Bundoran teenager Pro Murray making waves on the local and online music scene

Bundoran teenager Proinnsias (Pro) Murray has been making quite a name for himself locally, and is gaining attention further afield through TikTok, Spotify and YouTube

The talented singer songwriter was just 12 years of age when he wrote his first song, Cloudy Apple. And now at the age of 18, is preparing to release his latest single and video, Underneath The Chandelier.

Watching his videos and listening to his songs, it is evident that Pro’s passion for music and performance runs deep.

“Music has been a part of me for as long as I can remember,” he said.

“I’ve been told that my grandad noticed me rhythmically tapping my foot as a toddler so it was clear I always had the ceol deep inside.”

Indeed, Pro’s grandad was the inspiration for the young musician to venture into the creative realm of composition.

“I wrote my first song Cloudy Apple about my grandad when I was around 12 or 13 and since that day I haven’t stopped writing,” he said.

A singer and multi instrumentalist, Pro does have a clear favourite when it comes to how he expresses himself through music.

He said: “I dabble in guitar and drums and any instrument I can get my hands on.

“But my main instrument, an extension of myself, is the piano.”

Among the great songwriters, singers and pianists to have grabbed the attention of Pro when he was growing up and developing his own style was the Piano Man himself.

“From a songwriting sense my main inspiration is probably Billy Joel,” he said.

“And Steve Wonder would be an artist I admire incredibly as he is an absolute genius.

“But,” added Pro, “my main influences live under the same roof as me - my Mum and Dad!”

“They brought me into the music world at a young age and even though I hated the long piano practises I’m glad they forced me to keep at it all those years.”

There are a few other people close to home who have also played a positive role in helping Pro to develop as an artist.

“Countless people have encouraged me and helped me with my dream of becoming an artist but most notably is my mum who is my biggest fan and never showed a lack of support for my art whilst doubling as a manager,” he said.

“Another notable supporter is Kieran Quinn from Sligo who has provided me with incredible opportunities over the years, from his teenage theme nights to helping me record and release a single which will be out in November.”
So what do Pro’s classmates at Colaiste Cholmcille make of having this rising star in their midst?

“I have had incredible feedback from my school mates who show me an overwhelmingly consistent amount of support whenever I release a single or a TikTok and I’d like to think I’ve solidified myself as ‘that TikTok music guy in the school!’” he said.

With his schooldays drawing to a close, Pro, like so many other Leaving Cert students is turning his attention to the future.

“My life-long dream is to become an artist and write music for a living,” he said.

“It’s a passion so I can’t see myself ever losing the drive to chase it.

“I hope to study music in Trinity but even if I end up choosing something else I will never stop recording and producing songs in my free time.”

While following this driving passion, Pro has also worked hard over the years, showing a commitment, tenacity and openness to learning and experience that has carried him far.

Of his successes to date, there are a few of which the 18-year-old can be particularly proud.

He said: “I would say biggest achievement is being selected by Kieran Quinn in the teenage singer songwriter showcase to record my song Underneath The Chandelier along with a music video. This song will be released sometime in November.”

Another great achievement is reaching almost 1,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

“I hope to smash this personal record in the coming summer,” said Pro.

When asked if he had any particular dreams or ambitions, Pro replied: “My biggest dream is quite a niche one. It’s to be interviewed by the Canadian journalist Nardwuar who’s known for digging up insanely specific aspects of the interviewee’s life.

“Playing at SeaSessions would also be sick!”

Pro’s music can be found on Spotify (Pro Murray artist).

Humble, talented, creative and driven, Pro is certainly one to watch as he carves his own authentic path through the ever shifting, dynamic dominion of the modern music industry.