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"I'm so sick of the members-only, fear based clique-oriented modern dynamic"
Ceili Rain - The ninetyandnine.com Interview
By Stephen Bunch
March 14, 2005

Ceili Rain’s Change In Your Pocket CD is without a doubt the most intriguing work that has come across my desk for review. In the time since that review, it has frequently landed in my playlist and spawned much wonder as to the origins of this Christian music. I was surprised then, when founding band member Bob Haligan Jr. came across the review and contacted 90&9 in appreciation for the coverage. In turn, we extended Mr. Haligan an invitation for an interview, and he gladly obliged. The text that follows is the result of a very unique opportunity to synch up with the cornerstone of a great band with a fresh slant on under-explored musical genres.

If you haven’t already, you owe it to yourself to investigate this great music. Ceili Rain combines traditional and modern elements fueled by a unique vision to bring us a totally new perspective on what Christian music can be.

Many thanks to Bob Haligan Jr. for taking the time to share with our readers. This interview took place over February, 2005.

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90&9: You're certainly not in a crowd with your Rock/World/Celtic blend. What has been the response to Ceili Rain so far?
BH: Yes, no danger of being overcrowded! Response has always been super positive from real audiences. Music biz finds it frightening!

90&9: Would you say that there is a solid market for your sound? Has Ceili Rain been able to reach as far as you'd like?
BH: 
No and no. Yet yes and no. People who like it are not fair-weather friends; hard to reach giant piles of them at a time, though.

90&9: What are the advantages of being in a “non-mainstream” genre?
BH: 
No stalkers - or at least fewer. Little pressure to have a ring in my belly button.

90&9: What are the disadvantages of being in a “non-mainstream” genre?
BH: 
No money.

90&9: Please share a brief history of Ceili Rain, including how you arrived at this genre.
BH: 
Wife Linda suggested it; I told her she was nuts. We were both right. Began construction in 1989, got flesh and bones in 1995; May will be 10th Anniversary.

90&9: Can you offer any insight into Ceili Rain's songwriting process i.e. is it largely the work of one man, collaboration, etc?
BH: 
I do the writing, sometimes with collaborators—the missus chief among them. Rick Cua a strong contributor.

90&9: Tell us more about your music/songwriting past.
BH: 
Started writing 1968, 800 songs to date, 150 recorded, 30 million units sold. Influenced by Beatles, Stones, Stevie Wonder, Chick Corea, Springsteen, Steely Dan, Randy Newman, John Hiatt, many others.

Piano lessons ages 7 thru 13. Music minor in college, English lit major. Opposition from everywhere, formerly mostly myself. Big breaks: two cuts with Judas Priest, 1982 and 1984; collaboration with Michael Bolton. First band Michael & the Archangels, 1965. The New Regime, 1966. Led 63-member folk-rock group in high school. College group called “Steak Nite” 1972-1980, renamed “Pictures,” 1980 thru 1982.

90&9: In this writer's opinion, “I’ll Stick With My Own” is the most intriguing work on the CD. Any personal insight to offer us on this song’s development and overall theme?
BH: 
I'm so sick of the members-only, fear based clique-oriented modern dynamic. It's not right, and I want to fight it tooth and nail.

90&9: Any other songs in particular you would like to share with us about?
BH:
 “Change in Your Pocket” was inspired by a trip to Guatemala with Mercy Corps, whom we work with in a fundraising capacity. “Gold God” is my lampooning of materialistic Christians, a species found predominantly in the Southern US.

90&9: What about your work with international relief?
BH: 
Thrilled to be involved, they remind me how good I have it just by doing what they do.

90&9: Is there a new project on the horizon?
BH: 
A lovely group of six tunes I'm working on at the moment, heading toward Ceili Five. Always planning for the next one.

90&9: Tell us about the Ceili Rain “live” experience. What is to be expected at your shows, and what will the listener walk away with?
BH: 
Aerobic. Walk away with sore legs. Great fun- very theatrical, very joyous, very much for the audience  rather than burping out the songs.

90&9: From your current viewpoint, what does the future hold for Ceili Rain?
BH: 
More of the wondrous same.

 

ninetyandnine.com

© 2005, Stephen Bunch

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Stephen Bunch works in a cube farm. Otherwise, he would crank up Ceili Rain and try out Bob Haligan’s aerobics.


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