Macdara returns to Coughlan’s to launch his debut album, Ar Thaobh Chill an Fhuarthainn. He will be joined by the album’s producer, Cormac McCarthy (piano) as well as featuring artists from the album, including Victoria Adiiye (guitar, vocals) and Conor O’Sullivan (guitars) to play music from the album and more!
Macdara Ó Faoláin is a bouzouki player from An Rinn, Co Waterford, renowned for his innovative approach to traditional Irish music. He is currently focused on composing solo bouzouki pieces that seamlessly blend his deep knowledge of harmony with his traditional roots, drawing inspiration from a wide array of genres. As a native Irish speaker, he is also writing new songs in Irish, contributing to both the preservation and evolution of the language through his music.
Macdara performs regularly with collaborators such as Victoria Adiiye and Cormac McCarthy, and frequently accompanies various musicians within the traditional music scene, having developed a distinctive approach to the Irish bouzouki. He is also a member of a trio with Páraic Mac Donnchadha and Pádraic Keane. Their debut album, Beo, a compilation of live recordings from performances across the country, was hailed by the Irish Echo as "one of the best albums of the past few years."
After years of building an impressive discography as an accompanist, Macdara released a solo EP titled Do Shamhlaigh Mé Tír Nua… in May of this year. This was a prelude to his debut album Ar Thaobh Chill an Fhuarthainn, which will be released in January 2025. Both the EP and the album are produced by composer and pianist Cormac McCarthy. Nós praised the EP as "A Beautiful Emotive Journey". Recently named the Young Musician of the Year by TG4, Macdara is solidifying his place as a significant figure in the world of traditional Irish music.