent Nights', I thought it would be fun to explore the albums that have led us to this moment. Joining me for this journey is my good friend and co-host, Greg Canty (host of the WinHappy podcast). In today's episode, we dive into the making of our second album, 'Man Alive'. Did we suffer from the notorious "sophomore slump?" With Man Alive making it into Q Magazine's Top 50 albums of the year and our single 'She Hits Me; brushing the UK charts, we certainly faced some memorable highs and hurdles. Enjoy the show Brendan Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion.
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S1 · E16May 30, 2024 · 1 hr 10 minThe Making of Songs for the Tempted
Making an album is always an exciting challenge and adventure. As The 4 of Us gear up to release our latest album, Crescent Nights, I thought it would be fun to chat about the albums that got us here and the lessons we've learned along the way. Joining me for this series is my good friend and co-host, Greg Canty. First up, let's talk about Songs For The Tempted, our debut album. Imagine this: no drummer, so we used preset rhythms on our dad's keyboard to keep the beat. Then there was a video shot in our school gym that gave us our first big break, and believe it or not, we signed our first record deal without ever playing a single gig!!. It's been quite a journey. Enjoy the show!! Brendan Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion. Greg Canty is the host of the Win Happy podcast.
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S1 · E15Nov 24, 2022 · 1 hr 1 minGetting "folkie" with Brian Kennedy
My guest today is fellow Northerner, Brian Kennedy whose unmistakeable voice and powerful song writing has taken him from the Falls Road in Belfast during the height of the "troubles" to the world's biggest stages, His wonderful recently released album 'Folkie' sees him pay tribute to some of Ireland's greatest folk singers. Enjoy the show! Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.
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S1 · E14Apr 29, 2022 · 1 hr 7 minTalking music and acting with Steve Wall of The Stunning
Today I talk to Steve Wall, lead singer with Irish bands The Stunning and The Walls. Both bands have racked up an impressive number of classic Irish anthems over many years. As an actor his recent credits include roles in Ridley Scott's 'Raised by Wolves', The Vikings, and The Witcher on Netflix. We chat about the upcoming album Stray Sparks from The Walls, navigating the music business, sparring with Superman Henry Cavill and the differences between the world of acting and playing music. Enjoy the show Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.
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S1 · E13Feb 28, 2022 · 1 hr"Oh, The Starlings" with Kieran Goss and Annie Kinsella
"Oh, The Starlings', is the debut album from Irish duo Kieran Goss and Annie Kinsella. It was recorded in New York with eight time Grammy winning engineer and mixer Kevin Killen at the helm. "Oh, The Starlings' has been described by songwriter Rodney Crowell as: "So good, it's heartbreaking...the record itself feels like an old friend." On today's episode, Kieran and Annie talk to me about their experience making the album with some celebrated American musicians and a few Irish ones including guitarists Gerry Leonard, John Doyle and our very own Declan Murphy. Enjoy the show Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.
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"Oh, The Starlings" with Kieran Goss and Annie Kinsella
"Oh, The Starlings', is the debut album from Irish duo Kieran Goss and Annie Kinsella. It was recorded in New York with eight time Grammy winning engineer and mixer Kevin Killen at the helm. "Oh, The Starlings' has been described by songwriter Rodney Crowell as: "So good, it's heartbreaking...the record itself feels like an old friend." On today's episode, Kieran and Annie talk to me about their experience making the album with some celebrated American musicians and a few Irish ones including guitarists Gerry Leonard, John Doyle and our very own Declan Murphy. Enjoy the show Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.
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S1 · E12Jan 26, 2022 · 41 min"Hail Mary" Coughlan
Acclaimed jazz and blues singer Mary Coughlan's first album "Tired and Emotional " rocketed her to overnight fame in 1985. Since then, she has recorded 15 further solo albums, drawing heavily from her legendary heroes Peggy Lee, Edith Piaf and Billy Holiday (to whom she devoted a double album of her songs). In 2020 she released 'Life Stories' a collection of songs that showcase her unique style and give some insight into her own remarkable life. We'll be chatting about that album and an exciting new project she has in the works involving the songs of acclaimed jazz singer Peggy Lee. Plus she warns me about the dangers of yoga and the ups and downs of rowing her own boat as an independent artist in the choppy waters of the music business! Enjoy the show Brendan Murphy, THE 4 OF US This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.