Solo Performers
Declan O’Rourke ~ Bio
by dianes on Mar.15, 2010, under Biography, Declan O'Rourke, Indies, Irish Artists, Solo Performers

Declan O’Rourke began his career on the Dublin singer-songwriter circuit in 2000 and released his debut album under an independent Irish record label in late 2004. Since Kyabram went straight in at fifth position on the Irish charts and very soon achieved Gold, Platinum and then double-Platinum status. Even now, more than five years after its release, it continues to sell steadily.
His songs have gained him much interest with a number of the industry’s top names both in Ireland and abroad. Declan supported Snow Patrol on their 2006 European tour where he played Wembly Stadium and the Odyssey Arena among others. He has also made a number of special guest appearances on stage with the band.
In 2006, when asked by Q Magazine which song from the past twenty years he most wished he’d written, Paul Weller chose Galileo, a song from Since Kyabram. Jonathan Ross, Britain’s top chat show host and foremost radio DJ, plays Declan regularly on his Saturday morning show. Declan’s songs have been recorded by a number of artists, including Brian Kennedy and Maura O’Connell. Eddi Reader’s latest studio album, released in April, 2009, covers Declan’s Love Is The Way, and is also the album’s title.
Declan’s long awaited and critically acclaimed second album, Big Bad Beautiful World was released in September, 2007, and reached fourth position in the Irish charts. In April 2007/08, Declan toured the recording, including a small Australian tour in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, with great success. He returned to Australia for an extended tour of New South Wales and Victoria throughout March, 2009. Declan plans a more extensive tour of Australia in spring 2010.
He has also toured in England and mainland Europe, supporting such notable names as Paul Weller, The Cardigans, Paulo Nuttini, Paul Brady, The Beautiful South, and Nizlopi while appearing on the same bills as Planxty and Bob Dylan. In February 2009, he shared a Belfast stage with Nancy Griffith and in October/November 2009, supported New York songwriter Ari Hest on a nationwide U.S. tour.
Declan recently sang with Swedish singer Peter Jöback on a cover of R.E.M’s Everybody Hurts. The Scandinavian sensation has also covered Declan’s song I Can See A Little Something and both songs are included in Peter’s newest album, East Side Stories, released in October 2009. This past December, Declan performed with Peter in Sweden and Norway in their largest indoor arenas to sell out audiences. Declan recently wrote a song with Midnight Oil veteran Jim Moginee.
Declan is praised for his heartfelt, intimate performances as well as his larger, energetic concerts. His popularity continues to grow steadily, with a vast amount of sell-out performances in Ireland’s most prestigious venues. A third studio album is in the works and a Spring 2010 release is anticipated.
Currently touring in Ireland, check Declan’s website for appearance dates and locations: http://www.declanorourke.com/news.php
Listen to Declan at his Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/declanorourke
Since Kyabram and Big Bad Beautiful World are available for download at:
Siobhan Day ~ Bio
by JaneW on Mar.01, 2010, under Irish Artists, Solo Performers
Irish singer-songwriter Siobhan Day was born in Belfast into a musical family. Growing up she would be surrounded by a wide range of musical tastes from Irish Traditional to Guns N Roses to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. At a very early age Siobhan learnt to play the keyboard and tin whistle, but she first picked up the guitar at the age of 13 which would be the beginnings of a very clear and exciting path into music.
Having music as a way for Siobhan to cope with events in her life was a cathartic release; writing about love and loss, hope and growing up, memories and dreams. The music is a mixture of contemporary folk and acoustic rock, drawing influences from her childhood experience and her current musical tastes.
Siobhan has recently started gigging and is currently working on getting into the studio to record her first EP with a lot of positive interest in her work and exciting plans for the year ahead.
You can catch her live in coffee shops, singer-songwriter nights and even busking in and around Belfast city centre.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/siobhanday
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/sizeborg
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Siobhan-Day/180952197211
Siobhan also offers a free download of her song Outside at: http://www.nichart.com/downloads.html It’s under SSS
Timeless Traditions ~ Malachi Cush
by dianes on Feb.22, 2010, under Album/CD reviews, Irish Artists, Malachi Cush
Timeless Traditions, released in February 2009, is Malachi Cush’s
fourth album and follows successes with his debut album Malachi, New Day and Celtic Heartbeat. It is an exceptional collection of traditional Celtic songs enhanced by Malachi’s effortless laid back style and smooth mellow voice.
