Sinead Ann
German-Irish singer songwriter Sinéad Ann evokes wistful, mystical music influenced by the misty landscapes of Ireland. Sinéad Ann’s music casts light upon the shadows through juxtaposing, ethereal melodies. She was awarded the Irish Youth Music Awards BIMM Bursary in 2017 and then went on to study a BA in Commercial Modern Music in BIMM Institute Dublin, graduating in 2021.
Sinéad Ann released her debut single Lemonzest in October 2022 which saw her land coverage with Dublin South FM, WLR FM, HotPress, RTE Entertainment and many more making her an artist to watch. An invitation to perform at Celtic Connections in January 2023 followed. In May, she collaborated with folk artist Reylta for a double headliner in An Taibhdhearc, Galway and Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin. More shows are to be announced for autumn and winter. Sinéad Ann performs as a solo artist or accompanied by her ensemble including Irish bouzouki, harp and more.
Sinéad Ann’s new single is due for release on September 13th 2023 and she is certainly one to watch with her impressive, remarkable, luscious, distinctive vocals that stand out from the crowd. Her music is full of colour and she is bound to make a name for herself in the music industry.
Sinéad Ann returns with her new release, Four Walls, an unapologetically rebellious piece that dabbles in indie rock and alternative folk. The German-Irish singer-songwriter depicts the clash between mortality and spirit, plagued with fear, isolation, and the shadow self. Illuminated with nightmarish visions, the singer’s mind is riddled with obsessive images of bloody revenge, only to awaken scarred by her own hands and overwhelmed with guilt. Finding no solace in confession, Sinéad looks inwards for the strength to reclaim her power and shed the layers that haunt her. Rubato, wistful strings, and upbeat percussion ebb and flow through the tumultuous journey of self-discovery. As the singer embodies her highest self, the song incorporates electric guitar and the tolling of church bells, breaking the shackles of shame that come with vulnerability. Conquering her demons and arising from darkness, Four Walls is a story of enlightenment and triumph.
We The Drowned - Lisa Hannigan
I believe We the Drowned is one of Lisa’s most powerful songs. Musically and lyrically this song sums up our fear of the human experience and fighting against ourselves. I have always looked up to Lisa, she moves me like no other artist. Her poetry-like lyrics full of lovely Irish idioms are definitely something I inherited from listening to her music.
If You Want Me - Marketa Irglova & Glen Hansard
‘If you want me’ is like a lullaby to me. The vulnerability in Marketa’s vocals, the phrasing and the melody is so hypnotising. This song is my party piece. It’s one of those songs I wish I wrote. I think the passion in my voice stems from listening to music like this.
Remember - Misty Miller
I found many many indie artists through the Burberry Sessions and Watch Listen Tell on Youtube. I was in my early teens and came across this 16 year old singer songwriter, with a cool faded video filter, casually singing in her local park. I thought this was the COOLEST thing ever. I was so inspired to start writing my own songs. I believe most of my friends from my teens associate this song with me. I sang it at any opportunity.
Linger - The Cranberries
I love all their songs but this song in particular gives me butterflies and goosebumps. It sounds like the crisp evening air of august. Simply dreamy. I always sang this song while busking and it holds a special place in my heart. Definitely they had a huge impact on my music, the rhythmic, dreamy and atmospheric elements. Everything about Dolores inspired me.
Put Your Arms around me - Jens Lekman
I came across this song while watching the movie “whip it” on a rental DVD with my estate best friend. We’d obsessively rewind to the section where this song played and typed the lyrics into google until we finally found it. There was no shazam then haha. The quirkiness of the lyrics and the arrangement was elucidating. This song was the birth of my indie music phase. I’ve always wanted to learn the harp but never did but I’m so grateful to have met harpist Eva Greisbach who accompanies me on stage.
Irgendwie, Irgendwo , Iregendwann - Nena
Pure 80s levitation. The hairs on my arms rise to the high heavens. My godparents came to visit Ireland every summer throughout my childhood. In the rental car we would be listening to the mix tapes they brought. From the back seat I’d beg them to play it again “Nochmal das Mädchen,Nochmal das Mädchen!” (The girl again, the girl again!). A cigarette in hand, over evening chatters round the kitchen table of their apartment, they always remind me of that core memory. Definitely the alternative and more upbeat side of music is very much influenced by Nena’s dramatic and super catchy music.
Emmy Lou - First Aid Kit
My Mam loves when I sang this song. A friend from my Youth Orchestra introduced me to First Aid Kit and immediately I was hooked. I love singing their songs with my dear friend the extremely gifted Aoibheann. My early compositions were heavily influenced by First Aid Kit. Even now vocal harmony is the most important and prominent feature of my music.
Fearless - Taylor Swift
Discovering ‘Fearless’ was my revelation. I knew I wanted to be a songwriter from that day on. There’s such a comforting quality to Taylor’s songs. I’m grateful to have grown up listening to Taylor and watch her grow and develop as an artist. She is truly inspirational. Listening to her made me truly believe a career in music was absolutely possible. I admire her passion, creativity, diligence and honesty.
It’s all good - Sinead O’Connor & Damien Dempsey
I adore this song. These songwriters have such a way with words, their outlook on life is a truly inspiring theme throughout their music. Both artists deeply influenced the Irish tone/quality to my music. Along with Dolores O'Riordan, Damien and Sinéad definitely influenced my enunciation. Listening to them sing as they would speak, makes a song a conversation.
Mountain Song - Anna Mieke
I find this ethereal song to be particularly well written. It takes you on a journey. The tonality and the unexpected tempo change is so interesting. Her music certainly encouraged me to experiment more in my songwriting.
