Author: Zoé Piater

“…an otherworldly soundscape…”
– DIY

“Breaks the mould, extraordinary.”
– The Line of Best Fit

“A dose of art-pop that is electrifying in its vision.”
– Clash Magazine

“…songs that you can dance to with hooks galore.”
– NPR

“…bloody fantastic…”
– Dork

Art-pop aficionado Æ MAK – aka Aoife McCann – returns with the release of her bewitching EP ABC Side Baby, out now. Listen here.

Known for creating other-worldly pop music with industrial beats, this latest collection of vignettes are no exception. These songs move through the magic and playfulness of sparkling new love into the deep depths of heartbreak; finding strength and a sense of self again at the lowest of lows. “I’d been listening non stop to Dijon and ML Buch, so the energy in the rhythm and production is definitely influenced by them,” Aoife elaborates.

Talking about the focus track Low Down, Aoife says, “its about hitting rock bottom after a break-up, almost basking in it, and finding your power again – “but I’m coming back, like the phoenix, outta my blood bath”. I made it in between chain-smoking out the window and lying on my best pals green corduroy couch all summer; until I finally felt some strength creep back in. I wanted the production to have a bit of a Dijon or Frank Ocean feeling mixed with some hyper pop moments”.

Low Down is currently featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday UK playlist.

Aoife has already performed across Ireland, The Netherlands, Germany, the UK and Iceland. She has supported the likes of Tune Yards, Django Django and Warpaint, as well as performing at festivals such as Fusion, Reading & Leeds, KEXP Iceland Airwaves and Electric Picnic. Her songwriting led to her signing a world-wide publishing deal with BDi Music in 2019.

With two EP releases already under her belt, Aoife has seen regular support from Spotify’s New Music Friday UK & Ireland editorial playlists, as well as their Good Energy, Irish Dance and Alternative Ireland playlists. She has been covered and aired by the likes of Official Charts, Dork, DIY, NME.com, The Line Of Best Fit, NPR, Clash Magazine, Nialler9, BBC Radio 1, BBC 6Music, BBC Radio 2, RTÉ, Today FM, Radio X and more.

“Oh my gosh!!! You are all so rad!!! You sound great!!!” – Sharon Van Etten

Formed with a mission to highlight the need for more women in music, exciting five piece The Kates, from West Cork, are due to release their debut single ‘All That Talk’ on June 21. Ahead of their upcoming debut EP later this year they will have a single launch in DeBarra’s Folk Club, Clonakilty on June 21, 2024.

The Kates comprises of Eve Clague, Liz Clark, Mary Beth O’Mahony, Míde Houlihan and Paula K O’Brien. All five members have played, sang and written their own music for years, each releasing albums of original work. The five piece have now written a collection of original songs and the resulting Pictures Here Of Dreams EP is set for release in September 2024. Debut single ‘All That Talk’, set for release June 21, is written by Míde Houlihan and commenting on the song, she said “The song is about standing in your own way and feeling bad about it but also not being sure how to improve or address it. it’s about feeling a little frustrated with yourself in not being able to keep up with the world and how it moves.” 

Five years ago, Paula K O’Brien had the original idea to set up the all women rock band, specifically for a fundraiser for ovarian cancer charity OvaCare. Paula explains, “The fundraiser was in memory of my mother Catherine who passed away from ovarian cancer, and she inspired the name. She was a feminist who loved to lift other women up. The Kates have been going ever since!” The premise behind forming The Kates back in 2017 was to showcase the depth and variety of songs by women in a time where it became obvious that radio play and festival slots featuring women were minimal. Liz adds, “Five years ago, there were very few female led bands, and certainly very few women artists being played on radio and performing at festivals. The Kates were borne from this, to shine a light on the major contribution women have made to the music industry”. 

The Why Not Her data report highlighted stats on gender disparity in radio and festival lineups so The Kates wanted to do their bit for women in music. They focused on performing songs written or performed by women, covers by artists like Sharon Van Etten, Orla Gartland, Angel Olsen, Lucy Dacus, Patty Smith, The Staves, Haim, Joseph…to shine a light on these incredible writers and performers. The stats are still far from equal. However, The Kates soon started gaining interest locally, selling out shows in DeBarra’s Clonakilty, St Matthew’s Baltimore and Levis’ Ballydehob. Since forming, The Kates have come to the attention of Irish festivals and are currently booked for Night and Day Festival in Roscommon and Clonmel Busking Festival this Summer. Eve says “selling out local shows is something we absolutely feel so proud of and we feel so appreciative of the support we get”.

