Shannon McNamee is assistant editor of the Journal of Music.
Shannon McNamee
Over the last decade, a number of remarkable artists have emerged from the music scene in Dundalk, David Keenan key among them. This month, he released his poetic second album, "What Then?". But what is it about this border town that generated a different type of music scene, and why now? Shannon McNamee writes about her home county and Keenan's unique voice.
'Love Yourself Today' – centred around a 2019 Damien Dempsey concert at Vicar Street – premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh last week. Shannon McNamee reviews.
Limerick singer-songwriter Emma Langford's second album 'Sowing Acorns', released last month, is a blend of folk-inspired songwriting and upbeat pop. Shannon McNamee reviews.
The new Covid restrictions regarding indoor and outdoor gatherings have caused even more disruption in music and the arts, just as we thought things might be improving. Is it possible to have confidence about organising an event in this environment, and if not, what needs to be done, asks Shannon McNamee.
Brigid Mae Power's 'Head Above the Water', released on Fire Records earlier this month, is the third album from the Galway singer-songwriter. Shannon McNamee reviews.
The duo Lemoncello featuring Laura Quirke and Claire Kinsella have recently released their second EP 'Oil and Water'. Shannon McNamee reviews.
Galway songwriter Anna Mullarkey has recently released her debut album 'Spéir', commissioned by Galway 2020. Shannon McNamee reviews.
Galway 2020's music programme is under way, with 'Imagining Ireland', a concert of female artists including Lisa O'Neill, Radie Peat and Sorcha Richardson, at the Black Box Theatre last Monday. Shannon McNamee reviews.
Northern Irish singer Kitt Philippa's debut album has recently been released on Paragon Records. Shannon McNamee reviews.
The Another Love Story festival took place in Meath’s Killyon Manor on 16–18 August, featuring acts such as Cormac Begley, The Redneck Manifesto, Anna Mieke, Lemoncello, Dowry and Glasshouse Ensemble. Shannon McNamee reviews the small, art-filled festival now in its sixth year.
Now in its eightieth year, Topic has just released a double-album of artists singing classic songs previously released on the label. Shannon McNamee reviews.
Just Mustard from Dundalk recently supported The Cure and this week were announced for the Iceland Airwaves festival. Shannon McNamee reviews their Galway concert at the Róisín Dubh.
The It Takes a Village festival took place in East Cork on 10–12 May, featuring Irish acts such as Thumper, David Kitt, Le Boom, Jinx Lennon, Kojaque and Anna Mieke. Shannon McNamee reviews the small, intimate festival now in its second year.
An Taobh Tuathail presented by Cian Ó Cíobháin has been broadcasting since 1999, championing alternative voices late into the night on the Irish-language station RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta. Shannon McNamee reviews a 20th anniversary concert in Galway (3 May) featuring Mount Alaska and Ships.
Composer Judith Ring's first body of work featuring her own singing is both gentle and complex writes Shannon McNamee in her second Journal of Music/Galway City Council Music Writer Mentoring Scheme review.
In the latest review from our Journal of Music/Galway City Council Music Writer Mentoring Scheme, Shannon McNamee listens to the skilled, edgy folk sound of Lankum.