A favorite of mine is County Tyrone. I listen and my minds eye sees those vividly green high holy hills. The Donaghmore Exile, another favorite, is a perfect example of Malachi’s expertise at storytelling.
Peggy Gordon is beautifully done as a duet featuring Deirdre Bonner. Her lovely voice compliments Malachi’s and reminds me of Mary Black’s Anachie Gordon. They also join voices to sing Ned of the Hill.
Mention should be made of the considerably talented artists and musicians Plunkett McGartland, Brendan Monaghan, Davey Muldrew and Declan Magee who so ably contribute backup. I would highly recommend this album to anyone and find myself listening over and over again. The songs are each a little different from the other and are well done and enjoyable listening. I just wonder how this one slipped past me when it first came out. It’s a winner for sure!
Timeless Traditions Song list:
Young Matt Hyland
Lover’s Heart
Ned of the Hill
Step it out Mary
The Wild Goose
The Donaghmore Exile
Spanish Lady
I Wish my Love was a Red Red Rose
Peggy Gordon
The Creel
County Tyrone
A Soldier’s Farewell
Available at iTunes:
Visit Malachi Cush at:
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/malachicush
Website: http://malachicush.net/
Fansite: http://www.malachimad.com/
Story by Eoin Harrington
by JaneW on Feb.09, 2010, under Album/CD reviews, Solo Performers
By PriscillaR
I never know who or what I will find as I casually surf the Internet. I was fortunate enough recently to come across a singer/songwriter named Eoin (pronounced Owen) Harrington.
Although Eoin had played piano and guitar since he was a boy in Dublin, Ireland, he became a chemical engineer as an adult and ultimately accepted an engineering position in San Francisco. There he was inspired to write and sing his own songs. I for one am glad he did! His CD “Story” was released in 2009. It is full of songs that make me either want to dance or just listen to the intriguing lyrics. My particular favorites are “I’m Sorry”, “Play Your Piano”, and “Last Temptations”. This CD is available through CDbaby, ITunes, and Amazon.
Do yourself a favor and check out his website: eoinharrington.com. There you will find videos of Eoin performing, music from his album, and his 2010 gigs that have been scheduled so far. Eoin is also on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and YouTube. Please don’t fail to check him out; you will find a new favorite!
Song List
Close Proximity
Move Along
Play Your Piano
They Won’t Catch Us Now
So Wrong
Beautiful Thing
Addicted
Never Be Lonely
Already Done
Gave It All Away
No Way, No How
I’m Sorry
Last Temptations
Is It Over
A Mothers Lullaby – Mickey Coleman
by dianes on Feb.07, 2010, under Album/CD reviews, Irish Artists, Mickey Coleman, News
Last fall Mickey Coleman and Plunkett McGartland sat down with
Malachi Cush on his Sunday Morning Jukebox radio program and discussed Mickey’s newest song and upcoming album, A Mothers Lullaby. During a lighter moment and as friends do, Malachi poked fun at Mickey about being referred to as the “next Irish folk sensation.” Obviously self-conscious about the reference, Mickey responded without hesitation; “talkin the talks one thing, but walkin the walks another.” Prophetic words…. With his A Mothers Lullaby, Mickey most certainly is “walkin the walk” in the footprints of the likes of Christy Moore and Bob Dylan. Mickey advocates for powerless abused children, innocent casualties of war having no escape from the devastation, loved ones left to cope with suicide, the end of political corruptness, the unemployed and those unfortunates caught up in the associated turmoil. For this album, Mickey has written lyrics guided by his conscience and from his heart. His fine voice lending so much power to the words they take your breath away. Having Plunkett McGartland accompanying Mickey on some of these songs is the perfect compliment to the richness and clean clear sound of the new songs.
