Co Clare traditional and folk artist Fiona Tyndall has released her new Irish-language album, Éinin an Cheóil. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
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Éinín an Cheóil, meaning "Birdsong", was inspired by Fiona's father, Buadhach Tóibín, a traditional singer and collector of Irish music.
Meticulously hand-writing the lyrics of over 200 songs in the old Irish script in a bound ledger, he had the foresight to accompany some of the songs with tonic solfa (a musical system in which a series of syllables represents the seven notes of a scale), so that his children would have the melodies to sing.
Fiona came into possession of this manuscripted collection following her father’s passing, upon which she decided to record a selection of the preserved songs.
As well as appearances from her children, the album also features further collaborations with the likes of Fergal Scahill (Formerly of We Banjo 3), Brendan Hayes, multi-instrumentalist and a long-time collaborator with Fiona, Irish and World Music artist and producer Seán Whelan (Puck Fair, Hotfoot, The Café Orchestra), Kieran Munnelly (The David Munnelly Band), and Maire Egan (lead fiddle soloist for Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance).
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Musical Journey - I've sung across genres - from smooth jazz to funk and soul in a big horn band. I’ve always been drawn to slow songs. In recent years, I’ve focused on Irish traditional music, reconnecting with my roots and finding depth in the quiet moments.
Teaching and community - I recently completed the I Teach Trad course with Liz Doherty, giving me to tools and confidence to share my music with others. I now teach traditional song in New Jersey. I’ve also started a singing circle for my students so they’d have a space to practice, grow, and connect. Teaching has brought me lasting friendships and a deep sense of joy. It’s become one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.
Lockdown discovery - During the COVID lockdown, I learned to play the bodhrán and tin whistle. Despite the torture I may have inflicted on my family (!), it gave me a new way to join music sessions and connect with people, adding another layer to how I experience and share traditional music.
How would you describe your music?
My new album, Einin an Cheoil, is gentle but powerful. It’s quite emotional and often has a haunting quality to it. I sing mostly in Irish, which adds a kind of timelessness and depth that I really connect with. I love creating space in the music, letting the melodies breathe and allowing the emotion to come through naturally. I’m drawn to songs that tell stories or carry a sense of longing, and I try to honour that in how I sing and arrange them.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Sile Denvir, Karen Matheson, Maighread and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, Niamh Parsons, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and Iarla Ó Lionáird.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Tom Moore and Midnight Well
What was the first record you ever bought?
Joni Mitchell’s Blue.
What’s your favourite song right now?
May the Kindness, written by Dave Wood and sung by Jackie Oates.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Dougie Mc Clane’s Caladonia: "Lost the friends that I needed to, found others on the way".
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Curachaí na Trá Báine by Sile Denvir.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website.
My Spotify and my Bandcamp.
Alan Corr
