Music Matters

Music Matters: Joe Newman

Music Matters

Published: Tue 9 Sep 2025, 10:36 AM

Last updated: Tue 9 Sep 2025, 10:46 AM

Joe has been a mainstay in the vibrant Mullingar music scene for a few years now, having been inspired by some of the other local musicians in the town.

"Seeing these amazing Musicians in Mullingar like Paulie Martin, Dec Byrne, Shane Bardon, Gerry Kiernan and Robbie Arnold, I just thought that is what I want to be doing, and am lucky to be able to enjoy it as much as I do," he said.

Joe attributes much of his musical interests to his father: "I started with a love for music from my father, Kit Newman. I may be biased, but he is the best drummer I have ever seen. Listening to music with him growing up, seeing him play live and listening to stories of gigs, I always had the itch to do it myself."

Joe is working on writing his music, aiming to perfect his craft over the next year. "I’m just trying to find my niche, and focusing on that for the future, just being happy in the world that I write and my musical style, just to be able to say that it is my song."

What is your favourite album?

To pick out just one is tough, but for me, I would have to say my favourite album is ‘By the Way’ by The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. There is such an array of songs that can impact you no matter what mood you are in; it’s simply an amazing album by an amazing band.

What song do you wish you had written?

The song that I wish I had written would be ‘Something in the Orange’ by Zach Bryan. This was the first real cover I was doing where people were coming up to me saying I need to get back gigging, it’s a special song for me.

Which band from any era would you love to have been a member of?

I would love to have been a member of The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. When I started playing music first on the bass, I would spend hours trying to play like Flea. Turns out I couldn’t, but they are the band that made me want to play.

Guiltiest musical pleasure?

I would have to say a bit of Taylor Swift. I may get some stick for this, but you can’t beat a bit of Love Story on a night out!

Most memorable gig you’ve been to?

My most memorable gig would have to be the first full cover gig I did. It was in the front bar of Smiddy’s after Kieran Smith, the owner, told me it was time to get back playing again. The place was full, everyone singing and dancing, I will never forget it! A huge shoutout to Kieran for that gig, always supporting music and musicians in Mullingar.

Who is Westmeath’s greatest musician?

Westmeath has produced some amazing musicians, on a global scale, obviously Niall Horan and Joe Dolan, but the greatest musician from Mullingar that I have ever seen play is Paulie Martin, without a shadow of a doubt.