A Mothers Lullaby is the next step in Mickey’s journey up the road to becoming one of the great folk singers both in Ireland and here in the states. He’s surely “walkin the walk” with A Mothers Lullaby! Brilliant Mickey, just brilliant!!!
The reasons why Mickey wrote Mothers Lullaby have been explained eloquently by Mickey himself and would be diminished by any synopsis I could pen here. Visit his MySpace page and read his blog: Mothers Lullaby (why I wrote this song). http://www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1
Locked Gates, a narrative written by Patricia Campbell, draws not so subtle parallels between County Tyrone’s recent past and present day Gaza. It is brilliant in its simplicity. Agree or disagree with Mickey’s recitation, where and when he spent his formative years makes him uniquely qualified to give voice to these words.
With Brighter Day Mickey describes the strife occurring in present day Ireland, both the Republic and the North. In three short verses Mickey covers dissention and hope for reconciliation, unemployment, alcoholism, corrupt politicians, poor or non existent services, wasteful excess and child abuse. Plunkett McGartland gives added depth to this piece with his considerable talents at the piano.
Mickey wrote Miss You More Than Words Can Say for a mother who had lost her 22 year old son to suicide. It has been included in a charity album, From The Heart, and performed by Mickey during a benefit concert last July to raise the profile of the Suicide Awareness campaign. This song is beautiful and it’s great to see him share it with a wider audience.
Pillow of Tears gives a voice to faceless closeted children abused by clergy. The stark honesty of Mickey’s words strongly illustrate the almost unbearable pain suffered from these ugliest of acts.
This man writes, sings and plays from his heart whatever the topic. Don’t let his more serious songs overshadow the other touching, more traditional songs penned by Mickey for this album.
Writing, singing and playing from the heart is clearly illustrated with Culdaff. (a village in Donegal on the Inishowen peninsula). In this one Mickey tells the sad story of high hopes, disappointment and resignation over what will never be, and almost unbearable loneliness for home.
Stranger in the City weaves a tale of youthful exploration, immaturity of decisions made and the wisdom of realizing what’s important in life.
Your Love Pulled Me In and Can Always Count on You are most obviously written for a special person. The first song is the story of finding love at the exact right time, the second a confirmation of love and commitment to a present and future together.
Judgement Day is a genuinely happy tune that’s unashamed by its tilt toward good old fashioned country and western. It’s a toe tapping sing along song that will bring a great big smile to your face. Hard to choose which is more fun, Mickey’s words or Plunkett’s honky-tonk piano style in this one.
A Mothers Lullaby song list:
Mothers Lullaby
Locked Gates
Brighter Day
Your Love Pulled Me In
Miss You More Than Words
Pillow of Tears
Can Always Count On You
Judgement Day
Stranger in the City
Culdaff

Purchase A Mothers Lullaby on Mickey’s website: http://mickeycoleman.com/index.html
Mickey Coleman Launches New Album
by dianes on Jan.29, 2010, under Mickey Coleman, News
Today, 29-Jan-2010, is a big day for singer/songwriter, Mickey Coleman, with the launch of his brand new album “Mothers Lullaby.” Mickey’s been called the next Irish folk sensation, and if the selections on his Myspace page are an indication of the quality and sound of the new album, he’ll have this title for the forseeable future. As part of the release, Mickey will also be embarking on a tour taking him to the cities of Belfast, Derry, Donegal, Dublin, Cork, Galway, Glasgow and London.
The Fanrealm staff would like to express its’ sincere congratulations and best wishes. Adh mor ort Mickey and continued success. Here’s hoping it goes platinum!
To order Mothers Lullaby or for tour details visit Mickey’s website: http://mickeycoleman.com/index.html
To hear a few of his new songs, visit Mickey’s Myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1
Guinness Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival
by JaneW on Jan.27, 2010, under Festivals, Mickey Coleman, Oracle
The 6th Annual Guinness Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival will be held Feb 24-28, 2010. 150 songwriters will take part in the event which will feature 20 seminars and 42 concerts. More information about the event can be found at their website http://www.belfastnashville.com/ Tickets may be purchased through the website. I wish I was on that side of the pond as I have a strong suspicion that Belfast today is as much a hot bed of music and creativity as Liverpool was in the 50s and 60s. Liverpool launched The Beatles and enough other great groups that what was known as the British Invasion landed on the shores of the US and the world and forever changed the face of music. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a Celtic Invasion hit the world any time now with the talent coming out of Ireland and the UK and the talented people the world over who are making their music in Celtic style using traditional Celtic Instruments.
