Aoife Scott ‘Homebird’: The Album and Album Launch.
Honestly this blog post has been a long time coming. 100% honesty: trying to put words to how each of these songs makes me feel was difficult to put onto paper. At first, I tried to work this post from an outsider’s point of view and tried to keep my personal attachment to the album itself at bay but, honestly guys, would it be a Niamh music post without my heart being pinned to the wall? I also wanted to do justice to the amazing body of work that Aoife, Andy, Ron and everyone else who gave their voice, musical magic or writing skills to this album! So, without further ado let’s finally dive right into it shall we?
Firstly, if you are not interested in the Irish traditional and folk music scene you may be asking yourself who is Aoife Scott?
She is a trad-folk singer hailing from the superbly talented Black/O’ Reilly/Scott clan. I’m allowed to mention it because Aoife mentions it a lot. Although, I adore each member of the family who is a prominent member of the Irish music scene, Aoife can stand by herself and be assessed by herself as a fantastic artist – as too can the other members of her family. Honestly, we are all jealous of their musical talent but we enjoy seeing them do their thing all the same. If you are living under a rock click here to hear ‘Grace’ performed by Aoife Scott, Roisín Ó and Danny Ó Reilly to catch a glimpse of said talent. But, enough about the powerhouse collective of the Black/Scott/O’ Reilly family, this post is about Aoife.
‘Homebird’ is the second album from Aoife Scott. Her debut album ‘Carry the Day” came out in 2016. It got to number 1 on the Irish Album charts and her debut single off the album ‘All Along The Wild Atlantic Way’ also scored her a no. 1 on the Irish singles chart. She has won awards including Best Folk Singer and Best Folk song at the An Post awards. She has toured a number of countries including Ireland, the UK, America and India. Her many television appearances including RTE’s Late Late Show and TG4. But today we are here to discuss her greatly anticipated second album Homebird which came out on January 24th!
‘Homebird’
I wanted to start this section off with the words I used in an Instagram post the week of release:
“On Friday 24th of January this album ‘Homebird’ is released into the world. A handful of lucky people who believed in @aoifescottmusic & bought it in advance, have had it for a number of weeks now and when I say I have listened to it every single day since I received it; I really have! I truly adore this album and cannot wait for everyone to hear it.”
My personal favourites are ‘Homebird’, ‘Irish Born’ and ‘Do Mhuirnín Ó’. The ones I have a new found grá (love) for since the album launch are ‘Another Reason’ and ‘Tangled’; the reasons for this will be below.
Firstly let’s look at the booklet. Within the booklet that accompanied the album Aoife has listed a lot of thanks to everyone who helped towards the completion of this album. There are two pages dedicated to everyone who helped via FundIt and, honestly, I have to smile at the fact it will probably be the only time my name ever appears in an album book; which is my favourite part of unwrapping an album – the booklet itself. The artwork ties in nicely with visual representations of what appears within the songs on the album itself. Lastly, there are two pages dedicated to the songs themselves. Upon your second listen of the album, I’d suggest having these pages open. Aoife sums up the inspiration or story behind each of the songs in a short few sentences. One thing missing that I love about some booklets is the lyrics of the songs which Aoife doesn’t include but I can confirm after listening through the album a few times, you’ll have picked up the chorus of many of the songs. The verses may take a bit of time but after three months I know all of the words to all of the songs except Do Mhuirnín Ó which I’d love the words to.
Looking at the album as a whole, it is rich in story telling songs that will not only let you get lost in the magic of each song, some will make you think about extreme issues within Irish Politics! Also kudos for picking a F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S cover photo.
Another Reason: Written by Aoife Scott and Andy Meaney. Aoife states that the song was written for their beautiful niece Kitty. In terms of listening to this one via the album, I dare you to try keep a smile from appearing on you face! It is such a lovely, happy song and Kitty is a very lucky little lady for having her own song. During the Album Launch, Aoife and her band were joined by her brother Eoghan, aunt Mary, and her cousins Danny and Roisín. I did tear up hearing this one live, it is such a hopeful, happy song.
