Son of Loughlin

An affinity and curiosity for music existed since a young age for Irish native Padraig McLoughlin. He took up guitar at age 14, learning the basics from the father of a close childhood friend. It wasn’t until finishing school and attending a performing arts music program that an interest in the art of songwriting developed. He attributes this to finding artists such as David Gray, Jeff Buckley, Glen Hansard and Damien Rice.

Upon leaving college, however, he moved back to his hometown of Navan. A few life-altering, directionless years followed where he found himself dealing with unresolved trauma and turning to alcohol and drugs to relieve the pain. A long-standing depression ensued, where he first confronted the perils of suicidal tendencies and apathy. It was a last-ditch attempt to rescue any hope of a fulfilling existence, moving to Australia at 23, that he cites as the moment that turned his life around and saved him from the brink. He brought the guitar with him on a whim, something he had neglected during the years of dealing with his mental health struggles. That proved the right decision, as solace and purpose were found again Down Under through sharing and enjoying music with newfound friends and peers. 

Since that year spent in Australia just over a decade ago, music has remained a pivotal focus point of his life. Mental health struggles have come and gone, and come again; a return to education; an appearance on a soulless, dead-end TV singing show; two years living in Dublin; a short spell living in London; a return to Ireland, followed by a venture to Berlin, Germany; and eventually new beginnings found again in the Austrian capital of Vienna, where he has been residing since late 2020. Throughout the past decade, there have been spells where music has been the sole source of income. An EP under his given name came out in 2017. The adoption of the moniker ‘Son of Loughlin’ came about in late 2019, after a decision to move on musically and sonically and to start afresh. He released two singles and an EP between the end of 2019 and late 2020, which he worked on and produced with Berlin-based musician and producer Ivo Vollering. 

Reflecting on what music means to him:

It sometimes feels like the most enormous and indescribable gift to have the ability to express myself in song. Other times, it feels like a curse. It just has a grip on me. I cannot find the same peace and contentment through any other endeavour as I do through music. I sometimes wish to get a regular job and move on with my life, but then the little voice comes and tells me not to give up. Not yet. Perhaps never.

Four songs have been recorded and set for release. They will encompass an EP, with the first track set for March this year. It will feature a song about his hometown, one about estrangement, the other difficult to define, and referencing the wonderment of new beginnings and moving on. 

Son of Loughlin writes honest songs - from the heart of a sensitive soul unafraid to tell his truth. His music imbues feelings of melancholic optimism and resonates through memorable, poignant lyrics. Well-crafted stanzas, catchy hooks, and a distinct and powerful voice shape the listening experience.