Our readers from the Belfast area should definitely take this event in. The next supergroup a la the Beatles might be right on your doorstep. Two of Fanrealm’s favorites are taking part in the festival. Mickey Coleman will be there on the 24th and Oracle will be playing on the 27th along with another band Oracle’s lead guitarist Chris Logan plays in called Exit. I have listened to them on my space too and they are excellent.
Thanks so much to David from Oracle for the heads up on this event. Oracle will be playing at 8PM sharp on the 27th. You don’t want to miss them (remember that whole Beatles warning above..
).They are definitely a band to watch. This is a link to get tickets for the Black Box where Oracle will be appearing on Sat night Black Box tickets Black Box is at 18 Hill Street. Doors open at 8PM and Oracle is first up so don’t be late. Tickets are £5 plus P + P.
Andrew Huggan ~ Bio
by JaneW on Jan.18, 2010, under Andrew Huggan, Biography, Solo Performers
Andrew Huggan is a folk singer/songwriter from Central Scotland. He has been playing music ever since he was a small child but it’s only within the last decade that he started to take it more seriously.
In 2003, Andrew went to his first ever Runrig gig. He was so amazed by the gig that the very next day he went out and bought his first guitar and ordered Flower of the West (the Runrig songbook). From this, he taught himself to play the guitar and to sing. It wasn’t long after this that he wrote his first song “Ben Ledi” and realised that song writing would become a great passion in the years to come.
During the Hebridean Celtic Festival in 2007 he got the chance to play his songs “Take Me Away Across the Sea” and “Lonely Lonely Night” live on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal.
In summer 2009 he was invited to play at Elphin Drift, an acoustic evening in Yorkshire. His performance went down well with the audience and he was invited back to play at the next Elphin Drift which was in November.
2010 looks to be a good year for Andrew, who is now hoping to start work on his debut album, something which has been on his mind for a few years now.
In February, Andrew will be performing at Skipinnish Ceilidh House, Oban, supporting folk rock band COAST on their debut Scottish tour.
You can sample Andrew’s music using the widget below. You can also find more info at these pages:
http://www.facebook.com/l/f09c0;www.reverbnation.com/andrewhuggan.
Mickey Coleman ~Bio
by dianes on Jan.17, 2010, under Biography, Irish Artists, Mickey Coleman, Solo Performers
Singer/songwriter Mickey Coleman, from the shores of Lough
Neagh, County Tyrone Ireland is on his way to becoming the latest sensation to hit the Irish music folk scene.
Mickey who has been writing, singing and playing music from an early age completed his critically acclaimed debut album Carefully Crafted, consisting of all original material, a short 18 months ago. And, since its debut has been sharing the stage with artists such as The Chieftains, Cara Dillon, Francis Black, Liam Reilly, Steve Cooney and many more.
His talent for penning songs that in some way or another have shaped his life and which have captured the hearts of many in his live performances has been well documented in songs such as The Brantry Boy, The Holylands Belfast, My Coalisland Girl and Kilkeel Fisherman.
Drawing influences from Christy Moore, Bob Dylan and Luke Kelly, Mickey has developed his own identity saying; “I am like myself. I don’t think I sound like anyone” in an interview with popular folk artist and producer Column Sands.
James McGarrity from JW Promotions says; “Mickey Coleman is another example of the class and caliber of new musicians in the Province. This talented singer/songwriter produced a sensational debut album and is set for great things.”
