The RoJ LiGht, AKA former Ireland international cricketer Roger Whelan and musical friends, trail their second Sacred Moods album with the woozily psychedelic 'Leave My Sorrow For The Birds'.
Having hung up his pads in 2007, Whelan dived headfirst into the world of activism. He was one of the leaders of the campaign to free US army whistleblower Chelsea Manning and went on to befriend her mother after writing a song about the Welsh-born former soldier. He also recorded Dylan’s 'Masters Of War' which clocked up over 185,000 views on YouTube.
“I feel there aren't enough artists speaking out against the established powers and giving a voice to the working class, the oppressed and those in need," he reflects. "In this over globalised and corporatised world, there's a very real danger that we lose what's really important to all of us.
“The average everyday person is what makes this world go around in every sense. And what's important to us is love, connection, family, friends, and community. I believe a small gesture of kindness can change a person's life in a very profound and positive way and that's what I base my philosophy on.”
Whelan admits to taking his cue from his all-time favourite band, The Beatles.
“I believe the energy that songs carry can be used as a force of good in the world," he resumes. "Music is like an amazing super-power communicator gifted to us from our future higher selves. I believe songs can change the world because they changed my world and I've never been the same since."
As a cricketer, he travelled all over the world and famously bowled out Sachin Tendulkar, the Indian generally recognised as the leading batsman of all time.