Donegal singer-songwriter Rory & The Island returns with his brand new album ‘Nine‘, set for release on Friday, April 24th 2026 (via Voices of the Sea record label).
‘Nine’ marks Rory’s ninth official album release, and features nine brand new tracks recorded at Hirst Studios in the tiny village of Tías on Lanzarote, the sunny Canary Island Rory now calls home.
Stemming right back to 1998 when Rory released his debut album he has had a long and fruitful career in the music industry, seeing both the highs and lows but never getting too fussed about either.
Rory has enjoyed a wide and varied career over his previous eight albums, from his indie-rock festival days in The Revs to gradually delving into a more folky side and working with the likes of Sharon Shannon, Finbar Fury and even the late great Shane McGowan.
The album is his first release since 2022’s Centre Falls Apart, which received strong national support in Ireland, including Album of the Week on RTÉ, the record reached No. 8 on the Indie Breaker Charts, produced three iTunes Top 5 singles, and led to two sold-out tours across Ireland and the UK.
The first single from the album, ‘I’m Never Drinking Again‘, was released last Friday, March 27th, which features Damien McGeehan on fiddle and has a very definite folk influence on the record.
It is also accompanied by a music video, which was shot in Rory’s Live Lounge in Lanzarote and produced by Gordon Hirst.
ABOUT THE ALBUM
Nine showcases Rory’s wide musical influences while staying rooted in the storytelling style.
There is a strong Irish folk influence running through songs like ‘Something Deeper Than Love‘, ‘I’m Never Drinking Again‘ and ‘Crying in the Sunlight‘, with acclaimed musician Damien McGeehan adding fiddle throughout.
On tracks such as ‘Demons‘ and ‘No Money to Burn‘, Rory leans into his love of vintage country and Americana, with his father Paul lending a hand on pedal steel guitar.
Fresh from supporting The 2 Johnnies at the 3Arena in Dublin, Rory & The Island will celebrate the release of Nine with a special show at Whelan’s, Dublin on April 26th 2026.
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