Photo Credits: Aron Cahill
Niamh Keane is an independent Irish folk singer-songwriter, guitarist, classically trained violinist and pianist.
With recent support slots with esteemed artists such as John Spillane and Dani Larkin alongside opening for artists like Emma Langford, KÍLA, Stocktons Wing, Damien Dempsey she’s been quietly establishing herself within the scene since the release of her debut EP in 2020.
Fresh from a sunshine drenched performance at Galway Folk Festival and an evening in Finn’s Folk Club Tipperary, she’s announced the release of her self-produced debut album A Stretch of Light with a string of live shows.
The lead single ‘Mornings Past’ received airplay on BBC Introducing, Radio Nova and KCLR FM. Coming up is the album launch gig in the Cobblestone on Saturday the 22nd of August and shows in Tullamore and Sligo.
“What a great song! Love the chord sequences and the sentiment” – Charlie McGettigan about ‘Mornings Past’
A Stretch of Light releases on Friday the 21st of August. With shades of darkness and light, it’s bound to bewitch you. Storytelling is at the heart of this album with songs inspired by the battle of Rathangan town (Tar Aníos) alongside personal stories of family (Mornings Past, Rita’s Song) and a dreamy ‘I love you because’ lullaby (After Midnight).
This seven track folk album will hold you close with its understated simplicity and sentiment.
Niamh has described it as:
“These songs exist because of my grá for storytelling and music. Songwriting is an act of remembering and sharing that I really treasure”.
The Album was Recorded in The Clinic Studio, Hellfire Studio & Bluebird Studio and features Sound engineers work by Elise Mollé & Declan Lonergan, Mixed by Elise Mollé. Mastered by Seán Mac Erlaine.
The album is brought to life by vocals, violin, acoustic guitar and piano by Niamh Keane, Backing vocals by Darren Keane and Ailbhe Kehoe, Piano by Ailbhe Kehoe, Double Bass by Rob Campbell, Electric Guitar by Aidan Molloy, Irish Flute and Percussion by James Mahon, Mandolin by Mike Mansfield and Drums by Miles Ronayne and Tom Domican.
The Thin Air Magazine has Described Niamh’s work as:
“Keane’s considered folk craft makes space for light and shade with a singular nuance”
Album artwork credit: Edel Richards
Niamh will be also releasing her third single ‘I Can’t Get You Off My Mind’ out Wednesday, 19th of August ahead of her self produced 7 track folk album A Stretch of Light.
This track features a plucked double bass, shimmering drums and fingerpicking guitar, it’s a meandering tapestry of a folk song. The idea for the song was sparked by the rented house she lived in Palmerstown, Dublin.
The track imagines stories told by trinkets, forgotten treasures and household wares left behind by a long series of people who had lived there.
Connect with Niamh Keane