On Saturday 8 July, The Black Gate presents an evening of exceptional songwriting talent at the Róisín Dubh in Galway. Rodney Owl, Emma Lohan, and Jack Vanderklauss, three of Galway’s finest songwriters, will be taking the stage for a memorable night of music. The event is free to attend.

Rodney Owl, also known as Mark McConville, originally hails from Lurgan in Co. Armagh and has been an active musician in Galway since 1996. After finding solace in music during his teenage years, following a successful amateur boxing career, Rodney Owl has honed his songwriting and musicianship. His latest album, “Truth Is Broken,” released in April 2023, showcases McConville’s unique talent. Produced by the renowned Alex Borwick and the Black Gate Label, the album presents 12 remarkable songs influenced by diverse artists such as Aldous Harding, Lumen Drones, Velvet Underground, The Smiths, and Sly & The Family Stone. Rodney Owl’s music occupies a distinct and compelling space in the Irish music scene.

Emma Lohan, a versatile musician, composer, writer, and poet, is celebrated for her captivating blend of Electronic Minimal Folk. With a Master’s degree in Community Music and expertise in West African percussion, Emma’s musical prowess extends across various genres. Her debut album, “Black Atlantic,” released in 2018, received critical acclaim and highlighted her fearless exploration of sound. Currently, Emma is touring Europe with her latest project, The Fish and Bird Symphony, captivating audiences with 40-minute improvisations that blend analogue synths, instruments, and loop pedals. Emma’s artistic vision reflects her extensive experiences, from immersive journeys in The Gambia to signing with Temple Music Sound UK. Her compositions transcend conventional boundaries and invite listeners on a transformative sonic journey, invoking introspection and wonder.

Jack Vanderklauss, known for his sunny space grooves, crafts reverb-drenched love songs infused with silky jangle pop and a touch of the absurd. As a prominent figure in Galway’s music scene, Jack has played a significant role in bands like The Cartoon Thieves, No Banjo, and Canaries. Under his latest incarnation as Jack Vanderklauss, he channels the energy and experience gained from his previous musical endeavors into something fresh and magnificent.