Speaking on the band Paula K adds, “It’s also a wonderful vehicle to express ourselves in an environment that feels true to us as we are all individually songwriters and singers. We support each other. We love that in The Kates band, we are women in our 20s, 30s & 40s, allowing for the sharing of experiences and learning from each other.  The support and encouragement from our local communities has been integral to keep playing and to start writing together as a band. From our first gig in 2017 for the charity OvaCare to our single launch in DeBarras in 2024, we are so proud of how far we’ve come and we hope to keep on going.”

The Kates have just completed a five track EP of original songs, recorded in Wavefield Recording Studio Clonakilty. Commenting on their experience at the local studio, Mary Beth added, “Brian and Sarah from Wavefield worked so well with us, getting the very best out of us as musicians and singers, and also showing great understanding of the songs”. The Pictures Here Of Dreams EP features a track written by each member of The Kates and is due for release in September 2024.

The Kates ‘All That Talk’ single launch in DeBarra’s Folk Club is on June 21. Tickets available through www.debarra.ie

Follow The Kates on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok

Upcoming gigs

June 1 – Ardfield Summer Festival
June 21 – DeBarra’s, Clonakilty (‘All That Talk’  Single launch)
June 29 – Day & Night Festival, Roscommon
July 13 – Crane Lane Theatre, Cork
August 9 – Clonmel Busking Festival, Tipperary
August 17 – Shanleys, Clonakilty

Photo Credit: @sk1nnyhorse

“Clerkin has a knack for catchy lyrics, using endlessly relatable themes and uplifting vocal tones.” – HotPress

“Clerkin displays his ability to present sweet melodies and heartfelt songwriting through a lush blend of genres” – Indie Buddie

“Clerkin has transformed my playlist from conventional to extraordinary” – Otherside Reviews

Luke Clerkin is known for his euphoric live performances, deep and infectious music, and his extraordinary work ethic. With a career that has seen him famously play over 250 gigs in 2015, and gain international recognition through multiple tours, festival appearances and chart-topping singles, Luke is showing no signs of giving up. Throughout his career, he has played at festivals such as Electric Picnic, Body & Soul, Stendhal and Edinburgh Free Fringe, and he has headlined venues all over Ireland including Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, The Cobblestone, Hole in the Wall Kilkenny, and John Lee’s in Tullamore. In addition, Luke has also toured Germany on multiple occasions and has also toured Ireland with The Circle Sessions and Cycle Against Suicide.

Throughout his career, Luke has been invited to perform for government officials at both Leinster House (Irish Government Buildings) and The Mansion House (Dublin City Council Buildings). His song “Home” was used in Dublin’s bid for the 2020 Capital of Culture. Luke served as the inaugural North Clondalkin Library Musician in Residence, where he recorded and released his “Live From The Library” EP in 2023.

This was followed by sold-out shows across Ireland and the UK, including one at London’s Camden Chapel. Luke also performed at major summer festivals such as Electric Picnic, All Together Now, and The Works Festival. After an exceptional show in Workman’s Cellar in March, 2024 is shaping up to be an even more incredible year with the release of his debut album ‘Orpheus’ set to release in October.

Tallaght’s very own Luke Clerkin releases his first piece of music in over a year. ‘Wow Wow Wow’ is the first song to be released from Luke Clerkin’s upcoming debut album ‘Orpheus’. It was produced by Gavin Doyle, a frequent collaborator and close friend of Luke, in Gavin’s home studio in Clondalkin. It was mixed and mastered by Martin Quinn (Heroes In Hiding, Aine Cahill) at Jam Studios in Kells.

“This album has been a year in the making when it comes to the recording and production side of things, but I really feel that it’s the culmination of all of the hard work that I’ve put in for the last eight years! I’m so excited to finally be releasing something from this project, and I can’t wait to hear what people think of it.” – Luke Clerkin

Talking about the meaning of the song, Luke said “Wow Wow Wow at its core is a vulnerable piece of music depicting one of my hopeless pursuits of finding love. This one in particular involves an embarrassing experience where after thinking that I’d finally made a connection with somebody, I found myself fifth wheeling in the middle of a busy Temple Bar pub. The song describes the even more awkward conversation that followed this experience.”

