Niamh Dunne of Beoga has released her new single, The Raven, and her debut solo album Tides is out on 30 September. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
This is Niamh's first solo project in ten years and her first ever album made up entirely of self-penned songs. The album is in two halves; one based on story songs inspired by traditional Irish songs and the other half based on singer-songwriter style, introspective songs that look at lived experience, feminism, family, history and connection.
Both halves are a reflection on her life as a musician, from her traditional roots with the Traveller family The Dunne’s right up to writing with contemporary acts like Foy Vance and Ed Sheeran in recent years.
The Raven is inspired by Celtic mythology and folklore and speaking about the song, Niamh says, "I wanted to write something that was very much of the female spirit and perspective. I have written a few songs based on characters from mythology and as a subject matter it is a gift that provides complex female characters that have agency and power, as well as vulnerabilities and flaws.
"As Irish people, these stories are in our bones and there seems to be a cultural shift at the moment to re-engage and get a deeper understanding of our collective Irish history and language and identity. Of all the goddesses The Morrigan is the one I’m most fascinated by."
After Beoga’s six albums, a shortlist for a Grammy and numerous international tours, Niamh is no stranger to reaching a wider international audience as a result of a chance encounter with Ed Sheeran, Foy Vance and Johnny McDaid.
This led to the band co-writing Ed’s massive hit Galway Girl and Nancy Mulligan from his album Divide. They also performed as Ed Sheeran’s only special guest on his headlining Glastonbury 2017 performance and supported him on his record-breaking Irish stadium tour in 2018.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I am a feminist, I love to cook, and I love food, I am a Limerick woman living in Antrim.
How would you describe your music?
Indie folk with strong influences from Irish traditional music. I listen to all sorts and all those influences surely find their way into the music but I’m a folky at heart.
Who are your musical inspirations?
My family (The Dunnes), Pixies, Dolores Keane, Laura Marling, The Whileaways, Planxty, Skunk Anansie, Elbow, Joni Mitchell, Brandie Carlisle, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The Corrs in The Limerick Concert Hall.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Spice by Spice Girls on tape! Still a classic.
What’s your favourite song right now?
The Unquiet Grave by Pauline Scanlon featuring Damien Dempsey from The Unquiet album.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Just before our love got lost you said, I am as constant as a northern star, And I said, `Constantly in the darkness, Where’s that at? If you want me, I’ll be in the bar’" Joni Mitchell - A Case Of You.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That’s awful hard! You’d be afraid of ruining something beautiful! Magnificent (She Says) by Elbow is a favourite so I’ll go with that.
Where can people find your music/more information?
The internet machine. Instagram, Facebook, my website, and Twitter, although if you’d like to buy my music, head to Bandcamp.