Ireland’s Hour of Need: Written by Barry Kerr. Aoife states it’s a powerful song reflecting Ireland’s current political climate. For me this song always reminds me of my friend, Aoife N, who keeps us all on our toes about Ireland’s political happenings. This song should be the anthem of Ireland in recent years and what we face coming into a new decade. Our generation is good at standing up for what they believe in but we are far from where the country should be, in my opinion.
Homebird: Written by Aoife Scott and Enda Reilly. Aoife dedicates this one to their house in Co. Kildare with the yellow doors. That’s what is important you know? Homebird is an irish term meaning you always want to return home or you are most comfortable at home. My advice when listening to this one: get lost in the gentleness of the verses and the soothing chorus, it’s just like being welcomed home after a long trip away. As stated above it is one of my favourites and a crowd favourite too it seems.
Tangled: Written by Aoife Scott and Andrew Meaney. This song appeared after a time of no new songs at all. Aoife worked on herself, her sadness and grief after finishing a book which led to this song being written. A tear jerker for anyone who may have suffered with many sad days or depression in recent times. Listen to this one with your eyes closed to help go on a self-reflective journey during this song if needed. It is a powerhouse of a song live. I’d go to gigs just to hear this one being performed.
Irish Born: Written by Andrew Meaney. This one is written about all of the people who left Irish over the years for the U.S.A and how they never forgot where they came from. This one is by far my favourite out of all the songs on the album. I told Andy how much I adore it and how many times I listen to it, now dear readers it is your turn. This song is remarkable and so incredibly catchy! You are going to be humming it after your first listen. It is also my favourite one live because, no matter how powerful it is on the recording, you cannot capture its full potential until you hear it in person!
Building up and Tearing England Down: Written by Dominic Behan. This is Aoife’s favourite song to sing at a session and, at the album launch, it was one of the songs to get the best reaction. Do we enjoy an old song that involves emigration to England with no hope of returning? Of course we do. It is part of our heritage! Enjoy this blast from the past.
Do Mhuirín Ó: Written by Enda Reilly and Aisling Kavanagh. Aoife describes this one as a song of modern love by her friends Enda and Aisling. Another of my favourites and the one song at the album launch I recorded the entire performance. Did anyone catch me diving onto the floor to be able to capture that stunning performance before the camera guys took my spot? No? Well my knee still isn’t too happy. This one is stunningly beautiful. If you are familiar with the Irish language enjoy catching a few words here and there. Anyone not familiar with it will just get lost in the beauty of an Irish song.
Dublin Saunter: Written by Leo Maguire. Aoife opens up with this song saying that her granny Scott wasn’t known for singing but this is the one song she used to sing to her. Honestly, after hearing this one I saw a side of Dublin I wouldn’t have thought of in a million years. It reminds you that in this busy age to slow down and take in the smaller and simpler things in life. This one is my parents and grandparents favourite one hands down just because they love Aoife’s version of it.
Fuel I Need: Written by Aoife Scott and Andrew Meaney. Aoife dedicates this song to anyone who has had to deal with and struggled with their oppressors. I enjoyed the story behind this one when Aoife described it live. I won’t spoil the story because it isn’t mine to tell but listen out for it! As for my thoughts on the song, it is a powerhouse especially the chorus.
The Night Visiting Song: Trad arranged by Aoife Scott and Andrew Meaney. They performed this for the first time at Liberty Hall for a Luke Kelly anniversary concert. Aoife’s tone of voice is complemented by this arrangement of music perfectly!
The Sea: Written by Briege Murphy. This was the first song Aoife ever performed live on stage and the first song she ever learnt. This one is all about the story within the song so listen closely. The tale is one many people on the coast of Ireland would have been used to many years ago and even will affect some people now.
The Album Launch
The album launch was part of Tradfest, Dublin 2020 and took place in the Button Factory;I am embarrassed to admit it was my first time there. One sentence sums up my experience: The high ceilings and the sound were just everything; I adored it! Hoping to get here a lot more in 2020 with a number of gigs already announced for this venue.
