Interview with Mick Rochford

Following the release of his latest single 'Still Born Our Girl’, Flex caught up with Irish singer-songwriter Mick Rochford to discuss the charity single and the important message it conveys.

Hi Mick, and welcome to Flex for our readers. Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Thanks for the interview, I’m a father of 4, a lifetime musician and a lover of all music. I’m the CEO of the National Children's Cancer Charity, Aoibheanns Pink Tie. Love to write and perform Rock songs to keep myself sane!

Your latest single “Still Born Our Girl” is deeply personal, honouring your daughter Saoirse. Can you share what inspired you to write this song now, as her 18th birthday approaches?

It’s been 18 years of missing Saoirse and the beauty that never had the chance to blossom she will be forever missed, and I felt I had to write this song for her.

How did you approach translating such a profound personal loss into music while maintaining sensitivity and authenticity?

It was a tough song to write, but ya write about the pain and it’s like therapy to get these feelings and pain onto a page.

Was writing and recording this song cathartic for you? How did it help you process your experience?

Yes very much so, 18 is a big milestone I should have been out booking a party for her and choosing her present. I just thought of how we felt and I asked her Mam Lorraine, to write a few words on the video and it made me cry when I read them and still gets me. The bond between a mother and child is something that can never be broken. Although it was sad, it was very important to have her input, and I'm Glad she did i,t really made the project the best of could be.

How do you hope listeners who have experienced stillbirth or infant loss connect with the song?

The sad thing is the song will be played at funerals for parents that have lost their baby girls there are very few songs that capture the feeling, except a song written by someone who has been through this.

The single is supporting A Little Lifetime Foundation in Ireland and Sands UK. How important was it for you to combine music with raising awareness for families affected by stillbirth?

The work both charities do is so important to have someone to lean on when you're feeling smashed to bits. It was an honour for me to support these charities as the work they do is invaluable.

What message do you hope the song sends to families navigating the heartbreak of infant loss?

That one day we will meet them again. That there is support out there and that they are not alone.

Have you received any responses from listeners who have shared their own experiences after hearing the song?

Yes we have had amazing comments and how they resonate with every word.

Looking ahead to your debut album, I’ve Got Something to Say, how does “Still Born Our Girl” set the tone for the themes listeners can expect?

We have around 7 songs on Spotify, and it’s mainly about personal experience of love, loss, and above all hope in the most desperate of times. I’m blown away by the streams and the monthly following is incredible. Music transcends all barriers and everyone hears something different making it personal for them. Thanks a million to your readers for the support. All the best.

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