TikTok  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

Fionn Marum is a 24 year old singer/songwriter from Portlaoise. He has been writing and performing original music since 2017 and has played shows alongside Dick Valentine (Electric Six), Alabama 3, the legend, Christy Dignam and most recently the ever-wonderful Daniel O’Donnell in June of 2023. Fionn studied songwriting at BIMM Dublin.

Up To Fate is the fifth single from Fionn Marum. It is a rock number that had been lying around on the cutting room floor for a few years before he performed it with his band the Francis Street Wranglers in Dublin for a college performance. It’s a song steadfastly rooted in the mid-nineties British style, with loud, brash guitars and vocals that tell a sad yet hopeful tale. The song is about having feelings for someone, but not knowing if they are reciprocated, while also feeling like you’re worth less than them, before the chorus tells you to forget all of that, and leave it up to fate to decide whether it will work out or not. The song is self-produced, with Fionn playing every instrument on the track, and he recorded it in his home studio in Portlaoise.

Up To Fate releases on all major streaming platforms on June 25th.

August Bank Holiday Weekend 1 – 4 Aug 2024
Curraghmore Estate, Co. Waterford
***NEW STAGE: IMMERSE by AVA x SMIRNOFF***

** AVA X SMIRNOFF TEAM UP TO CREATE AN ALL-NEW 360 AUDIOVISUAL STAGE **

**JUST ANNOUNCED BEN UFO, OR:LA, MANO LE TOUGH, SAM ALFRED & MORE**

We are pleased to announce that AVA will return to All Together Now with a new 360 audiovisual immersive stage with Ben UFO, Pretty Girl, Sam Alfred, Or:la, Mano le Tough and Cormac just announced.

AVA is an Audio Visual Arts festival & conference organiser that celebrates, amplifies and develops electronic music, visual art and immersive technology. Since 2015, AVA has hosted over 100 events and festivals, streamed to over 25 million people worldwide and nurtured hundreds of artists. AVA has been with us since the very first ATN, and this year, it embarks on an exciting new chapter, as it emerges from the woods.

Our collaboration with AVA is growing, evolving and blossoming. We are excited to announce the debut of IMMERSE, a newly constructed environment created by AVA in partnership with Smirnoff & Visual Spectrum Studio. Set to premiere at ATN24, IMMERSE will be nestled in a serene clearing at the top of the festival’s lush woodland area.

IMMERSE promises an innovative shared experience for audiences of all ages, through a specially commissioned 360 audio-visual-arts experience. The immersive space will feature a spectacular lineup of leading DJs and visual artists.

The lineup of electronic DJs this year is an exciting blend of renowned international artists such as Ben UFO, Pretty Girl and Sam Alfred, top Irish talents including Or:la, Mano le Tough and Cormac, as well as homegrown heroes such as R.Kitt, Siofra among many others. The diverse mix of artists lineup reflects Smirnoff’s commitment to promoting greater representation on the festival stage and is connecting audiences with diverse, emerging, and unique artists.

Speaking about the announcement,

Sarah McBriar – Founder & Creative Director, AVA Festival said: “2024 will mark AVA and All Together Now’s 5th year of collaboration. This year we bring ‘Immerse’ AVA to ATN with Smirnoff.”

“Immerse will bring an all new 360 degree music and art experience to the epicentre of the festival. Bringing you into the late night, with a programme of cutting edge DJs & visual artists – an eclectic array of sunset headliners, up-and-coming Irish electronic acts and some of the finest international crate diggers”. 

Join us this summer for an unforgettable celebration of music, art, and community in the magical woods of Waterford. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a highlight of the summer festival season. 

Jennifer Gleeson – Senior Brand Manager, Smirnoff said: “Smirnoff is delighted to be partnering with AVA to bring a truly immersive experience to All Together Now 2024. AVA has earned a reputation for exceptional production values, high-energy and exhilarating event atmospheres. Smirnoff’s summer of music campaign is about creating unforgettable, inclusive experiences for everyone and we’re excited to enhance the experience of festival goers this year with this unique visual and musical art experience.” 

Smirnoff believes life’s better mixed and that the party is better when everyone is invited. This ethos perfectly aligns with the vision for IMMERSE, where the stage is for everyone this summer.

