Folk singer Karan Casey is from Kilmeadan in Waterford. Now living in Cork city, she is married to the Irish concertina player Niall Vallely and the couple have two daughters. A former member of the traditional Irish band Solas, Karan has released 11 albums. She will be performing her new stage show I Walked Into My Head in the Watergate Theatre today as part of the Kilkenny Arts Festival. She will also be performing a live gig at Elizabeth Fort in Cork on Saturday, August 21 — along with musicians Seán Óg Graham, Niamh Dunne, and Niall Vallely — as part of The Everyman Outdoor series. For more details, visit everymancork.com and karancasey.com.
What’s the most important lesson about money that your career as a musician has taught you?
That I didn’t become a musician for money. I do it for the love of being an artist — this can be financially difficult at times but the idea is to keep going.
What has the coronavirus crisis taught you about money?
That I’m really glad I live in Ireland and that the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is available to people who need it. I hope this continues until we can go back to work. I would also love to see the pilot scheme for the universal basic income for artists being rolled out in January.
Your favourite song about money?
I mostly sing songs against poverty such as Pastures of Plenty or The Diggers’ Song.
What’s the most expensive country you ever visited?
Norway. I think I paid nearly €8 for a pint there!
What’s the most you’ve ever spent on musical equipment?
Our piano cost nearly €2,000.
What’s your favourite Irish coin?
I like the old 10p coin with the salmon of knowledge on it.
What was your worst job?
Waitressing in New York for a big restaurant on 42nd Street. It was very cut-throat and I was very green at the time — having just emigrated to the United States. I remember trying to pretend I knew how to open a bottle of wine and making a hames of it!
Your biggest financial mistake?
Signing a record contract which gave away mechanical royalties (royalties that are generated each time a musical composition is reproduced).
What was your best financial killing?
Working with the Boston Pops Orchestra — as I was paid so well for singing a couple of songs.
Are you better off than your parents?
No — as I’m a folk singer.
If you won the Euromillions, what would you do with the money?
I’d give some of the money to charity and I’d go on a holiday with my family — once it is safe to do so.
What’s the best advice you ever got about money?
To save. I have always tried to save — even if it’s a small amount.
iTunes or Spotify?
I have my own music up on Spotify and iTunes. I can’t stand them but I feel musicians have no choice but to get our music out there this way. I do listen to them both and I also play records and have a CD player in the kitchen.
The last thing you bought online?
I bought a dress online during lockdown — which I have never done before. I prefer to visit the shops in Cork and to support local business.
Would you buy Irish property now?
No. We have a house and I hate the banks. I also hate the way the next generation is being forced into high mortgages.
Do you ever haggle?
Yes I haggle — and when I lived in New York, I especially did so.
What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt?
Coffee. Inhalers. Face cream.
