Photo credit: Karen Cox
Official Video (by Brian O’Neill): https://youtu.be/G0cj-VElMLk
Pre-order the album: https://alannahthornburgh.bandcamp.com/album/shapeshifter
Alannah Thornburgh is thrilled to announce her debut solo album, Shapeshifter, arriving on February 12, 2025. Today, she also unveils the first single and video, “Chasing the Hare.”
Shapeshifter is a captivating collection of compositions deeply inspired by the rich traditions of fairy folklore and mythology from rural Ireland, particularly her native County Mayo. The project began when Alannah was commissioned to compose a piece for the Linenhall Arts Centre’s New Music in Mayo series, curated by traditional musician Emer Mayock.
“I was always fascinated by the fairy fort behind my Grandad’s house,” Alannah shares. “A conversation with him about the tale of ‘Mick na mBréag’ (Mick the Liar), who crossed the fairy folk, inspired the composition of a piece that ultimately became part of this album.” This sparked a journey of exploration into the world of fairy lore, which would culminate in Shapeshifter.
With the support of the Arts Council’s Next Generation Award, Alannah conducted interviews with nearly 50 historians, storytellers, and locals, collecting stories and experiences that inform her music. These conversations are woven throughout the album, adding an authentic and archival quality.
Musically, Shapeshifter draws heavily on traditional Irish and folk influences—sounds that shaped her upbringing. Some tracks embrace subtle jazz elements, reflecting her childhood experiences. Alannah’s father contributes saxophone to several pieces, creating a poignant full-circle moment in her musical journey. Inspired by Seamus Fogarty’s The Curious Hand, she also incorporated snippets from her research to enhance the album’s narrative depth.
“Let us go forth, the teller of tales, and seize whatever prey the heart long for, and have no fear. Everything exists, everything is true, and the earth is only a little dust under our feet.” says Alannah, quoting W.B. Yeats. “Creating this album taught me the importance of respecting the fairy folk, not fearing them.”
This album is dedicated to her Grandad, Martin Nolan, a passionate storyteller and lover of the land.
About new single “Chasing the Hare”
Official Video (by Brian O’Neill): https://youtu.be/G0cj-VElMLk
“Chasing the Hare” draws on the Celtic myth of shapeshifting hares, believed to transform into women dressed in white. Alannah learned about this legend from local storyteller Frank McCann, who shared tales of the hare that resided near her family home. “The myth teaches us to respect these creatures, as encountering them is seen as a sign of good fortune,” she notes.
Musicians performing on the track include Alannah Thornburgh (Harp), Stephen Doherty (Bodhrán), Conor Cunningham (Clarinet), with production by Cian Hamilton.
About Alannah Thornburgh
Alannah Thornburgh is an award-winning instrumentalist and composer from the wild west of Ireland, focusing on traditional Irish harp. Her music blends her family heritage with elements of American folk and jazz, resulting in a sound described as “unforced, fluid, and utterly at home” (The Irish Times).
A nominee for two RTÉ Folk Awards in 2021 and 2022, Alannah has also collaborated with various artists in the folk and traditional music scenes. She is a founding member of Alfi, a trio that fuses Irish and Appalachian music, and released their debut album, Say Old Man, to critical acclaim in July 2023.
Website: https://www.alannahthornburgh.com/
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alannahthornburgh