Spotlight on Tir Eolas

Our interview this month is with eclectic alternative-folk group Tir Eolas ahead of their album launch concert in CMF’s Rhyme & Reason concert series on Wednesday 11th February.

What has been a performance highlight in your career so far? 

I’d have to say either playing at the Albert Hall for the Tri Borough Primary Prom – entering the hall with 5,000 children screaming with excitement at us was pretty crazy! Or featuring on BBC radio 3’s In Tune programme earlier on in January. It was so nerve wracking playing live on national radio but also so fun!

Your debut album Stories Sung, Truths Told, is being released on the 11^th February– why is now the time to release the album?

We recorded the album last summer & have been so keen to share it with everyone as soon as we possibly could. It’s the culmination of about 3 years worth of playing,writing & collaborating & we can’t wait for you to hear it!

Other than the album release, what is coming up in the diary that you are most looking forward to?

We’ve got some great gigs coming up including the Union Chapel on 21st Feb and then the Forge in Camden on the 8th April. We’re also performing at the Globe in a series curated by world renowned guitarist, John Williams! It’s in the Sam Wanamaker room on the 14th June. We’re so looking forward to playing in such a special venue & to play alongside an artist such as John Williams is such an honour.

Do you have a favourite performer? What type of concerts/gigs do you regularly attend?

Well we all have different music we listen to individually. A real mixed bag including Laura Marling, Bon Iver, The Staves, Kate Rusby, Steeleye Span, Fairport Convention, Bob Dylan, Ron Sexsmith, Leonard Cohen …

Do you compose your own music and if so, how do you approach this?

Yes we perform a mixture of our own songs and covers of traditional pieces. Laura & Ruairi have written most of the album & Pip has written a set of tunes which are also on there. Usually they bring the song to the group & we will collaborate to write parts for the individual instruments.

How did you find out about CMF and why did you decide to apply? 

We heard about it through the Royal College of Music who very kindly put us forward for it. We knew we would really value the support & guidance that CMF were offering & it’s been brilliant!

What are your hopes for the future?

To keep making music & see where this leads us! Hopefully another album, more exciting gig opportunities & maybe a tour or two!

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Their album Stories Sung, Truths Told is available to pre-order now. Click here for more information