Focus

How the Arts Made Their Funding Breakthrough How the Arts Made Their Funding Breakthrough Toner Quinn The government’s funding announcement for the arts in Budget 2021 was unprecedented, and there are lessons to be learned from the way in which it came about, writes Toner Quinn.
Room for the Mysterious Folk Room for the Mysterious Folk Don O'Mahony Composer and producer Neil O'Connor (formerly Somadrone) has recently released 'Ampere', a second album under the title Ordnance Survey, featuring collaborations with Dónal Lunny, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Cormac Mac Diarmada and David Murphy. Don O'Mahony reviews.
Every Second Feels Real Every Second Feels Real Jake Tiernan After emerging onto the scene in 2017, releasing two EPs and performing at many of Ireland's festivals, pop-grunge four-piece Pillow Queens released their debut album last month. Jake Tiernan reviews.
There's Strength in Song There's Strength in Song Shannon McNamee 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.
Love of the Living Sounds Love of the Living Sounds James Camien McGuiggan Composer Karen Power's new album 'human nature' combines recordings of the living world with improvisations from musicians such as Michelle O'Rourke and Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
The Futures We are Imagining are Too Narrow The Futures We are Imagining are Too Narrow Toner Quinn Toner Quinn reviews two new works, 'Óró', which brought together artists from around Europe and took place in the Conamara Gaeltacht, and Jennifer Walshe’s live-streamed premiere, 'Ireland: A Dataset'.
Ethereal and Melancholic Ethereal and Melancholic Adrian Smith Irish composer Linda Buckley this week releases 'From Ocean's Floor', a new album of electronic and chamber work on the NMC label. Adrian Smith reviews.
Quiet, Gentle Wonder Quiet, Gentle Wonder Andrea Cleary Galway singer-songwriter Niamh Regan's debut album is the surprising inaugural release from new label Black Gate Records. Andrea Cleary reviews.
Leo Rowsome: A Man Ahead of His Time Leo Rowsome: A Man Ahead of His Time Helena Grimes On the fiftieth anniversary of the passing of the great uilleann piper Leo Rowsome (1903–1970), his daughter Helena Grimes reflects on his legacy and remembers her musical childhood in Dublin.
Surface Tension Surface Tension Anna Murray Caimin Gilmore, double-bass player with groups such as Crash Ensemble and singer/songwriter with the band Sun Collective, has recently released two EPs: a four-track record of new works for solo double bass, and a collection of songs and instrumentals with Sun Collective. Anna Murray reviews.

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