New Dublin alt-folk duo Barnburner have released their debut EP, Nothing to Hold. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
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Formed in 2023, Barnburner are Pippa Molony (composer, lyricist) and David Mac Dhubháin (composer, lyricist, guitarist) and they have played at the Cobblestone, The Workman's Club, The Button Factory, and Whelan’s, and appeared at festivals such as 333 Fest Dublin (2025), Ireland Music Week (2025), Phizzfest (2024), Mirabilli Festival (Wicklow, 2025).
Speaking about their EP, they say, "The five-track EP, is a culmination of everything we've made so far.
"There are songs that feel more Irish folk adjacent, and then there's stuff that leans more pop/country. So it has a lot of variety, though it's small. I think it's our best work. Looking back on the project, a lot of the songs circle around the idea of transience.
"That’s particularly strong in our song Hills. There's this feeling in the song of something being over, I think it is lamenting that perhaps this amazing time away has ended. The EP title comes from a line in that song: 'a long drive home, your shoulder on mine, nothing to hold’."
Barnburner play The Cobblestone, Dublin on 3 April (with support from Ian Nyquist) and the International Literature Festival, Dublin on 21 May.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Pippa: We are a new, alt-folk duo from Dublin! We have just released our first EP, Nothing to Hold: a confident, five-track project. It is an intimate, moving and atmospheric project with a sound rooted in both traditional folk storytelling and alternative sensibilities.
How would you describe your music?
David: I’d describe it as emotional, serene and intricate. I think it has emotional impact but I’d also call it easy-listening. It’s definitely romantic, introspective and wistful.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Pippa: I think our music nods to artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Adrienne Lenker, Pinegrove, Slow Pulp, The Cranberries, Alex G, and Boygenius, while establishing a sonic identity of our own.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
David: I think the first proper gig I went to was Explosions In The Sky in Vicar Street in 2016. I have been listening to them since I was a child and I can definitely relate to how they play. I was really thrilled to be able to see them play live.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Pippa: I think I was too young to buy records! I remember getting an Mp3 player when I was about 10 for Christmas, and my mum had ripped songs from the internet for me. I remember it had Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus on it, and a lot of Avril Lavine, Beyoncé, James Blunt, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. Hilariously, none of the music I’d listen to now, or that Barnburner makes sounds remotely like those artists, however Britney is without a doubt my absolute first choice for Karaoke. I like to think I can do a good impression of her (I can’t).
What’s your favourite song right now?
David: En Tu Pelo by Javier Solís.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Pippa: "I remember that time you told me, You said, ‘Love is touching souls’, Surely, you touched mine,' Cause part of you pours out of me, In these lines from time to time" - Joni Mitchell, Case of You (1971). Probably one of the best songs ever written, and this line gets me every time. Pretty much all of the lyrics in this song are genius.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
David: It would definitely be Skyrim Atmospheres by Jeremy Soul
Where can people find your music/more information?
Pippa: You can find our music on all streaming platforms, we’re also on Bandcamp if you would like to directly support our music. You can find out more and keep updated about our Music by following us on Instagram and TikTok! Instagram.
Alan Corr