General Tickets:

A General camping ticket allows access to All Together Now 2024, priced from;
Tier 1 – €199  (SOLD OUT)
Tier 2 – €215  (SOLD OUT)
Tier 3 – €235  (SOLD OUT)
Tier 4 – €249 (ON SALE NOW)

Instalment Plan with Klarna:
Buy Now, Pay Later with Klarna. Pay in 3 interest-free instalments with Klarna. €86.50 per payment. Available on the Ticketmaster payment page.

Family Tickets:
A Family Weekend ticket allows access for 1 adult & up to 2 children aged 12 and under into the festival and designated Family Campsite. Priced from
Tier 1 – €199  (SOLD OUT)
Tier 2 – €215  (SOLD OUT)
Tier 3 – €235  (SOLD OUT)
Tier 4 – €249 (ON SALE NOW)

Early Entry:

We are pleased to announce that early entry on Thursday, August 1st will now be available to all festival ticket holders.

All Together Now is strictly over 21s | Subject to licence 

Buy Online: www.ticketmaster.ie  | Tickets subject to a service charge of up to €10.50 per ticket.

Facebook @ATNfestival / Twitter @ATNfestival / Instagram @alltogethernow.ie

“His plaintive voice and beautiful heartfelt lyrics mark him out as talented singer-songwriter in his own right, and one who is fast making a name for himself” – The Sunday World

“Imagine the sonic offspring of Bruce Spingsteen, Bob Dylan, The Dubliners and The Fureys, and you will resonate with Fin’s marriage of sound.” – Punk Head

A story-telling songwriter, Dublin’s Fin Furey explores all aspects of the human experience in his songwriting from the uplifting and rowdy to flawed and lost. Fin Furey takes us into the world of darkened corners and unknowable futures with his new single ‘Corners & Coins’ set for release on June 21, 2024

‘Corners and Coins’ is a poignant folk ballad that explores themes of unrequited love and addiction. Fin’s late-night vocals  imbued with palpable pain and seductive undertones, captures the raw emotion from the outset with lyrics like “Won’t you come down, rescue me. Deep are these wounds I need to heal”. The single vividly depicts the loneliness and desperation as Fin sings “Hits and lines, help face their demand. Lonely hearts on corners for coins.” echo themes of longing and fleeting connections, contrasting starkly with the song’s depiction of addiction.

The multicultural influences from Ireland, Italy, Tunisia, and Cuba blend seamlessly, crafting a captivating, soulful soundscape. The instrumental arrangement opens with gentle guitar picking, evolving into lively Irish rhythms. Massimo’s lead guitar adds melodic depth, Ivan’s bass brings psychedelic richness, and Ben’s reggae/ska percussion creates a danceable groove. The song crescendos into a powerful chorus before gently fading, leaving a lingering sense of melancholy and hope. ‘Corners and Coins’ is a hauntingly evocative piece that will deeply resonate with listeners.

Hailing from a deeply musical Irish family, Fin captivates audiences with his blend of upbeat originals and high-energy Irish traditional music. Cutting his teeth on the underground late-night bar scene in Dublin each performance is a testament to Fin’s versatility and deep musical roots. Fin Furey’s music has been described as, “story-telling with a pulse”. Hints of folk, indie, blues and traditional Irish music blend together to create a cohesive collection of songs. The influence of legendary artists like Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Amy Winehouse are evident in his songwriting all the while Fin brings his own unique, late night bluesy vocal to every performance. Fin Furey’s songs stand out for their lyrical depth, addressing life and death, capturing life’s highs and lows, fleeting joys, inevitable sorrows, and the quest for solace with a unique, soulful perspective. Fin is ready for a new challenge, to bring his impassioned sound to a wider audience, demonstrating his individual songwriting style and inviting listeners and crowds to go a journey with him.

‘Corners & Coins’ is the first release from Fin Furey in 2024 and forms part of a collection of songs he has been writing over the past number years. Fin Furey will be releasing his debut Album in early 2025.

Connect with Fin Furey
Instagram / X / Youtube

Fitzgerald’s Park, Cork

Sunday July 21, 2024 – 12noon – 6pm

Just a few weeks away until Joy In The Park returns for its third year in Fitzgerald’s Park on Sunday July 21st, organisers have revealed the full-line up and stage times for what promises to be another magical day of music, art, entertainment, well-being and JOY.

www.joyinthepark.com

A free event for everyone, Joy In The Park is a celebration of life, whilst supporting mental health & well-being, in partnership with Cork Mental Health Foundation.

