As a two-time skin cancer survivor currently fighting the disease once again, Róisín McCarney is a unique presence in Glasgow’s growing pop scene.
When speaking to Brig, Róisín was eager to discuss her life, music and why her cancer has never slowed her down.
Her goal has always been to raise awareness about cancer, but more than anything she seeks to build a welcoming community through her mix of catchy pop hooks, and mellow reflective beats.
“My music is my life, that’s why sometimes the sound can change because obviously there’s part of life where you’re just depressed.” She continued. “It’s the peaks and flows of life. Life ebbs and flows.”
Róisín went into further details about a song that she has not released yet and exclusively plays at select concerts called Praying.
“It’s about my cancer journey and a conversation I had with my Mum. It’s really sad, I don’t even practice that song before I go on stage or tour or anything because it brings up so many emotions for me.”
Last year Róisín found out she was suffering from cancer once again, but instead of slowing down, she continued to produce new music and geared up for her first headline performance at one of Glasgow’s most iconic venues.
“We’re going to have fun. Life is bad sometimes and it’s okay to be sad, but we just kind of pick ourselves back up, and that’s exactly what I do.”
“[My cancer] impacts my music in a way people don’t think about. For me when I go on stage, that’s my escape from reality, because when I’m not there I’m at hospitals all the time.”
Where Did All the Pop Go?
As a native of Scotland’s musical capital Róisín has grown up surrounded by unique performers and genre-bending bands. Though brought up through many different influences, her musical sound is rooted in nostalgia for the 2000’s era of pop music.
“I grew up on 2000’s pop.” She laughed. “I don’t know if it’s just that you love the music you grew up on, but for me, that is pop.”
After graduating from the University of West of Scotland with a first-class honours degree in music technology, Róisín threw herself headfirst into Glasgow’s pop scene.
Róisín knows that Glasgow’s pop community isn’t as large as other parts of the UK, but she hopes that one day it will grow to be something that can contend with cities like London.
“People look down on pop as if it’s not real music, because it does not take a stand. But I think that it’s important to have fun music and political music. That’s what life is all about.”
What’s Next?
After her first EP released this year, and her latest single SOS is out to the masses, has proved that she’s got no reason to stop soon. The pop scene is growing and with a figurehead like Róisín at the forefront, it’s likely many other artists are soon to follow in her footsteps.
Her next event is in August 2026 at Summer’s End Angus Music Festival, so the wait is long till Róisín graces the stage again, but the wait will be worth it.
Featured Image Credit: Róisín McCarney
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