Ireland Talks Podcast

Growing up in Dundalk, Ireland, Finnian has carefully honed his songwriting slowly and with care. Since 2015 His music is honest, concise and textured in a way that is grounded and speaks to his inner conviction. Never afraid to draw on his influences and using the medium of live performance in a studio context, Finnian’s nods to his musical past have been hailed as refreshing in a climate that has gradually moved away from such a perspective.​His first album Under the Influence garnered strong reviews on its release in the summer of 2020 and his momentum has been hugely impressive. His work is something that speaks to experience rather than aspiration, with an attention to detail that comes from living and a willingness to evolve through his introspective songwriting. Backed by some of the finest local musicians, Finnian’s live shows have been praised as vibrant representations of his music while also offering the audience a window into his continued musical journey.  His beginnings as a folk based songwriter have been consistently evolving. From humble beginnings on the open mic circuit, to now being backed with real musical muscle, his live experience has always been authentic and a true representation of who he is, where he has come from and most importantly, where he is going next.​Finnian is also a member of the folk group Ceithre Cinn which consists of fellow songwriters Ciaran Lavery, Suzanne Savage and Matt McGinn. 

Robin James Hurt was born in Belfast, raised in Scotland and lived in Dublin for many years. More recently he has settled on the coast of County Wexford in the south east of Ireland.He is a consummate, captivating, highly popular live performer, playing regularly in Dublin and around Ireland at both more intimate venues and larger festivals, as well as all across Europe and beyond.Robin’s considerable talents as a guitarist, composer and singer have brought him on a rich, varied path as a solo act and also with other artists, such as the late great Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners, Sinead O’Connor, Finbar Furey, Hazel O’Connor and Camille O’Sullivan; and bands such as Bohínta, Gael Slí, The West Seventies, Bagatelle and many others

ABOUT ALEX Alex Miller came to the attention of global audiences during American Idol, Season 19. While still coming to terms with the changes that experience brought to his life, Alex is now embracing the lessons he learned from the show – and its superstar coaches. “One thing I really took away from it all is that I need to keep challenging myself,” the young entertainer reflects. “And I’m just beginning to put that into practice.”

Kevin chats to Phelim Drew the celebrated Son of Ronnie Drew 

When Irish singer-songwriter Francie Conway received a photo of a demolished Ukrainian apartment, wherein everything was destroyed except for a guitar, he was inspired to create a song that would find a seam of hope in the face of appalling devastation.His drive to make a statement about what was happening in Ukraine was cemented by the an edition of The Late Late Show which was dedicated to funding those carrying out relief efforts, assisting people affected by the brutality of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As a Ukrainian guest declared, “Together, we are stronger.” Francie had a title for his song.HOTPRESS 

Francie Conway started his recording career with RCA Records, London with notable hits including ‘To The Edge Of Time’ & ‘One Night In Amsterdam’, with notable gigs including ‘Paleo’ festival, Nyon, Switzerland with 4,000 expected but 25,000 attending thanks to the popularity of ‘To the Edge of Time’ and with notable song covers including ‘Striking It Rich’ recorded by Stevie Wright from the legendary Australian band The Easybeats, the song became the title track for one of his albums and featured on many compilations.

In this episode of the podcast Kevin travels to the Medyka border in Poland where he spoke to the volunteers on the ground involved  with the humanitarian Aid effort for Ukrainian refugees. 

Dublin City Council refused permission for the proposed development, citing four reasons largely relating to the size and impact on historic structures.

When Eddie Lenihan appeared in Irish national television's 12-part series 'Storyteller' in 1986, most of those seeing and hearing him were doing so for the first time. However, two further series titled 'Ten Minute Tales' in 1987 and 1988 changed all that for good.But what viewers did not know was that he had already by then 6 books behind him, as well as 5 audio tapes, besides years of folklore-gathering, particularly in his native Co. Kerry, but also in many other parts of Ireland. It is this love of mixing with, listening to older generations (which he still keeps to this very day) that underpins everything he does, and after 42 years of collecting, he now possesses probably the largest tape-library in private hands in Ireland - a unique resource of irreplaceable material that would otherwise have been lost.

In episode 9 of the podcast Kevin travels to County Clare to chat with singer/songwriter Steo Wall. Steo Wall  BIOSteo Wall is an emerging talent on the Irish music scene, a striking wordsmith with a unique musical style. His live sets have been described as pure alchemy. Steo has an eclectic taste to his music which shines through the multi-genre array of songs at his disposal. With a mix of spoken word and folk inspired melodies all woven to an acoustic groove, Steo is bringing something new, fresh and exciting. From a young age he was always fascinated with poetry and melody and loved to bend words to his will. 7 years ago Dublin born Steo packed a bag and headed out West to immerse himself in the vibrant local music scene of North Clare. Having honed his craft, Steo entered in to Malbay recording studios in 2016 and set about writing and recording his debut album Where I’m From! Having shared a stage with Damien Dempsey on tour in 2016, Damo quickly became a fan of Steo’s work calling it Irish soul music and featuring on the first single release called, What’s Wrong With The World Ma?

Kevin Chats with special guest Liam Ó MaonlaíBeidh mé fhéin ag tabhairt aire do mo shuíomh fhéin!I feel its time for me to keep you updated myself I have felt the privilege of food on the table , shelter and good health these days . As a result it has been a golden time . Nurturing a positive frame of mind and feeling excited about life and the infinite possibilities. Tá cumhacht ionainn ach teacht uirthi.....mo rheas is mo bheannachtLiam

I had the great pleasure of chatting with Ger out at his fantastic Glenburnie Stables just outside Trim in County Meath. 

Joining me on this episode of the Podcast is singer Eleanor Shanley from  County Leitrim in the North West of Ireland,  renowned for her unique interpretation of Irish and Roots songs. She has been at the top of her profession since her first appearance as the singer with traditional group De Danann, she has toured and recorded with  the great Ronnie Drew, Christy More, Dolores Keane, Christy Hennessey to name but a few.  Cancion de Amor - The New Album, now on release ​https://www.eleanorshanley.ie/shopEleanor and John Feeley have collaborated to create their new album Cancion de Amor.

Joining me on the podcast today is Stephen Rooney who recently had some wonderful adventures in the Mourne mountains, he is also an Artist painting in watercolor and oils he’s a lover of photography hiking and wildlife.  He featured on BBC Chronicles of the Mournes. 

Singer songwriter Mike Hanrahan joins Kevin in this episode where he talks about music, food and about his great pal Ronnie Drew and more.

John Spillane chats to Kevin about where it all began and about his new album 100 white horses among other things. For more on John Spillane visit johnspillane.ie 

Where did it all begin, join me for episode 2 of the podcast where i chat with singer/songwriter Jack O Rourke about where his musical career began, reminiscing about his first gig and his thoughts on Vinyl too. 

Today I am joined by one of Ireland’s greatest female vocalists Mary Coughlan from the county of Galway where she was recently presented with a lifetime achievement award by the mayor of Galway in recognition of her impact on the cultural life of the city.