Headlining this year are Dublin legends, ASLAN with Lee Tomkins on vocals. The John McCarthy main stage line-up will also welcome acclaimed songwriter, Paddy Casey and his daugher Saoirse Casey, Cork’s own ska sensations, The Service, indie rockers, The Dagenham Yanks with Cork 96FM’s presenters; Lorraine & Ross, Brian McEvoy and Ken Perrott MCing throughout the afternoon.

The Joy Sylvie Stage brings a fresh eclectic vibe to the day with DJ sets by Morty (Sultans of Ping) and Big Up The Beours! with NatMac featuring female and non-binary talent. The spoken word session will be hosted by Stan Notte with performances by Julie Goo, Cormac Lally and Michelle Delea and returning for its third round, Ringo: Music Bingo, the world’s greatest Comedy-Music-Intro-Game-Not-Quiz, will host a round of family movie theme tunes as well as some classic pop songs. Also making a welcome return, The Cork Headway Choir; a service for adults with Acquired Brain Injury, the choir has been a positive part of rehabilitation, improving memory, mood, speech and simply the love of it.

The Mad Hatter’s Tent presents some of the city and county’s most celebrated independent artists with Ger Wolfe, Fiona Kennedy, Myles Gaffney, Polly Barrett, Stuart Wilde, Molly O’Mahony with MC Wasps vs Humans.

Bringing the living room outside, The Couch Sessions will play home to the Rose Garden Traditional Irish Music and 49 North Street contemporary music sessions. Joy In the Park also welcomes back programme partner, Minding Creative Minds (MCM). Ireland’s first 24/7 (also, free and confidential) wellbeing support programme for everyone working in the Irish Creative Sector, MCM presents Broadening Your Horizons As A Creative moderated by Cork comedian; actor; director; writer; musician, and activist, Tadgh Hickey who will be joined in conversation by a number of panelists talking about their own careers including theatre artist, Emma O’ Grady and multidisciplinary artist Veronica Dyas.

This year offers another packed programme of family entertainment and interactive fun with the Cork Circus Factory hosting their Circus Disco and presenting Those Two Idiots; Galway storytellers Moth & Butterfly; movement classes for under six with Kinderama and a whole host of outdoor games and activities with Cork City Council Sports Development and Comhairle na nÓg as well as plenty of opportunities to get involved in the arts and craft stations set up by the various community groups and organisations throughout the park.

Cork Drum & Brass Big Band BoolaBoom take over the park at various intervals during the afternoon, whilst the Eccentric Hatter’s Crew are on walkabout for meet & greets.

For those seeking a quieter space, the Wellness Haven is located near the park’s fountain with meditation sessions provided by Drolma Kelang from Cork Meditation Centre and Laughing Yoga Workshops with Deborah McCann.

Joy In The Park is set to deliver another diverse and engaging programme of music, spoken word, family entertainment, circus, storytelling, arts & crafts, food stalls, wellness activities, workshops and a mental health support hub. The aim is to balance that sense of fun with connection and understanding, whilst raising awareness for mental health and well-being.

The mental health support hub will be at the heart of the festival with charity partner, Cork Mental Health Foundation joined by other mental health organisations and local support groups offering information and advice throughout the afternoon including: HSE Cork & Kerry Community Health Care team, PIETA, GROW, SHINE, Samaritans, MyMind, Cork Counselling Services, JIGSAW, Shine A Light, AWARE, National Learning Network, HUGG, Féileacáin and Mental Health Ireland.

Joy In The Park is a free event for everyone, made possible thanks to the generous support of a number of institutions and organisations. Confirmed funding includes HSE Cork Connecting For Life Programme, HSE Cork & Kerry Community Healthcare, Lottery Funds, Cork City Council: Arts Office, LCDC, PARKS, Ward and Mayor’s nominated funding, Minding Creative Minds, IMRO, SE Systems, Shine A Light and Cork Mental Health Foundation.

The former Walking On Cars frontman proves again that his departure from the group isn’t slowing down his creativity. This energetic piece is bursting with feelings of nostalgia and venture. Sheehy recalls “being so lost in my early 20’s, and wanting to runaway”. This tune captures and echoes possibility and hope beyond his surroundings.

Sheehy explains “a friend once told me your always just one decision away from changing your whole life and I guess I’ve leaned into that a few times over the years” The Lyric “I don’t know where I’ll go but I’m going” drags the listener in close as it sets up a big payoff with soothing guitars intertwining with Sheehy’s layered vocal.