Mickey is currently writing with some of Ireland’s finest and adding the finishing touches to his brand new album, Mothers Lullaby. Scheduled to launch on 29-Jan-2010, it is now available for purchase and pre-order on his website: www.mickeycoleman.com
Listen to some of Mickey’s songs now at: www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1
Become a fan and follow Mickey on Facebook at:
Mickey Coleman Folk Singer/Songwriter: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=156313743038
Coast Tour the UK
by JaneW on Jan.13, 2010, under Andrew Huggan, Band Info, Coast
We are starting to have a good number of visitors from the UK so I thought I would post the tour schedule for a Celtic Rock band called Coast. A great Scottish singer called Andrew Huggan will be supporting them on some of the Scottish leg of the tour. More about both Coast and Andrew in future posts.
Friday 22nd January 2010 The Old Mill, Holbury
Saturday 23rd January 2010 The Swan, Woolston
Saturday 6th February 2010 Bitterne Park Hotel, Southampton
Sunday 7th February 2010 The Bugle, Botley
Friday 12th February 2010 The Hampshire Yeoman, Blackfield
Monday 15th February 2010 Mo’ Club, Southampton
Friday 26th February 2010 Skipinnish Ceilidh House, Oban (supported by Andrew Huggan)
Saturday 27th February 2010 Hootananny, Inverness
Sunday 28th February 2010 Corn Exchange, Melrose
Friday 2nd April 2010 The Old Mill, Holbury
Saturday 3rd April 2010 Cue T’s, Southampton
Saturday 10th April 2010 Bitterne Park Hotel, Southampton
Saturday 19th June 2010 Bitterne Park Hotel, Southampton
Saturday 14th August 2010 Bitterne Park Hotel, Southampton
Saturday 9th October 2010 Bitterne Park Hotel, Southampton
Saturday 11th December 2010 Bitterne Park Hotel, Southampton
More info and maps to venues can be found at the Coast website http://coastrock.co.uk/
Samples of their music can also be found at their website and at they myspace page http://www.myspace.com/coastyrock
Their debut cd was released in November 2009 and can be purchased through cdbaby or ITunes They also have a single and an EP for sale at cdbaby.
Andrew Huggan does not yet have a cd but you can hear his music at his myspace page. http://www.myspace.com/andrewhuggan
Chris Keys ~ bio
by JaneW on Jan.07, 2010, under Band Info, Biography, Chris Keys, Irish Artists
Another great singer/songwriter I found on MySpace is Chris Keys. You have to go give him a listen too. We will be reviewing his EP when it comes out and it will be available at ITunes and cdbaby soon also.
Chris Keys 27 year old singer/songwriter and multi instrumentalist, had a passion for music from a young age and taught himself to play guitar, bass and piano. He was filmed busking in Belfast and was featured in the ‘Imagine’ best European cultural city promo video. In 2006 Chris won ‘pubstar’ and recently came runner up in the ‘Freedom live’ competition to support the Script at the Spring & Airbreak Belfast, organised by Cool fm /Northern bank. He has supported LA singer/songwriter ‘Ricky Warwick’ and is currently giging on the road with the ‘Chris keys duo’. Chris has just finished his second Ep ‘Shadows’ and at present is targeting radio stations and record labels.
You can hear Chris’s music at his website, YouTube and on his myspace page and become a fan on facebook.
http://www.chriskeys.com
http://www.youtube.com/chriskeysofficial
http://www.myspace.com/chrisjkeys
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris-keys/52820986217
Oracle ~ band bio
by JaneW on Jan.04, 2010, under Band Info, Biography, Irish Artists, Oracle
Oracle is a band I ran into on MySpace. At the time I knew nothing about them other than the fact that I loved their music. I have since been in contact with David and he sent me a band bio. I hope to have photos to add when they become available.
Oracle was formed by singer/songwriter David McClean and Brian Mellors in 2009. Chris Logan (lead guitar) and Christopher Hylands (drums) complete the line up. The band are currently working towards a debut EP with recordings “Lost and Lonely” and “Best Days” having already received airplay on local radio. Another song “Final Mile” has also received airplay on Cool FM (N Ireland’s largest radio station) but this song is not expected to be on the mini album that is as yet untitled. Chris Logan has also acted as producer and he has used his expertise to achieve a very polished and marketable sound. Currently they are rehearsing with plans for some gigs in Belfast in the new year to showcase the music. A music video is also in the pipeline for the band.
