Folk artist Emma Langford and journalist Molly Cantwell have released their Christmas charity single, a cover of Joni Mitchell's River in memory of the late Laois-native and journalism student, Joe Drennan. We asked Molly the BIG questions . . .
Molly is a 25-year-old Irish/Valenciano/Madeiran multimedia journalist and student at the University of Limerick. She is currently managing editor of Limerick Voice and editor-in-chief of An Focal. She was also a professional entertainer with Shannon Heritage.
In October 2023, Limerick-based Gay Community News and Limerick Voice journalist, Joe Drennan, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run, two car collision. All proceeds from their cover of River will go to GCN.
Behind the music: Emma Langford
Speaking about Joe, Molly says: "Joe was destined for greatness. He was a force to be reckoned with. His passion, talent, charisma, and absolute grá for his work was so evident in absolutely everything he did, and so incredibly enviable.
"The student journalist was so passionate about his work with GCN and as Editor-In-Chief of Limerick Voice.
"He was so determined to build a powerful future for himself. All of us at Limerick Voice and in his class in UL knew there was no question he would be the one walking into a much sought after job at the end of our degree."
In 2017, Emma released her debut album Quiet Giant, which won an RTÉ Folk Award for Best Emerging Artist and the Irish Post Music Award nomination for Best Irish Folk Act.
In late 2021, she wrote and independently released a second album, Sowing Acorns.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm a very proud mutt - coming from Irish, Valenciano, and Madeiran roots. Growing up really passionate about singing, dancing, and acting, I was a fully confessed theatre kid for most of my childhood - eventually making it my job as a music, arts and culture journalist. I'm covered in tattoos, with a more recent addition being my "061" tribute to Limerick - despite secretly growing up in Clare where my family home still is!
How would you describe your music?
I have a massive love for all different genres of music - ranging from punk to trad to country, and everything in between! My own writing has teetered on the alternative genre - but with a cover of River by Joni Mitchell with Emma Langford being my first release, I wouldn't know how to describe it. All I know is that I'm thrilled to be honouring my late friend Joe Drennan with this charity single.
Who are your musical inspirations?
There are so many. Of course, first and foremost, my wonderfully talented friend, Emma Langford. From there, I would say The Chicks, Taylor Swift, Garbage, Portishead, Depeche Mode, Pillow Queens, Reneé Rapp, and so many more!
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Beyoncé at The Point!!! My Mom won tickets - it was the best night ever.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I think it was Fallen, the Evanescence album. I remember colouring the cover with a pink gel pen!
What’s your favourite song right now?
Ash by Waterdogs. The whisper track gives me shivers every time!
Favourite lyric of all time?
Really the whole of this song but mostly the chorus of The Chicks' Top Of The World: "There's a whole lot of singing that's never gonna be heard, Disappearing every day without so much as a word somehow, Think I broke the wings off that little songbird, She's never gonna fly to the top of the world right now."
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
As much as she's going to be mortified at me for saying this - probably The Winding Way Down To Kells Bay by Emma Langford.
Where can people find your music/more information?
The best way to see what I'm at is through my social media! You can find me at @whatmollydoesnext on Instagram and Threads, and also @whatmolsaysnext on X/Twitter.
Alan Corr
