Donegal (Ireland) singer/songwriter Kate O’Callaghan combines evocative melodies with intelligent considered lyrics, covering a gamut of emotions from sublime to cathartic in a skewed, refracted version of ‘Alt.Folk‘. Haunting, poignant and refreshingly uplifting, with a unique aspect that explores the less obvious paths tonally as much as the expected.
To date, Kate has written and recorded an EP and debut Album, received national and international radio play (RTE Radio 1, Lyric FM, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Wales and other Irl/UK radio), has been funded by Culture Ireland to travel and play in the US and has collaborated with various internationally acclaimed artists including The Henry Girls (IRL), Duke Special (N.Irl) and Boston based roots collective Session Americana (US).
Kate has also toured with and/or opened shows for several acts including Gretchen Peters (Grammy nominated Nashville Singer/songwriter), Peter Mulvey (US), Birds of Chicago (US/Irish Roadworks Tour), Amelia Curran (CA) and Jack Lukeman (Irl) and has performed at numerous festivals including Galway Arts Festival, Electric Picnic, Glasgowbury (N.Irl), Glastonbury (UK) and Guth Gafa International Film Festival.
Her debut album, The Still Beyond (released Oct 2013), launched in association with the Earagail Arts Festival was recorded and co-produced with Ted Ponsonby (who has previously worked with Emmylou Harris, Mary & Francis Black, Dolores Keane, Kieran Goss, Tommy Fleming, Henry McCullough etc.)
Kate (Guitar/Uke) performs as a 2-piece with her husband and musical partner Seamus Devenny (Fiddle/Stomp/Percussion).
“Wonderful & Delightful. Charming ambassadors of music and song. They will be welcome back anytime“ – Clifden Arts Festival Director (Brendan Flynn)
“They just radiate passion and love. Excellent musicians” – Connemara Journal (Jamie Howard)
“As with many couples who play together, there is a special and unique energy between them. They have a shared passion and intimate knowledge of each other’s musical styles, with close harmonies and familiar (and quite often funny) between-song banter which audiences find endearing and warm“ – McGrorys of Culdaff (Neil McGrory)
Upcoming Tour Dates and Plans 2014:
Plans for 2014 include an Irish Support Tour with Peter Mulvey (US) in March, festival appearances (IRL) and UK touring (tbc).
Supporting Peter Mulvey:
19 March 2014 – The Sky And The Ground – Wexford
20 March 2014 – Cunningham’s – Kildare
21 March 2014 – Errigle Inn – Belfast
22 March 2014 – Balor Arts Centre – Donegal
23 March 2014 – The Workman’s Club – Dublin
24 March 2014 – Mick Murphy’s – Ballymore Eustace
Additional Reviews:
“Subliminal, understated and simply glorious” – Fatea Magazine (UK)
“Intelligent, meaningful and extraordinary listening experience” – Fanrealm (USA)
“Dreamy and Soulful” – The Dailymail (UK)
“Performed exquisitely..” – The Independent on Sunday, London (UK)
“A talented singer/songwriter with a great voice..” Shire Folk Magazine (UK)
“Beautifully evocative…a treat for the senses” – Goldenplec (IRL)
“A lovely debut album..” – John Creedon, RTE Radio 1 (IRL)
“Warm, inviting, charming and delicate. A stunning debut album” – 2 U I Bestow (IRL)
