The Irish Concertina Orchestra returns to glór, Ennis on 23 May for a concert featuring special guests Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta, Ernestine Healy, Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Saran Mulligan, and NOTIFY. We asked Pádraig Rynne of NOTIFY the BIG questions . . .
To mark the occasion, the ensemble will release a series of new singles leading up to the performance, with the first, Éalú, out now.
Éalú (Irish for "escape") features Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh on vocals alongside NOTIFY (Pádraig, Tara Breen, Adam Taylor, Hugh Dillon, Rory McCarthy, and Davie Ryan), with the Irish Concertina Orchestra.
"Éalú began as a song Muireann and I wrote a few years ago, and it has been a real joy to see it take on a new life through this collaboration," says Pádraig. "As producer, and as a member of NOTIFY, it was exciting to explore how the song could grow when combined with the sound world of the Irish Concertina Orchestra and the MGCE Concert Orchestra."
Ahead of the concert, the ensemble's artistic journey is chronicled in the short film, 4 Quarters, which follows more than 40 young concertina players from rehearsal room to stage as they prepare for their 2025 performance at glór.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I am married with two kids and have a dog called Pinot.
I am from Co. Clare and very proud of it.
I love sports and in particular going to Clare hurling games.
How would you describe your music?
Emerging from traditional Irish foundations, NOTIFY's sound has been shaped and expanded through a rich tapestry of influences across genres.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Paddy Murphy (concertina), Arty McGlynn, Jean Michel Veillon, Avishai Cohen, War on Drugs, Herbie Hancock, Kamasi Washington ….
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Arty McGlynn and Noel Hill playing in our local bar, The Boree Log, around 1990.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The Bothy Band’s first album from 1975.
What’s your favourite song right now?
On Sitric Road by Ye Vagabonds.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Upon us all, a little rain must fall" - The Rain Song by Led Zeppelin.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Perth by Bon Iver.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Instagram: @official.notify and our website.
Alan Corr