Line up
David McClean -Vocals, rhythm guitar
Chris Logan -Lead guitar, backing vocals
Brian Mellors -Bass, backing vocals
Chris Hylands- Percussion
You can hear samples of their music at the band’s myspace page http://www.myspace.com/davidmcclean
This is a great band with a great future. Go and give them a listen. Be sure and friend them too. Let them know how you found them. The more exposure we can deliver to bands the more bands we can get you info on. As fans we need to support indie bands so they keep making great music for us to listen to. And for our readers in Northern Ireland, check them out in person at one of their upcoming gigs.
Jil Chambless CD release party 12/10/09
by JaneW on Dec.08, 2009, under Jil Chambless, News, Solo Performers
At long last Jil Chambless is releasing a solo cd. Fans of Henris Notions have been enjoying Jil’s beautiful vocals for the past 20 years. The Ladies Go Dancing is a must have cd for those who love traditional Celtic music that is well produced and expertly performed. Jil will be having a CD release party Thursday December 10th from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at The Guitar Gallery, 2300 McFarland Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL. Those lucky enough to be in the area should plan to attend and to get their hands on this wonderful cd.
Samples of Jil’s music can be heard at her my space page http://www.myspace.com/jilchambless and also at the my space page of Henris Notions http://www.myspace.com/henrisnotions More info can also be found at the Henris Notions website http://www.henrisnotions.com The CD can also be purchased at this site for those unable to attend the launch party.
Mickey Coleman – The Interview
by dianes on Dec.05, 2009, under Interview, Irish Artists, Mickey Coleman
Merry Christmas, anxious readers! What follows is a conversation I recently had with singer & songwriter, Mickey Coleman.
I’ve been listening to Mickey’s music and closely following his career for about a year now. Found him quite by accident while researching Northern Ireland for a once in a lifetime trip last summer. As travel time drew close, we decided to include one of Mickey’s performances in our itinerary and meet the man behind the music. Long story short, this first question is totally personal and a wee tease directed to Mickey about the venue where we saw him.
Is the Terrace Bar in Omagh always loud, rowdy and packed wall to wall with GAA fans cheering Tyrone on to victory?
“No you really got it on a bad day.”
NOTE: Even with the ear splitting noise and chaos swirling around, Mickey did not disappoint, and….. Tyrone beat Kildare that night to proceed to the GAA 2009 semifinals.
I’ve already introduced Mickey and his music to many who will read this and am very excited to be able to post this interview for you as well. “Here we go…”
You’re born and raised in Ardboe, County Tyrone, N.I. What’s it like there?
“Well I have to say I love where I live, the people are mostly friendly and when it’s not raining the view is fantastic. I live on the western shores of Lough Neagh which is the largest lake in Ireland, generations of my family made a living from this lake where the main industry is Eel exports to Europe.”
When did you realise that writing music and singing had become your life’s work?
“I had an accident a couple of years ago playing Gaelic football when I broke my leg. It’s only then that I started to play fulltime and write on a continuous basis at my songs. I have always had a great love for music and writing but it was only then that I had a chance to start doing what I love for a living.” “Follow your heart.”
You’ve posted a long list of people that influenced you but is there one person that inspires you?
“My Mother.”
What are your feelings on the success of your debut album, Carefully Crafted?
“My feelings are mixed; I think it could have been better. I suppose it was slightly rushed and maybe slightly over produced in the sense that there could have been less going on in it, I think it is a little busy at times. My next album will be more stripped back and will focus more on the lyrical input to the songs. I suppose overall I’m happy I suppose my next challenge is to keep raising the bar.”
You recently spent time with the legendary Christy Moore. What was that like? Did he give you any career advice? Is there anything else from that meeting you’d like to share at this time?
“Meeting Christy was the highlight of my career to date and to actually sit down and discuss songs, how we write them etc… was magic. The man has so much passion for the music. He was a real gentleman and has invited me to play with him on stage the next time he’s up North so I’m really looking forward to that.”
