Dublin singer-songwriter and violinist Niamh Keane has released her new single, Imprints. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Citing Laura Marling and Leonard Cohen among her influences, Niamh's 2022's live performances included a double headline folk concert with John Spillane for the Dublin Simon Community and a live television performance as a session violinist for U2's Bono and the Edge.
She was invited to play support slots for Emma Langford, and new Irish trad band Wickerlight. She has been nominated as a finalist in the National Christie Hennessy Song writing Contest among 400 applicants and received second place in the Pan Celtic National Song Contest.
Her new song tells the story of losing her grandmother and the immediate shock waves that hit Keane's family. "Imprints is essentially a tribute to that unconditional love that you are so lucky to feel from a grandparent or a parent," she says.
"When that person is gone so quickly, you reel from the shock. But you will always have that shared connection with them and the people who loved them too".
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm fluent in Irish, my favourite colour is green, and I love Cadbury's Creme Eggs.
How would you describe your music?
Indie-folk. The music I'm releasing this year would fit best into the folk scene with a couple of Irish instruments featuring across my tracks, a focus on my voice and lyrics interwoven with mostly dark melodic patterns.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Lyrically and musically, Madison Cunningham is an incredibly inspiring singer, songwriter and musician. I also saw Weyes Blood in Vicar Street recently and she was amazing.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The Script in the Aviva Stadium when I was 14. My grandad bought me the tickets and I was delighted!
What was the first record you ever bought?
Parachutes by Coldplay. I also bought a Hannah Montana CD on the same day . . .
What’s your favourite song right now?
Nothing But Mine by Billie Marten. It's the second single from her new album, really looking forward to hearing the rest of it.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Declan O’Rourke’s lyrics from In Painters' Light. "One day I'll be an artist. I will rise up with the dawn, Mix colours for my canvas through the silence of the morning, In painters light"
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Life According to Raechel by Madison Cunningham. I keep coming back to it.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website/mailing list, my instagram @niamhkeanemusic and Facebook page - Niamh Keane Music.
