Tyrone singer songwriter Clár Killoran has released her new single, Saoirse. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Saoirse blends Gaeilge and English and is described as "a contemporary Celtic-infused anthem exploring themes of heritage, identity and resilience".
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Clár (known to many as "The Irish Cowgirl") is based in South Florida, while continuing to write closely with Dublin collaborators.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I am an Irish-born singer songwriter from a small village called Trillick in Co. Tyrone (More known for its GAA than its songwriting). I am now residing in the United States, splitting my time between Florida and Vail, Colorado.
I got sober at the age of 30 years old and decided that if I was able to do that, I asked myself what else could I do that I thought was impossible? It was my dream to become a singer/songwriter.
I started my music career at 32 with no previous experience or connections, just an unwavering faith that my desire is always greater than my fear and that my music will reach people who need it most.
How would you describe your music?
My music is for the soul; it blends cinematic Celtic fusion with modern folk sounds. It really reflects my life - a blend of the old world (Ireland) and a new world sound (America).
Who are your musical inspirations?
I grew up listening to my father's records, which were Johnny Cash and Christy Moore. I feel those blends are what stayed with me throughout my life and even influence my music today. Country and Irish folk.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I went to The Corrs concert in Omagh, it was shortly after the Omagh bomb they put on a free concert for the people in the area. My mother was an A&E nurse at the time and she got free tickets for our family. I remember looking at Andrea Corr and thought to myself I want to do that someday. Also looking back it was the first time that I got to see how music can bring people together and heal in times of sorrow.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Snow Patrol was my first record I bought. I loved them so much and saw them too many times to count. Their lyrics, how they sing with our accent and the emotional builds in their songs are so inspiring.
What’s your favourite song right now?
God Speed by Zac Bryan.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Ben Howard - Keep Your Head Up. 'And I saw a friend of mine the other day, and he told me my eyes were gleaming, Oh I said I'd been away, and he knew the depths I was meaning’. This line really hits home how much you can change by being away.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ordinary Man - Christy Moore.
Where can people find your music/more information?
People can find my music on your favourite streaming platform under Clár Killoran. They can keep up to date with my shenanigans on the socials - @ClarKilloran and my website has all my live show dates.
Alan Corr
