Waterford alt-trad band The Wran have released their new instrumental track, Fear Dearg, and announced their debut album, The Stone Man, for autumn release. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
Hailing from the Comeragh Mountains, The Wran are brothers Tommy, Danny, Seán and Stephen Dunford and they blend trad with punk and a hint of psychedelia on banjo, harmonium, acoustic guitar, bass VI and drums. Fear Dearg is The Wran's debut original Irish trad tune.
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They have performed at Glastonbury, Green Man, All Together Now, and Electric Picnic and will be playing support to The Scratch on their upcoming tour.
They also tour Ireland in support of The Stone Man this October: Workmans Club, Dublin on 9 October, Dolans (upstairs), Limerick on 10 October, Róisín Dubh, Galway on 11 October, Wavelength, Cork on 15 October, Cleeres, Kilkenny on 16 October, Ulster Sports Club, Belfast on 17 October.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
We are four brothers from Kilbrien, Co. Waterford.
We are bringing out our debut album The Stone Man this October.
We are all horror movie fans; our cousin even acted in one of the nine Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies. Guess which one . . .
How would you describe your music?
Danny: I’d say it’s traditional Irish-adjacent. We have a lot of fun experimenting with what can be done with folk music and we are drawn to the more solemn sides of tonality.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Seán: We are big fans of Planxty, Lankum, and The Pogues. They inspire a lot of what we write.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Stephen: The two eldest lads brought me up to see My Chemical Romance at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham for my 16th birthday. My voice was in shambles for days after.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Tommy: I was at Féile na Bealtaine in Dingle there a few years ago and I bought B by Cormac Begley at his show in An Díseart.
What’s your favourite song right now?
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Seán: My favourite song right now is Blue Boy by Mac DeMarco.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Stephen: "Lads on horseback, modern day Spartans, on Cabra Drive" by Kojaque is probably my favourite lyric of all time.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Danny: Nica Libres at Dusk by Ben Howard, you just need to listen to it and you’ll see why.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find our music on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Bandcamp, and keep up with us on social media for updates on releases and gigs. If you’d prefer not to stay glued to social media, you can also join our mailing list to keep up to date.
Alan Corr
