Gráinne Duffy Talks New Album, Recording And More

Jun 15, 2026 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Feature Image Photo Credit: Barry McCall

Irish blues-rock artist Gráinne Duffy continues her ascent as one of modern blues and roots music’s most compelling voices with the release of her new album ‘What Am I Supposed to Do’, out now.

You have your new album ‘What Am I Supposed to Do’ out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

It was very much catapulted by a conversation with a friend and great fellow musician Kenny Aronoff who I was talking to and just when I was in LA I had a little time to hang out with him and I was talking about making my next record and he suggested to me let’s do this record together. Then we started planning it and the songs came quite naturally from that I think. I knew his style was very rock influenced and o think the songs most likely came from that part of my brain. I listened to a lot of rock growing so I know that style quite well.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

I recorded it in LA during the fires over two sessions. It was in a studio called 64 Sound. We did it in around 5 days. It was co-produced by Justin Stanley and Marc Ford.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

Just hanging with those guys was brilliant. Jorgen Carlsson played bass and Paul Sherry played guitar along with Marc. We were in the middle of the time of the Pacific Palisades fires so that in itself was pretty memorable.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

You know that studio has so much cool stuff. I let Justin who engineered the record along with the in-house engineer/ producer Tyler Karmen figure all that stuff out. They know what they are at so I didn’t get too involved there.

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Oh gosh I think you need to listen to the record yourself and feel that one out.

Happy – maybe Streets of Love

Angry – What Am I Iupposed To Do

Reflective – Got To Give It Up

Who were the musicians who were on the album with you?

Paul Sherry – vocals and guitar

Marc Ford – Guitar

Jorgen Carlsson – bass

Kenny Aronoff – Drums

Peter Levin – Piano & Keys

Justin Stanley – Drums

Does the album’s title have a specific meaning/significance?

Well I think it reflects the mood of feeling frustrated with your situation or the world’s situation but no knowing what to do about it. I think that’s apt for these times, right?

Was it a difficult album to write?

Well any writing when you are looking for real truth in what you say can be difficult and for me I usually let the song come before I even fully understand it myself so that can be difficult. Working through it and letting it and then knowing what you’re saying with the song.

Who designed the album artwork?

I dis a photo session with an Irish photographer Barry McCallz I love his work and he real has a brilliant eye.

We did it a few days before Christmas.

Then Alex Grunberg did the final artwork. It was a collaborative effort but he really did all the final tweaks to it.

One of the tracks is the title track. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

Like I said it is about trying to figure out this crazy mad world we are currently living in and maybe venting some frustration at not being able to change some things about it which annoy and anger me. Like us all just living together and getting along peacefully.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026?

Yes I will be playing live in Ireland this year and all the dates are posted on my website: www.grainneduffy.com