Following two recent, critically acclaimed singles, ‘Stonemason’ and ‘Valhalla’, Niall McCabe has announced the release of his third single ‘The Ritual’ on the 6th January followed by his forthcoming solo album ‘Rituals’ on February 3rd 2023.
Having earned a reputation as one of Ireland’s finest singers and songwriters McCabe has performed extensively with his Folk-Soul group The Niall McCabe Band over the past decade. Born on Clare Island, Co.Mayo, McCabe grew up in the family run pub awash with strong musical influences from traditional Irish and folk to rock and soul. It is here that Niall discovered his musical appetite and developed a style and voice that are unquestionably his own.
More recently Niall has been lending his voice to Irish trad-fusion band Beoga touring Ireland, Europe and the USA while also playing support for Ed Sheeran, Foy Vance and Johnny Swim. Subsequent to his return home McCabe has been heavily involved in the efforts to reinvigorate his small island community, opening a seasonal cafe-bakery and establishing and running The Clare Island Folk Festival. The eagerly anticipated ‘Rituals’ album is set for release in spring 2023 and promises to deliver on the exciting songwriting and musical potential the Clare Island native has offered to date.
Speaking of ‘The Ritual’ Niall McCabe explains “the pandemic for all its faults had one great upside for me. I got to go home to Clare Island and spend my days working outdoors painting, building walls, digging gardens etc. As the gloom uncertainty and panicked the world around us I guiltily felt that some of those days were the most perfect I had ever experienced. The Ritual was written at the end of one of these days while my partner sat reading a book and my two children lay asleep in their beds…a little sanctuary of warmth away from all the troubles of the world. The Ritual is about finding purpose in the mundane, hope in fear and sanctuary in the midst of danger”.
You can stream ‘The Ritual’ by Niall McCabe below:
