Niamh Regan
Friday 24th
Marquee - Aistear park
8pm
15€ - 12€ with wristband
Booking essential
Ticket numbers limited
Irish singer-songwriter Niamh Regan has received consistent praise for her debut album ‘Hemet’, released late 2020 via Black Gate Records.
[ Buy/stream at: https://shor.by/zC6c ]
“A game-changing record” – The Journal of Music
“A quietly stunning debut” – The Sunday Times
“A quiet and determined triumph” – The Irish Times
“One of the best albums released this year… sublime” – Nialler9
“Stunning” – Hot Press
“A bewitching album” – Irish Independent
“A heartfelt, timeless, and captivating release” – Folk Radio UK
RTÉ Radio 1 – Album of the Week
The Irish Times described Regan’s early teenage demos as “bursting with potential”, and at seventeen this precocious folk singer won a Paul Brady scholarship to study flute and guitar in the University of Limerick. Here, she formed the trad/bluegrass band Juhn Echo, and once again drew plaudits from The Irish Times who highlighted her “stunning vocals”.
After completing a degree in music, Niamh released her debut solo EP in 2017, and follow-up single ‘What To Do’ in 2018, earning gushing praise from the likes of Hot Press (“beautifully crafted... captivating”) and Nialler9 (“a timbre that is commanding and wise”).
But who is 26-year-old Niamh Regan now? Comparisons with contemporary artists such as Laura Marling, Lisa Hannigan, This Is the Kit and Sarah Jarosz have popped up regularly in the UK and Irish press, while discerning critics detect the influence of Nick Drake, Bert Jansch, Richard Thompson, Tom Waits, Paul Brady, and Karen Dalton.
One thing is for sure, with the release ‘Hemet’, Niamh Regan carved out her own niche in the world of contemporary folk music. Prepare to hear something synchronously earthly and familiar, yet intoxicatingly fresh.
Niamh is currently working on a new EP to be released October 2021.
ABOUT ‘HEMET’
Following its release in September 2020, ‘Hemet’ was nominated for ‘Album of the Year’ at the prestigious RTÉ Choice Music Prize and RTÉ Folk Awards.
‘Hemet’ was produced and mixed by Alex Borwick and alongside Regan on piano, guitar, synths and vocals, features Caimin Gilmore (Double Bass), Pat Daly (Viola, Violin), Dominic Mullan (Percussion), Peter Berrill (Trumpet), Liam King (Accordion), Anna Mullarkey (backing vocals, synths), Muireann Anna (Cello), Wesley Houdyshell (Backing Vocals) and Borwick (Trombone, Synths, Percussion, Guitar).
There is evidence of traditional and bluegrass influences on tracks like ‘Sweetest Drop’ and ‘She’, but Niamh’s strongest craft on exhibition here is to mix these ingredients with the sparse contemporary sounds of drum machines and synthesizers as heard on ‘Ode To Youth’ and album opener ‘Something So Good’. Singles ‘How About That Coffee?’ and ‘Save The Day’ showcase Regan’s immense song writing prowess and her stunning vocals. However, rather than provide some standout moments ‘Hemet’ is holistically connected throughout both sonically and philosophically. ‘Hallelujah Game’ and ‘Two Seagulls’, both co-written with her Californian husband Wesley Houdeyshell, display an observant delicateness. The lyrics “With all these highs, there comes the lows”, are a poignant summation of the breadth and perspective of Regan’s debut.
Niamh says “I recorded this album after one of the most challenging years I’ve faced so far. I lost my mam, got married, went back to school and I grew up a bit (I think). My world got bigger and smaller all in one breath, and this album Hemet is all about that.”
‘Hemet’ is an album full of musical accomplishment, emotional maturity, and subtle craft. It is the long-awaited arrival of a truly immense talent.
Buy/Stream ‘Hemet’ by Niamh Regan at:
LIVE VIDEOS:
Niamh Regan Live from The Set Theatre:
Niamh Regan Live from The Black Gate:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xuOfjts--E&t=30s
Listen: RTÉ Concert Orchestra with Niamh Regan and David Kitt – Bank Holiday Special https://www.rte.ie/culture/2021/0503/1213495-listen-rte-concert-orchestra-with-niamh-regan-david-kitt/
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Niamh will embark on a tour of Ireland and the UK November 2021, performing at the Róisín Dubh Galway, DeBarra’s Folk Club, Levis’ Corner House, Coughlan’s Live Cork, Dolan’s Limerick (presented by Seoda Shows), Whelan’s Dublin (presented by Singular Artists), The Duncairn Belfast, Spirit Store Dundalk, The Set Theatre Kilkenny, The Green Note London + more to be announced. Tickets are on sale now. www.niamhregan.com
FIND NIAMH ONLINE…
Spotify, Apple Music, Twitter / @niamhreganmusic, Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, TikTok