The Dingle based wordsmith is off the back of a sold out European Tour as well as playing support to Bruce Springsteen at Hyde park last summer . He describes this release as the “start of an exciting new era” for him as he continues to show his artistic development with a fresh new sound. He hints at further music and tour dates but keeps it all under wraps for now as he teases his audience with a snippet of this upbeat number.

All info available at www.pasheehy.com

Gerard O’Donnell, the acclaimed composer and classically trained concert pianist, is set to release his latest single, “Solstice,” on June 20th. A graduate of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, O’Donnell’s compositions are deeply rooted in the rich tradition of Irish storytelling, blending classical elegance with pagan fervor to create a sound that is both timeless and transcendent.

“Solstice” is a highly evocative and emotionally charged instrumental track that reaffirms O’Donnell’s position as both a masterful pianist and a torchbearer for the importance of narrative in music. Drawing on his unique ability to create urgent melodies and poignant harmonies, O’Donnell invites listeners on a journey, where each note serves as a brushstroke in a larger musical landscape.

While “Solstice” presents as a standalone piece, it is also a pivotal moment within a larger work of musical storytelling that O’Donnell is meticulously crafting. This body of work, which includes both instrumental compositions and poignant songs such as the recently released “The Secret Kissing of the Sun and the Moon,” invites listeners to immerse themselves in a world where sound and story intertwine.

On the song, Gerard says: 

“Opening the piano to write Solstice was like lifting the lid of a chest of sound from where a whole tapestry began to unravel before me. It was written in the wild of night, following unquiet conversations and from that place where there is only music, where there is always music.  It led me as much as I crafted it.”

With “Solstice,” Gerard O’Donnell continues to push the boundaries of what instrumental music can achieve, inviting listeners to experience the power of storytelling through sound. “Solstice” will be available on all major streaming platforms on June 20th. 

Accolades

“At once devastatingly delicate and emotionally unbridled, in Solstice, O’Donnell brings us through a classical cannon to something primal, alive, immense. It is real piano for unreal times.” – Alberto Vázquez, veteran stage and television actor.

“Solstice is both strange and beautiful, each phrase opening new sensations.” – Daniel Freire, actor

INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
SPOTIFY

• ‘Tradition Now’ Festival to feature: Lisa O’Neill with the National Symphony Orchestra, Erland Cooper, Leonard Barry, This Is How We Fly (feat. Caoimhín Ó’Raghallaigh) Myles O’Reilly & Rónán Ó Snodaigh and more
• National Concert Hall – multi-room concerts and informal sessions 
• Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November 2024   
• Tickets: Saturday Concerts €30 | Sunday Concerts €30 | Limited Weekend Ticket for All Concerts €50 | 10% Discount for Friends of NCH and Groups of 10 or more
• On Sale Fri 21 June 10am – NCH Box Office 01 4170000 / nch.ie

Shining a light on the continual transformation of traditional music while paying homage to its roots, the National Concert Hall’s ‘Tradition Now’ multi-room festival returns on the 16th and 17th of November, featuring unique performances from innovative artists.

Presented in partnership with the Arts Council, the Festival sees main stage performances by award-winning singer-songwriter Lisa O’Neill on Saturday 16 November making her orchestral debut with the National Symphony Orchestra. She will be performing new arrangements by Musical Director Terry Edwards, commissioned by NCH. Lisa’s set will include work from her latest lauded album All of This Is Chance and other treasures from her creative arsenal. On Sunday 17 November acclaimed Scottish composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Erland Cooper takes to the main stage for a highly-anticipated performance which will combine field recordings with traditional orchestration and contemporary electronic elements.

Saturday 16 November will also see performances elsewhere in the NCH from Uilleann piper Leonard Barry with Andy Morrow and Seamie O’Dowd; eclectic duo Nick Hart and Tom Moore who augment viol and tenor viol with an array of drones and basses; and electrofolk artist Frankie Archer known for her innovative blend of manipulated samples, synths, drum tracks plus earthy Northumbrian fiddle.

