Student journalist interviews Oscar-winning songwriter
Lotte Ennis, Age 14
KidScoop Media Correspondent
Forward is the new album by duo Markéta Irglová and Glen Hansard from The Swell Season. Their band is best known for the indie film, Once, which won Best Song at the 2007 Oscars for “Falling Slowly.”
This record broke their 16-year silence of no new music, and I was lucky enough to not only see them perform at the Greek Theatre, but also interview Irglová for nearly an hour! While I was nervous walking backstage, speaking with her was super easy. She was so kind and heartening, and very relaxed while we were talking. I left feeling inspired.
Irglová moved to Iceland and took a break from touring for eight years, in which she explored writing her own music as a solo artist, without Hansard. “I focused on developing my own voice. When we were together, the goal was always for Glen to like it, [but then] I realized I can do whatever makes sense to me.”
She emphasized how her music style when she was experimenting was far different than what she had written while with The Swell Season; it was more “lush.” When she went back to collaborate, however, Irglová mentioned that she had more confidence since she knew herself better as a musician. She was able to make more in her own style.
She also talked about her famous Oscar speech, in which host Jon Stewart brought her back out onto the stage. Irglová commented that she was very grateful and that “it was incredible. I’m aware of the fact that nobody’s ever been brought back on stage.” She stated that it had always been the intention for Hansard to make the speech, because there was only a 60 second window from the moment their names were announced. Hansard made his speech and Irglová said “thank you” at the end as the music started, indicating their time was up.
Then she was brought back on stage. “I was really happy that I managed to say something that made sense because I wasn’t at all prepared,” she said. Even without knowing it was on the spot, I thought her speech was absolutely amazing.
Just like her speech, Irglová is such an inspirational person. As a teenage musician and writer, I found the advice she gave to be very heartwarming. When asked what advice she would give to young musicians today, she said to find your own voice. That it can be hard not to compare yourself to others, especially when you’re starting out. “By comparing yourself to others you usually come out not looking great in your own eyes. But going to follow your own path anyways [is what’s] really important.” Irglová said to do the things that give you joy and “fill you up with this feeling of being alive.”
I was able to stay for the concert after, which was upbeat yet very thoughtful. I’m very grateful I was able to meet her, and I think the joy and kindness she brings to the world is beautiful. She shared that throughout her break from touring, she’s grown both musically and individually. Forward is the culmination of it all. Go listen!