COUNTRY musician Anthony McBrien will launch his latest album this Monday (July 8) at the Enniskillen Hotel.

Entitled ‘Choices’, Anthony began recording the album close to a year ago.

“I started recording over a year ago. I went down to Brian Kerrigan in Letterkenny, and was going to do a single with him,” explained Anthony.

“And said the vocal was sounding good on the single, I should do an album.

“I went back and thought about it. Albums are not cheap, and I thought if I do it, I’ll do it on my own back. Because if I do it by myself I can choose the songs, and do them the way I want.”

Anthony recorded twelve tracks at Harmony Studios in Letterkenny, while two other tracks, ‘Choices’ and ‘Oh Carol’, in Hillside Studios, Ballinahinch.

He also explained how he made sure to take care on recording, taking time to choose the material for it, including one original song, and time in recording the ocals.

“There are times you’d go down to the studio and say ‘that vocal doesn’t sound right’ and I wanted to get the thing right.

“A lot of work is done over the computer nowadays too. We’ve a fiddle player on the album who’s based in Nashville so Brian sends him the track, he plays on it, then sends it back.”

Recently, Anthony was a finalist in TG4’s Glor Tire, and cited the benefits of recording from his own back pocket.

“When you work through a record company, or someone who’s paying for your album, they’re going to have the last say. There are songs I have on albums that I’ve never wanted to record – but I had to.

“All this has been done myself. I’ve had an unbelievable reaction.

On Monday night, an array of acts – including Declan Nerney, and Johnny Brady will join Anthony for his launch night.

“Any night I’ve had in Enniskillen, I’ve always had a good night. It’s ten pound  in – you’ve four hours of dancing, and 12 acts. I always love to give people value for money, and, by Jesus, they’re going to get that.”

Doors open at 9pm.