Gráinne Duffy in interview: “My next album will be a bit more rock’n’roll”

For nearly two decades, Gráinne Duffy (pronounced “graw-nya”) has stood out as one of the leading figures in contemporary blues rock. Hailing from Castleblayney, this Irish artist draws on her Celtic roots to craft music that blends blues, rock, soul, and Americana. Her latest album, “Dirt Woman Blues,” was praised by music critics. On the occasion of her appearance at the Nuit du Blues de Cabannes, Sylvie Declas and Cédric Vernet caught up with her. Gráinne talks about her main influences, her artistic evolution, and gives us a scoop: the upcoming release of a brand-new album she just finished recording…

Gráinne, thanks for being with us. Tonight there are two Celtic-rooted bands on stage: the Scots, King King, and you, from Ireland. Do you speak Irish yourself?

Thanks for having me. Yes, I speak a bit of Irish, but I’m not fluent. In Ireland, there’s an area called the Gaeltacht where people speak only Irish. I used to go there often. Today, many young people are learning the language, which is wonderful to see. But back in my day, Irish hadn’t become “cool” again yet, so my level is fairly basic.

I feel like there’s more of that mysterious Celtic influence in your music—something that evokes legends and poetry—similar to Rory Gallagher or Gary Moore. Do you feel a special connection with musicians who have Celtic roots?

Yes, I love Celtic musicians. People often tell me I sound like Rory Gallagher, but it’s not something I do consciously. Maybe it’s the phrasing, or some ornamentation… something innate to our culture—who knows?

It’s in your blood, right?

Yes, probably. People pick up on that Celtic touch, but I couldn’t explain it precisely. It’s a mystery.

Which musical influences have most nourished your artist’s soul?

At first, I was very influenced by Fleetwood Mac, especially the Peter Green and Christine Perfect era. Then I turned to blues artists like B.B. King, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan… I’m also a big fan of songwriting, so Bob Dylan had a huge influence on me. And of course Irish acts like Thin Lizzy, Van Morrison, Sinéad O’Connor… They’re all part of my world. I also studied classical music for three years, which gave me another outlook.

As a child, you sang with your sisters. Music seemed to play a major role in your family. When did you decide to make it your profession?

Yes, I had a band with my sisters and we played almost every weekend. But they didn’t like the late nights and told me, “This isn’t the life for us.” I loved it—being out in the evenings, meeting people, traveling… And of course, the music itself. To be a musician for life, you have to love both the music and the lifestyle. I knew around 16 or 17 that I wanted to be an artist.

Your voice has changed slightly since your beginnings; it’s less reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt. Is that a sign of maturity?

Yes, I think so. When you’re young, you’re still looking for your style and your influences show more. With time, you gain confidence and assert yourself. I’m delighted you see it as growth.

“Bonnie Raitt modernized
the blues in an incredible way”

Has Bonnie Raitt been an influence on you?

Huge. She modernized the blues in an incredible way. While doing my PhD on the blues, I discovered pioneers like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Memphis Minnie, Victoria Spivey… Bonnie carried that torch and brought it to the mainstream.

Have you met her?

No, unfortunately. She was in Dublin recently and I’d asked to see her to give her a copy of my thesis, but her team said she was too busy that weekend. I asked too late… Maybe another time.

I feel like your albums are moving toward a rawer, more rock sound. Is that the effect of your collaboration with your husband and guitarist, Paul Sherry?

Yes, it’s a mix. I love the Rolling Stones, the Allman Brothers—that kind of sound. And Paul has that more rock side. Since we write a lot together, his style comes through. I’ve also worked with producers like Mark Ford from the Black Crowes, so there’s probably a bit of that influence too.

How do you write with Paul? Do you mostly write the lyrics and music, or do you compose together?

It varies. Sometimes we start from a riff or a guitar idea and develop it together. Other times I’ve got a nearly finished song on my phone and we finalize it as a duo. Usually, the melody comes first, then the lyrics.

Do you have favorite themes for your lyrics? Have your sources of inspiration evolved?

Yes—and thankfully. I couldn’t stay stuck in just one style. My first album was very blues, then more rock, then a country-blues crossover, and lately a bit more Americana. I like to “pick and choose” influences here and there.

For your album Voodoo Blues, you signed with the Blue Heart label, which also released your next record. What did that change for you?

It gave us more visibility in the United States and got us invited to major festivals like Telluride and Mammoth Festival. We’re also going on the Blues Cruise, which is a great opportunity to break into the American market. In October we’ll be playing between San Diego and Mexico.

Will you meet a lot of people there?

Yes, I hope to run into Taj Mahal on the boat. That would be a dream.

Your fifth and latest album, Dirt Woman Blues, recorded in California, came out in 2023. When can we expect the next one? Do you already know its style, and will you work again with Chris Goldsmith and Mark Ford?

Surprise: it’s already recorded! We finished it in January. We worked in Los Angeles right in the middle of the wildfires. Once again with Mark Ford and Justin Stanley producing. On drums, Kenny Aronoff; on bass, Jorgen Carlsson from Gov’t Mule; on piano, Peter Levin. An incredible team. The album will be out in the fall and should be called What Am I Supposed To Do. Sound-wise, it’s a bit more rock ’n’ roll.

Tell us a little more about this record…

It will include 9 tracks with a through-line around feminine power.

Are there any artists—men or women—you’d like to collaborate with?

Oh yes. Lucinda Williams, whom I met recently. And of course legends like Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards… But also artists who bring a Tex-Mex, Caribbean, or Hawaiian touch. I love blending styles. Maybe a French musician could bring something new as well.

Thank you very much.

Thank you! I can’t wait to share the new album with you!