Doors opened at eight and for once in my life I ended up arriving after doors. I originally thought Muireann was going to be on after 8:15 but, by the time I arrived at the venue at 8.10 and she was already singing on stage. Honestly, I really hope I only missed a song and not too much more. Muireann Mc Donnell is an up and coming 14 year old singer. She did a fantastic job opening up the night of music. She had the entire room entranced in her performance with many people wondering who she was as soon as they joined us in the room. I hope to see her sometime in the near future as her voice is truly something else. For someone so young, it is fantastic to see such talent truly blooming. Her debut single ‘She Got Him’ is out March 13th. She can be found on instagram: @muireann.mc.donnell
Up next was Jane Willow whose music I was introduced to at Tradfest last year during Aoife Scott’s Secret Circle. Around two songs into her set Jane apologizes for not performing her best because she was currently battling illness, this left many of us in the room thinking ‘if this is her on a bad day what can she do on a good day?’ Jane’s performance was breathtaking and she had complete silence for the duration she was on stage as we all got lost in the music. My favourite of course was ‘ On My Mind’ and I finally got my hands on a physical copy of her EP for €5 on the night as well. Her spotify can be found here and I am only slightly biased when I suggest that you start with my favourite. Anyone who enjoyed Jane’s set or would like to check out her performance themselves can get tickets here for her gig in The Cobblestones, Dublin on February 29th.
How do you start off your very own introduction at your launch party? Obviously with a bang and a lovely introduction by a surprise guest. This guest came in the form of the fantastic Muireann O’ Connell! Now ladies and gentlemen, it is no secret that I love Muireann O’ Connell to bits! She’s one of my Women Crushes, so when you hear her giving glowing reviews to Aoife and the album, you know that your own ravings about ‘Homebird’ aren’t going to be lost on others. See, if Muireann loves the album I think my entire post about this AMAZING album has been justified by a great second person’s opinion. I had to include a picture of Muireann doing her thing as the lads who make up the band with Aoife waited patiently for the leading lady herself.
Now onto the main artist Aoife Scott! By the end of the first song one thing hit me like a tonne of bricks that hadn’t before. Here we all were (the fans) in a room to support and celebrate Aoife from many different corners of Ireland and the world!I don’t know if it was down to the magic of the performance or just down to Aoife herself but, I talked to people from at least five different countries who were specifically over for Tradfest. It is a credit to Aoife and the rest of the Folk and Traditional artists from Ireland that has kept this genre of music very much alive! Why do I highlight this? In at least the past five years, I have never had this thought at a music event!
One compliment for Aoife I have is that, she made sure the Album Launch atmosphere in the room was,one where she couldn’t wait to share with friends what she created. Between each song a conversation ensued with stories, some happy, some sad; a number of comments being through up from the audience and a massive singalong encouraged. Aoife was joined on stage by her talented band of musicians: her right hand man Andy Meaney (credited on the album as Andrew Meaney), Ron Block, Cormac De Barra and Cathal O Currain.
I could spend the day going into great detail about each and every song on the setlist but, I am only going to mention a few that stood out or, has a funny story behind it! To the song that should be the National Anthem for activism in this country ‘Ireland’s Hour of Need’: the power behind this one is what you need to watch out for not only the vocals but, the power of the music behind it. The song who’s story struck a deep chord with me ‘Tangled,’ will strike a chord like with anyone who struggles with thoughts inside their heads. The one that caused a singalong and trip down memory lane is ‘Dublin Saunter’; I adore Aoife’s take on this golden oldie. Another one to watch out for is the song that caused a massive bruise on my kneecap which is finally healing; ‘Do Mhuirín Ó’. It is breakingly beautiful and you could have heard a pin drop in the audience while this song was being performed.
When it’s a celebration gig you know there has to be a few surprises up the artist’s sleeve! For Aoife this was in the form of getting her talented family members to join her on stage for a few songs. Two of the surprises included the most special song on the album, in my opinion, and surprisingly enough one of my favourite songs on the album! As stated above in the breakdown of each song on the album; Aoife’s brother Eoghan, her aunt Mary and her cousins Danny and Roisin joined her on stage to perform ‘Another Reason’. All I can stay is this performance was incredibly special. Anyone who wasn’t there, who is a fan of Aoife and would like to see it, message me and I shall send you a clip. As I have said before it is such a happy and hopeful song; it made me tear up massively! As for my favourite song live ‘Irish Born,’ I need to explain that since hearing it on the album in November, I have had such a vision of it being incredibly powerful live. Nothing prepared me for it live though! You need to see it to truly grasp my feelings on it because I still can’t put it into words. One final treat saw Aoife, Danny and Roisin performing ‘Grace’, I have never been in the audience when all three of these fantastic singers have sung it together live; so this was the icing on the cake for me.
