Shimmer Boy is the indie-folk project of Cork songwriter Aaron O’Sullivan, crafting emotionally honest songs that blend cinematic folk with alternative rock influences. Following the release of his debut album In The Aftermath, We Bloom, Shimmer Boy has continued to build momentum with “Hideaway” earning RTÉ 2FM Track of the Week and Radio Recommended recognition. His single “Under The Surface” was also featured in the UK television series Made in Chelsea, introducing his music to a wider international audience.
On the live front, Shimmer Boy recently sold out his headline show at Coughlan’s in Cork and has shared stages with artists including Dave Lofts, Oscar Blue and Robert Grace, establishing himself as one of Ireland’s most exciting emerging singer-songwriters.
Hailing from Clonakilty, Cork, Andrew Whelton is a folk/indie singer songwriter, releasing his debut single “What If Things Were Different” in September 2024. Andrew’s influences and balance of indie, pop and folk music have contributed to a unique and delicate sound.
Although early in his music career, Andrew has played as a support act for other established artists in iconic venues such as DeBarras Folk Club in Cork and Dolans in Limerick, with names such as Alfie Hudson-Taylor and Mick Flannery. Andrew’s delicate finger picking and interpretation of modern pop through the lens of classic folk is a welcome addition to the burgeoning music industry.
Andrew will be releasing his 4th single “Highway 3” during the festival, 1 year after the success of his debut single which was also released during the festival.
Finally Andrew will be preforming alongside his new band “Intricate”, alongside James Carey and Rian McCarthy, and will be performing some of their unreleased band tracks!
Bill Shanley is an internationally renowned guitarist and producer,
working with esteemed artists such as Ray Davies, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Mary Black and Sinead O’Connor.
Dublin based, Bill is one of Irelands top session and touring guitar players and producers. Bill has established himself internationally too, through touring and contributing to albums with Ray Davies, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Paul Brady, Mary Black, Roy Harper, Alexandra Burke, Sinead O’Connor, Judy Collins, Jackson Browne to name a few.
Being an accompanist has always been of key interest to Bill, enjoying the great scope and limitless backdrop you can create as a player for the artist you’re working with. This skill was commented on in the Financial Times review of a Ray Davies show a the Royal Albert Hall…
“Is there a finer sideman around?
It’s unlikely.” – Financial Times Review, Royal Albert Hall
Solo Work – Midnight Mission
Midnight Mission is the title of Bill Shanley’s second solo album. Original recordings inspired by the excitement and melodies of early electric guitar music. The album draws on Bill’s world class guitar playing and ability to write great, timeless melodies and features special guests Ray Davies and Paul Brady. Midnight Mission is Bill’s second solo release preceded by Fingerpainting.
‘Hailing from Kilkenny, Leitrim and Cork, Smithereens is the fabrication of a long burning desire to share art with dear friends and to make them dance their little arses off. With their unique blend of jazz, funk and grunge, this is an artistic ambition that regularly comes to fruition. Emotive songwriting paired with some not-too-shabby musicianship proves to work wonders both in the studio and at live shows, where the 4 lads seem to enjoy themselves even more than the audience.
Sold out gigs in the Kino (250 cap), as well as support slots for international big hitters such as High Fade and the success of their first Irish tour show that Smithereens have an innate hunger for gigging and making music. Smithereens have been described as ‘high energy, fun, and one of a kind. Listen to their new single, Ocean Floor, out right now!’
Michael returns with 10 captivating newtracks that mark a clear evolution in his sound and solidify his place as one of the standout songwriting talents of his generation.
Including ‘Evelyn, ’ a breakout track that went viral earlier this year, racking up over 100k streams and inspiring widespread covers online. Thin White Road is rich in storytelling, drawing inspiration from literary voices like Laurie Lee, Hunter S. Thompson, and T.S. Eliot.
While honouring Michael’s classic fingerpicking style and impressive vocal range, this album expands sonically with full band arrangements, lush vocal harmonies, saxophone, and strings.
Think Laura Marling meets Leonard Cohen, a hint of Fleet Foxes, often with the raw energy of Crazy Horse. Michael made a strong debut with
Highfield Suite (2021), a bedroom lockdown project produced by renowned guitarist Bill Shanley that earned critical acclaim.
