• Same Story, Different Tune: Mná na hÉireann’s Place in the Global Music Scene

    March 6, 2018 - By 

    In 1989, American audiences were formally introduced to Sinead O’ Connor. To the opening chords of ‘Mandinka’ the 21-year-old from Glenageary strode confidently across the gaping stage of the 31st Annual Grammy Awards; completely alone, briefly wiping her hand across her mouth and gazing out into the darkened crowd, unfazed. Torn jeans and Dr. Martens, she cut a striking image of unconventional female beauty, strength and unmatched musicianship. Sidestepping and shuffling unperturbed across the stage and ultimately the threshold of global success, O’ Connor at this time appeared to bookmark the redefinition of what it meant to be an Irish…

  • “It’s a Different World For Women…” Women on Wednesdays at Whelan’s

    August 9, 2017 - By 

    “It’s a different world for women,” says Eve Belle, a singer-songwriter from Donegal before her appearance at the inaugural event Women on Wednesdays in Whelan’s back in July. As one of many female-driven initiatives in Dublin, Women on Wednesdays is unique in that it is one born of the powerful force that is global female solidarity. The motivation is to bring female artistry to the fore, with artists offering their time and talent in order to raise funds for Aidlink’s girls’ rights and education projects in rural Kenya. Alongside Eve Belle (above) stood soul artist NC Grey, comedian Eve Darcy, spoken…