High notes

CREATIVITY is my greatest joy — it’s something I inherited from my mother," says legendary songwriter and singer Jimmy MacCarthy.

It’s a gift that seems to keep on giving. At an age when he could easily be contemplating slowing down, he continues to compose and practice his craft. “I’m working on songs all the time. I’m working on guitar playing and vocal work. Every day has a part of this discipline.”

This discipline and focus drives his year-long nationwide tour with nephew Christoper MacCarthy Wall accompanying him on piano, guitar, and vocals.

“Holidays are out of the question for a while,” he says.

“The gigs have been going really really well and I’m really enjoying them. I have found a space on stage to be more comfortable than ever before.”

His creativity also extends to architecture, with futuristic homes a particular interest. “I designed a house called the subterranean world of light, it is cut into the ground with a glass dome, 18in above ground level, at the centre. It’s supposed to be a safe place for future climates. Right now, it’s all all in my imagination. But I have drawings. And If my ship comes in one day I might build it.”

A native of Macroom, he lives in Jenkinstown House in Co Kilkenny. “It’s an architectural gem and took about four years to restore. I built a 106-seat theatre in a church attached to it, which also doubles as a studio. It was a road laden with obstructions — the council put an enforcement order on me for 18 months — but I think I proved I did a good job of the restoration.”

Born in 1953, he has no children and is not in a relationship. “I’ve too much work to do at the moment for that kind of thing,” he says.

The Prophecy Conspiracy Tour: August 15, Terryglass Arts festival; August 22, The Venue Ratoath; August 24, The Grain Store Ballymaloe. See jimmymaccarthy.net.

What shape are you in?

I’m in good shape. I devised a workout system that takes 30 minutes every three days — covering all the major muscle groups — at full blast for 18 reps only. I was so busy for over a year or 18 months I didn’t have the time but I just got back into it again. When you workout your body remembers its ultimate peak — muscle memory takes you back to where you were quite quickly. Sometimes I just do back and shoulders, then the following day I do chest and arms — then I have a day off and do 40 or 50 press ups.

Any health concerns?

I have chest and lung issues which if I wasn’t singing would be a thing of nothing. I was very bronchial as a child. Otherwise, I am in perfect health.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I am very fussy. I eat fruit and cereal in the morning. I have a gluten-free diet and I try to limit sugar and salt. I drink a lot of water and fruit juice. I don’t drink water on its own because the pH is never right. I have a flour intolerance. I think I was a coeliac when I was a child and I just learned to cope with it. Even if I didn’t have the wheat intolerance I would be happier on the gluten-free diet because I find it to be less heavy than a gluten diet. You feel lighter in your whole system.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Staying up all night — playing the guitar and composing — and not being able to get up the following day. I find when the night is still and nobody phones you or comes to the door you have a better chance [of being creative]. I have also been staying up lately to watch the world news on Palestine which is really distressing me.

What would keep you awake at night?

Any hurt that I might have caused another.

How do you relax?

With the Alexander technique, which I’ve been studying for 14 or 15 years. I also meditate and do some chakra work. I still consider playing the guitar a relaxing thing to do. And I walk a bit in Jenkinstown Wood, which is behind my house.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Jesus, Jimmy Hendrix, and John Lennon and their respective companions — Mary Magdalene, Carol, and Yoko.

What’s your favourite smell?

Incense and lavender.

What would you change about your appearance?

I am happy with my appearance in general. But if my legs were 2 inches longer I would be of divine proportions.

When did you last cry?

I can be tearful sometimes. But my mother’s death was the last time I cried.

What trait do you least like in others?

Dishonesty and arrogance.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

Susceptibility to anxiety. It has been a lifelong companion but over the years, through different disciples, I have brought it to a very controlable place until something happens. For example, if someone is dishonest or arrogant towards me, I have to find my way back to the tracks again.

Do you pray?

Yes. I write down my prayers, put them between my hands and put energy into them and send them to God or life.

What would cheer up your day?

Peace and human dignity for the Palestinian people.