Cillian Murphy Almost Became a Musician: Listen to His Track ‘So New’ from Disco Pigs

Cillian Murphy, widely acclaimed for his roles in films such as Oppenheimer and Peaky Blinders, is known for his powerful screen presence and intense performances. However, his journey to stardom isn’t just confined to acting. For Murphy, music was his first love—a passion he pursued long before stepping into the limelight as one of Hollywood’s most recognized actors.

Early Musical Beginnings

Before the world knew him as Thomas Shelby or J. Robert Oppenheimer, Murphy was already immersed in the world of music. In the 1990s, he was part of the band The Sons of Mr. Green Genes, a group inspired by the acid jazz movement that was particularly popular in Ireland at the time. Named after a Frank Zappa song, the band included Murphy on guitar and vocals, alongside his brother Pádraig and other childhood friends. The band’s fusion of jazz and rock attracted local attention, and they were even offered a five-album record deal. However, Murphy made a pivotal choice—he declined the deal to pursue acting instead, a decision that would chart the course for his future career.

While Murphy never directly uttered the phrase “music was my first love” in any known interview, his various statements and the trajectory of his early life suggest as much. As noted in The Irish Times, Murphy has expressed that acting fulfilled his desire to perform live, a need he had once nurtured through music. In a reflective interview with Far Out Magazine, Murphy emphasized, “It was my first love, and I worked really hard at trying to be a musician and it didn’t work out,” solidifying the central role music played in his early aspirations.

A Musical Contribution to Disco Pigs (2001)

Murphy’s love for music didn’t fade when he transitioned to acting; it found its way into his film projects, most notably through his contribution to the soundtrack of Disco Pigs (2001). Directed by Kirsten Sheridan and adapted from Enda Walsh’s play, the film saw Murphy playing the lead role of Pig, a volatile and emotionally complex character. But it wasn’t just his acting that made an impact—the film also featured Murphy’s musical talents.

Murphy not only acted in Disco Pigs, but also wrote and performed a track called “So New,” which played during the film’s credits. The song, a collaboration with Nina Hynes, was a testament to his continued commitment to music. According to IMDb, Murphy wrote the track and performed it, marking a rare instance where the actor merged both his musical and acting passions. The song has since become a noteworthy part of the film’s legacy, and it’s available for streaming on platforms like SoundCloud, with Murphy himself confirming its origins.

An IMDb user note further corroborates this, highlighting that “So New” was performed by Murphy, reinforcing the connection between his musical roots and his acting career. In doing so, Murphy not only showcased his talent but also provided a deeper layer to his character, blending his past love for music with his present creative pursuits.

Murphy’s Musical Influence and Continued Passion

Beyond Disco Pigs, Murphy has frequently discussed how music shaped his life and career. In an interview with NME, he reflected on the influence of artists like Nick Drake during his early twenties, noting that music was an essential companion during those formative years. His connection to music was so profound that, years later, he even directed a music video, reinforcing the sentiment that music is an ongoing journey—one that constantly evolves.

For Murphy, music was not merely a past endeavor but an enduring part of his creative identity. As he told The Line of Best Fit, “Music is a constant journey. You’re always discovering and that’s the beauty of it. It never ends.” This quote encapsulates his deep-seated appreciation for music, which continues to influence his life and work, both on and off the screen.

Conclusion: Music as the Foundation of Cillian Murphy’s Artistic Identity

Cillian Murphy’s shift from musician to actor is a testament to the unpredictability of creative careers. While his choice to abandon a music career for acting might have been surprising to some, his musical roots are undeniably woven into his artistic identity. Disco Pigs served as a key moment where Murphy seamlessly blended his two passions, and his involvement in the film’s soundtrack is a reminder of the importance music has held in his life.

Though Murphy has become one of the most respected actors of his generation, his story is a reminder that the creative journey is never linear. For Cillian Murphy, music was not just an early love—it remains a vital force in shaping the art he creates today.