Lastly it wouldn’t be an Aoife Scott gig without ‘All Along the Wild Atlantic Way’. After an hour and forty five minutes of a set, at least, the night was coming to an end. Honestly readers, at that moment I didn’t want the night to end and aren’t they the best music nights? Before heading off into the night there was enough time to chat to Jane, Aoife and Andy. Being able to voice my thoughts on some of the songs to the artist’s themselves was brilliant but I feel this album really needs to be heard by everyone at least once.
Since the Album Launch on Wednesday 22nd of January, Aoife has appeared on the Late Late Show where she performed ‘Dublin Saunter’. It was during watching this performance my grandad was happy to report he actually knew this song; it is one of his favourites and that Aoife did a beautiful job of singing it right! Tradfest continued with Aoife Scott’s Secret Circle, she then jetted off to Scotland before conquering India. Aoife will be back in Ireland for her first run of Irish dates starting in Galway to a sold-out audience on Friday 14th February. Honestly, Aoife Scott is one artist you do not want to miss out on seeing in 2020. I hope to get to at least one more gig of the Homebird Tour between this week and the end of June. How to end this blog post? Simple.
If you truly don’t believe my views on the wonderfully talented Aoife Scott, I urge you to stream her album here or check her out on tour over the next few months.
Ireland:
| Date | Where? |
| Friday 14th February | The Black Gate, Galway (SOLD OUT) |
| Saturday 15th February | The Black Gate, Galway |
| Thursday 20th February | Dolans Warehouse, Limerick City |
| Friday 21st February | The Old Courthouse, Lifford, co. Donegal |
| Saturday 22nd February | The Séámus Ennis Arts Cetre and Café, Naul, Fingal, co. Dublin (SOLD OUT) |
| Saturday 9th May | GLÓR, Ennis, co. Limerick |
| Sunday 10th May | Levi’s Bar, Ballydehob, co. Cork |
| Thursday 14th May | De Barra’s, Clonakilty, co. Cork |
| Saturday 16th May | The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, co. Leitrim |
| Saturday 23rd May | Féile NASC Folk and Tradition Music Festival, Dublin |
| Friday 5th June | Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, co. Cork |
France:
| Date | Where |
| Wednesday 26th February | Brittany Winter School, Arzon, France |
| Thursday 27th February | Brittany Winter School, Arzon, France |
| Friday 28th February | Brittany Winter School, Arzon, France |
| Saturday 29th February | Brittany Winter School, Arzon, France |
America:
| Date | Where? |
| Wednesday 11th March | Scottish American Society of Dunedin, Dunedin, Florida |
| Friday 13th March | Music City Irish Festival, Nashville, Tennessee |
| Saturday 14th March | Music City Irish Festival, Nashville, Tennessee |
| Sunday 15th March | Music City Irish Festival, Nashville, Tennessee |
| Thursday 19th March | People’s Bank Theatre, Marietta, Ohio |
| Saturday 21st March | Howmet Playhouse. Whitehall, Michigan |
| Sunday 22nd March | Unitarian Universalist Church, Flint, Michigan |
| Wednesday 25th March | Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, Illinois |
| Friday 27th March | Bishop Hill Creative Commons, Bishop Hill, Illinois |
| Sunday 29th March | Natalie’s Coalfired Pizza and Live Music, Columbus, Ohio |
| Wednesday 1st April | Lake Country House Concerts, Hartland, Wisconsin |
| Thursday 2nd April | Sly Don House Concerts, Madison, Wisconsin |
| Friday 3rd April | Celtic Junction Arts Center, Saint Paul, Minnesota |
| Saturday 4th April | Irish Cultural & Heritage Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Tuesday 7th April | Harlow’s Restaurant & Nightclub, Sacramento, California |
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