Acclaimed Cavan band Marcus Magee and the Hollaw Men mark the launch of their impressive new album, Rising from the Hallow, with the release of their latest single, ‘We Are Young’. The single is an uplifting, feel-good alternative folk anthem that frontman Marcus Magee describes as ‘a message to self, a reminder to enjoy life, love, play, and stay young at heart no matter what age you are.’”
The launch follows a series of sold-out performances, including electrifying gigs at Dublin’s Sugar Club (see video) and the Big Top tent at Cavan Arts Festival. Fans eagerly await their upcoming main venue gig at Whelan’s on July 18th, with another headline show set for the Róisín Dubh in Galway on September 19th.
The band has been making waves since its formation just 18 months ago, after frontman Magee received an all-clear on his cancer diagnosis. Magee had an impressive bank of material he dreamed of performing and decided to bring together friends to put on what he thought might be a once-off concert experience. The gig in the Townhall Theatre in Cavan sold out within hours, and before long, a second night sold out. The gigs received rave reviews and propelled the band to consolidate, create new material, and embark upon making an album.
The result, Rising from the Hollaw, was recorded in Jam Studios in Kells and is a finely polished collection of original alternative folk & rock songs that is proving to be a hit with listeners. The album includes the spine-tingling track Mac Dee, which has received national radio play as well as considerable attention on streaming platforms. Featuring Colm Mac Con Iomaire on violin, the track is an ode to the lead singer’s deceased friend Mairead McDermott, who he says visited him in a dream to warn him about his own cancer diagnosis.
Magee went on to successfully navigate two immensely difficult years of successful treatment for stage 4 colon cancer. He is now in good health and living life to the full, with family life and music taking centre stage.
“I’m not taking any of it for granted,” says the 41-year-old father of three, who recently achieved another major goal by returning to play for his local GAA team.
“It’s a huge privilege to be healthy and performing music with my wife Julie and good friends. The response has been mind-blowing. This is a project much bigger than me. I feel like we’re celebrating life and just having fun, and even though there are plenty of deep songs, we’re not taking it all too seriously. It’s a great buzz to get noticed and pack out the venues and all that, but really, the joy is in the playing and being able to share these songs with people. I’m very grateful for that”.
‘We Are Young’ from the debut album Rising from the Hallaw is now available across all major streaming platforms and on CD. Don’t miss Marcus Magee and the Hollaw Men live at Whelan’s on July 18th, the Healing Spirit Festival in Cavan on August 3rd, and the Róisín Dubh in Galway on September 19th.
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