Sunday 17 November’s programme also features additional concerts in smaller venues by musical alchemists This is How we Fly (Caoimhín Ó’Raghallaigh, Seán Mac Erlaine, Nic Gareiss and Petter Berndalen) a group that fuse traditional Irish music, Swedish folk, jazz, and percussive dance to sublime effect; revered folk/traditional/ambient duo Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly and Swedish-Norwegian trio Ævestaden who blend lyres, fiddle, kantele, vocals, mouth harp, electronics and more to create unique soundscapes.

The John Field Room plays host to the beloved John Field Room Sessions over the two nights.

Since its inception Tradition Now has grown in both breadth and popularity, these changes mirror the expansion of the form itself, as it continues to evolve and renew. Tradition Now reflects this, whilst also honoring its heritage.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Lisa O’Neill

Songwriter Lisa O’Neill is one of the most singular and exciting talents in Irish music today. Lisa has released five acclaimed albums to date, the last being 2023’s All of This Is Chance on Rough Trade. In 2019 she won the RTÉ Radio Folk Award for Best Original Track, she has been nominated for several BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and she has been nominated twice for the Choice Music Prize. Over the years Lisa O’Neill has built an impressive reputation for herself on the Irish and international scenes and is lauded for her unique folk sound, dynamic song-writing and distinctive voice.

Erland Cooper is a Scottish composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist originally from Stromness, Orkney. As a solo artist, he has released three acclaimed studio albums, with four additional companion albums and multiple EPs, including a trilogy of work inspired by his childhood home, as well as themes of nature, people, place and time. His work combines field recordings with traditional orchestration and contemporary electronic elements. Through music, words and cinematography he explores landscape, memory and identity.

Uilleann piper Leonard Barry performs at Tradition Now with Andy Morrow and Seamie O’Dowd. Leonard has just released his beautiful third solo album, Littoral, ten years after the acclaimed New Road. The title of the new album reflects both his youth in the townland of Kilmoyley in North Kerry, and his current home on the Sligo coast, celebrating his journey as a musician with some of the many artists he has met on the way.

This is How we Fly are a group that fuse traditional Irish music, Swedish folk, jazz, and percussive elements. The group comprises Caoimhín Ó’Raghallaigh (fiddles), Seán Mac Erlaine (woodwinds, electronics), Nic Gareiss (percussive dance), and Petter Berndalen (drums). They released their second album Foreign Fields in 2017 and their eponymous debut in 2013 – both to critical acclaim. Their live performances have seen them pack out venues throughout Europe and the USA.

Nick Hart and Tom Moore have been playing music together in various guises for well over a decade. November 2023 saw the release of the highly-anticipated first duo album The Colour of Amber. It is a collection of traditional songs and tunes brought vividly to life with the unusual combination of Tom’s viola and Nick’s tenor viol, augmented by drones and basses from an old church harmonium.

Musicians Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly’s second album The Beautiful Road, a soulful blend of folk, traditional, and ambient crossover was released last year to warm reviews. It follows on from the success of their debut Tá Go Maith (2021). Rónán and Myles have been showcasing their unique sound live to an ever-growing fan-base.

Frankie Archer has exploded onto the electrofolk scene with music that transcends stereotypes using a combination of manipulated samples, synths, drum tracks and earthy Northumbrian fiddle and voice to capture her audience. Her aim? To shake up genres and traditions, challenge perspectives and call for a fairer future.

Swedish-Norwegian trio Ævestaden blend traditional and modern in a seamless way. Ævestaden combine lyres, fiddle, kantele, vocals, mouth harp and electronics, to open up a unique soundscape with timeless harmonies.

TRADITION NOW – NATIONAL CONCERT HALL

Saturday 16 November
The Studio: 6pm Nick Hart and Tom Moore |10pm Frankie Archer 
Main Stage:  7.30pm Lisa O’Neill & the National Symphony Orchestra   
Kevin Barry Recital Room: 9pm Leonard Barry with Andy Morrow and Seamie O’Dowd

Sunday 17 November 
The Studio: 6pm Ævestaden | 10pm This is How we Fly
Main Stage: 7.30pm Erland Cooper
Kevin Barry Recital Room: 9pm Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly

Both Nights: John Field Room Sessions

Tickets 

On Sale Fri 21 June 10am

Saturday 16 November – Day Ticket €30 | Sunday 17 November – Day Ticket €30
Limited Weekend Ticket Available (for 16 & 17 November) €50 – entitles the ticket holder entry to all Tradition Now concerts.
10% Discount for Friends of NCH and Groups of 10 or more.

www.nch.ie