Folk Bands and Artists
Black Bank Folk
Black Bank Folk have proved a compelling new addition to the Irish music scene since their emergence early in 2016. Their Debut album Rising was critically acclaimed and earned the act notoriety both for the style of their music and the accomplishment of their storytelling. Founding members John Colbert and James Sheeran created a body of work that swept listeners through lesser known stories of the 1916 rising in Dublin, investigating differing historical perspectives and tapping into the heightened emotions that emerge in times of crisis. The album weaved a narrative that invited us to step into the shoes of the people involved whether they are Revolutionary leaders, British soldiers, women involved in the fight or the everyday people in a city under fire.
Musically, Black Bank Folk´s compositions echo the varying emotions tapped into in the songs. The songs are vibrant and powerful while retaining a tenderness and vulnerability necessary to truly reflect the stories. Influences can be heard from Americana, country and Indie music while the storytelling nature of the songs is unmistakably folk. These different sounds are knitted together in a uniquely Irish way, traditional instruments (uilleann pipes, fiddle , bazooka, mandolin whistles etc.) root the in a new Irish tradition and give the sound a home. The collaboration between the songwriting duo of Colbert and Sheeran with some of the country’s best trad musicians has forged Black Bank Folk into a progressive force. Since their emotive sell out debut in Liberty Hall last year the band have played in some of Irelands best loved venues; Vicar Street, The Helix, Electric Picnic and have developed a powerful live energy that bring the songs to life.