Your new song, Mother’s Lullaby, is causing quite a stir. What was your inspiration for such a sad, heart wrenching story?
“My inspiration for this song came a few days after the attack on Palestine by Israel on 27/12/08 when there was footage beamed around the world of two kids age 4 and 6 standing crying in front of what was left of the family home. Both parents had been killed in the attack. The first thought that entered my mind when I saw these images was that they would have no mother to sing them a lullaby that night when they would go to bed. Most of the time the truth is not told in the media when it comes to war so I thought that I would give my take on it from what I knew of the situation. I know this fact due to growing up in Northern Ireland where the nationalist community suffered greatly at the hands of Britain due to not having a proper outlet in the media. If you search back in the TV archives, you will see that Gerry Adams voice was always over dubbed by an actor’s because he was deemed a terrorist and so called terrorists had no voice at that time. Yet the same man is in government with them today and has free speech. Does that mean they got it wrong in the media? Need I say more!!!!!”
I know that bringing awareness to the growing problem in Ireland of young
people losing their lives to suicide is a cause you passionately support. How did you become involved in the “From the Heart” benefit concert and, will there be another?
“I performed a concert in Derry one night and sang a song “Sunday Morning Calling” from my album, which is about the emotional rollercoaster you go through when you lose someone to this issue. I was approached a few weeks later by a lady who asked me to write a song for an album to raise its awareness in the Derry area. It was a success, the concert sold out over 1,000 people.
There will be another concert 27thFeb 2010 in Letterkenny, County Donegal.”
In your interview with singer, songwriter, local radio host, Malachi Cush http://www.streema.com/radios/Six_FM?f=0 http://www.myspace.com/malachicush on a recent Sunday morning, you said the Old Ardboe Lament is a traditional Irish tune that you adapted for your album. Do you know the origins of this haunting song?
“This song was written by a local bard by the name of John Canavan whom I think passed away in the early 1900’s, roughly 1920 or there about. The song is about emigration and the first line of the song was recited by a man who was leaving Ireland around that time heading for America never to return. In those days the local people would have a leaving party at a crossroads for the people that where emigrating because a lot of them either died on the way there or would never return.”
Do you enjoy performing more in a small pub or a larger venue such as the Millennium Forum?
“I prefer to perform in theatres or somewhere there is a listening audience as most of my songs have a story to tell. When in a noisy bar they kind of get lost in the noise. Any where there is quiet I suppose.”
What are you listening to on your iPod today or what cd is in your player in the car right now?
“You might be surprised at this; Colbie Caillat. www.colbiecaillat.com/ I think she’s great, just discovered her!
I love all types of music. I listen to James Taylor a lot I also love Glen Frey, Don Henley and Bruce Springsteen. On the Irish scene at the moment I like a guy called Declan O’Rourke. www.myspace.com/declanorourke Check him out if you haven’t found him already, he’s amazing. To be honest I’m always on the lookout, I love discovering new music.”
Is there a release date for your new album and will it be available at cdbaby as well as your website?
“To be honest I don’t have a release date. It keeps being put back as I don’t want to rush it and the finance of course. However, I am hoping one of two things: Either I get recognized by a record label or I put up my fee. lol….
I am hoping that it will be complete by the end of February, God willing. I will certainly keep you all posted on that…”
One we all want to know ~~ when can we see you here in the States?
“I’ve been and gone, Diane. Was in Florida for 2 weeks and had a great time. Thanks to Jill Pearson for inviting me as Celtic Thunders street team special guest.”
And finally, what would you most like your American fans to know about you?
“That I love them sincerely and I really appreciate their love for my music. It’s great knowing that people on the other side of the world love my music and songs.”
“Thank you so much.”
Find and follow Mickey at these sites:
http://mickeycoleman.com/index.html
http://www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=156313743038
A Christmas present from Pete Purvis
by JaneW on Dec.04, 2009, under News, Peter Purvis
Pete is offering his cds at 20% off at his website http://www.peterpurvis.com from now until Christmas. These cds make great gifts for all the Celtic Music lovers on your list. Get one for yourself too!