PRAISE:
“I love it! What an unexpected gem!” – Paul Brady
“I’d place Michael squarely with the likes of Leonard Cohen, John Hiatt and Ron Sexsmith. He’s that good!” – Doug Cox, Vancouver Island Music Festival
“His joy-filled performance was so irresistible, he had everyone singing along with him.” – Lisa Schwartz, Cambridge Folk Festival
“Michael is one of the most accomplished and exciting singer-songwriters that I have worked with in recent years. With the success and reactions he achieved with this album it is obvious that he is an emerging Scottish artist of huge merit.- Bill Shanley (Musician, Ray Davies, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Sinead O’Connor)
Meadhbh Hayes, Limerick’s adopted Cork native, has an enchanting voice and is a skilled guitar and fiddle player.
Hayes’ performances are intimate and soulful, deeply rooted in folk and Irish trad but with a contemporary feel. She grew up listening to and singing a lot of Irish Folk songs as well as American Folk songs. And with Séamus Creagh being her first fiddle teacher, she has a huge grá for Sliabh Luachra tunes.
Meadhbh released her first original single GÁIRE on streaming platforms in October 2024, which was produced by Limerick musician and composer Paddy Mulcahy. The song explores themes of grief and loss, fueled by the passing of Meadhbh’s mother from a terminal illness in 2020. Contrasting these themes are her gratefulness for her life in Limerick City where she currently resides.
Over the past few months, Meadhbh has performed as an opening act for John Blek, John Murry, Rua Rí, Cormac O’Caoimh, The Whistlin’ Donkeys and The Atlanders. She has also performed at festivals like Hidden Hearth and The Cork Folk Fest (“Gals At Play” concert curated by Mary Greene from Greenshine).
Meadhbh recently finished a Master of Arts in Music Composition and Creative Music Practice in the Irish World Academy in UL, in which she received a first class honours result. Meadhbh is in the process of recording her debut EP with Shane Wixted & Paddy Mulcahy (production), Seán O’Meara (guitar, banjo, vocals), Cein Daly (bass), Conor Broderick (keys), Shay Sweeney and Ben Wanders (drums).
“Those Empty Vessels are a traditionally inspired folk band based in Galway City, with a keen interest in finding old forgotten gems from every generation of Irish folk music and resurrecting them with their own distinct style.
They consist of Clonakilty’s own Donal Tupier on guitar and vocals, a Leitrim expat known as Benny Bohan on Bodhrán and vocals, and Liam Donnely from Clare Galway keeping all in check with his mandolin. “
Nigel Wearne saunters after dark in the music of the night, blending blues, jazz and Americana-noir. Hailing from Gunditjmara country in the deep south of Australia, he’s a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist with diverse influences such as Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Rickie Lee Jones. Nigel has played some of the world’s most prestigious music festivals, including Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (USA), MerleFest (USA), Cambridge Folk Festival (UK), Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (USA), Adelaide Guitar Festival (Australia) and the Philadelphia Folk Festival (USA).
His sophomore album, ‘Black Crow’ garnered wide critical acclaim including a 4-STAR review in Rolling Stone, a nomination for Best Country Album at the Music Victoria Awards and it debuted at #1 on Australia’s AMRAP Charts. His 2023 offering ‘The Reckoning’ received back-to-back nominations for Best Blues Work at the 2023 & 2024 Music Victoria Awards and a 4-STAR review in The Australian. Nigel’s new album, ‘The Lone Reckoning’ marks a return to his roots as a folk songwriter. A raw, emotive, stripped back rendition of his full band album ‘The Reckoning’.
A deep thinker and truth seeker with a penchant for all things peculiar, he sings of human frailty, grace and the cosmos; songwriting that cuts to the bone. “Tailor made for fans of Tom Waits… with fire and brimstone lyrics that recall Nick Cave” – Rhythms Magazine. “Poignant and mysterious” – Maverick Magazine UK. “Vocal swagger of Van Morrison and dark spirituality and intelligence of Nick Cave” 4 STARS – The Australian.