https://shaneofearghail.com/’You To Hold’ is the first single release from Shane Ó Fearghail’s eagerly awaited fifth studio album. A three minute up-tempo track, You To Hold draws on old world influences and wraps new roots and rhythms to create a song you want to sing along to. For this album Shane drew on the expertise of his live band ‘The Host’.
The single is released today to radio and all streaming sites. Accompanied with a new video, the song will be launched in Vienna’s Theater Akzent.
The New Album
Recorded between Passau and Vienna, the new album contains fourteen songs, and takes Shane and The Host, on a trip down the Appalachian trail. “The Host”, bring a that live album feel to this new record, and partnered with Arge Music Austria for this project as well as Sad Opera Entertainment Ireland, Shane delves deeper into the Irish Appalachian tradition. With the band, they set out to explore the unique musical relationship between Ireland, Europe and North America. A relationship forged through culture, chaos and community; and fostered across continents and the Atlantic ocean.
The Sum of All Parts
“An uber professional Shane captivates every audience. Indeed great songwriting meets high musical sense. A fantastic artist!” Bernd Rossmann – Reinhardt Best Acoustics – Germany.
Shane Ó Fearghail (pronounced O Fa-reel), is an Irish Singer-Songwriter/Artist living in Vienna. From Dublin, his musical style has been called many things. Irish Indie & Dark Folk is the new calling. In the past Shane has been likened to REM, Crowded House, Rufus Wainright III, Glen Hansard and Ron Sexsmith. He takes that as a big compliment.
“Shane Ó Fearghail & The Host are one of those bands that grabs you from the first minute and won’t let go. A wonderful live band!” Harald Neger – Donauinselfest / We Serve You Better.
The Host are an eclectic group of musicians who come from Ireland & Austria. Namely, Kenneth Whelan (Accordion, Piano, Sax), Claudia Heidegger (Fiddle, Mandolin), Emily Velasquez (Bass), Johnny Falter (Banjo, Guitar), and David Butschek (Percussion). All live players and singers, Shane Ó Fearghail & The Host are an exciting contemporary Irish / Appalachian combo, with that alternative “Dark Folk” roots feel. Their live performances are up tempo, crowd engaging and full of Celtic Soul.
Doing it Differently
In todays world, digital streaming dictates the musical landscape. A tight band in the truest sense, Shane & The Host wish navigate those digital soundscapes on their terms. A belief in the old school way of doing things. Build through performance. Touch base through tours and traveling; to take that different road.
Doing it differently also means the albums single release schedule will follow an alternative route. The plan is simple — to release one single each month. To build momentum towards the album release in March 2023, where each single will be sent to radio and press. Each release will coincide with shows and will be followed by online releases on all digital platforms. Each song will then be available for downloads and streaming.
It is going to be hard work… but it should be. The plan is to build momentum and create a buzz. Not to mention keep some control for songs and streams that may well get lost in the new vast oceans of todays music business.
The album will be released on Vinyl and CD St Patrick’s Day 17th March 2023. You To Hold will be the first part of the story. The album will be released to streaming sites on the 1st April.
Connect with Shane Ó Fearghail
