Behind the music - Pauline Scanlon

This autumn, a collective of esteemed Irish traditional and folk musicians will embark on a nationwide tour, bringing a rich tapestry of songs and instrumental pieces to venues across Ireland. Central to this ensemble is Pauline Scanlon, who recently earned the prestigious TG4 Gradam Ceoil Amhránaí na Bliana (Singer of the Year) award, affirming her status as a leading voice in contemporary Irish traditional music.

Scanlon’s career is distinguished by collaborations with notable artists such as Damien Dempsey and Sinéad O’Connor, alongside her work with the ensemble LUMIERE. She is also a founding member of the group FairPlé and has contributed as a presenter for music programs on TG4 and the BBC, evidencing her multifaceted engagement with Irish music culture.

Joining Scanlon on this tour are Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Tom Morrow, and John Doyle—each a respected figure in their respective fields. Muireann, known for her vocal and flute talents, previously led the band Danú. Tom Morrow, a fiddle and viola player, has been associated with the band Dervish since 1998. Meanwhile, John Doyle contributes guitar and vocals, being a founding member of Solas and a frequent presence in the Transatlantic Sessions series.

The tour, scheduled from 16 September to 3 October, will cover a variety of locations in Ireland, presenting performances that celebrate the depth and vitality of Irish traditional music. Ticket prices range from €10 to €27, making the concerts accessible while supporting the preservation and promotion of this musical heritage.

Beyond her musical endeavors, Scanlon recently completed a Social Science degree at the University of Galway as a mature student. Her academic research focused on traditional songs that address themes of gender-based violence, an inquiry that has informed her artistic perspective and deepened her understanding of the cultural context surrounding the repertoire she performs.

Scanlon’s personal narrative also includes an unusual sensitivity to certain auditory stimuli, a condition known as misophonia. This contrast between her sensitivity to sound and her profession as a singer offers a compelling dimension to her artistic identity. Additionally, her connection to West Kerry remains a vital influence, reflecting a strong bond with her local community and heritage.

Her musical influences and tastes are wide-ranging, spanning traditional singers like Eithne Ní Uallacháin to contemporary artists such as Sinéad O’Connor. Scanlon’s reflections reveal an evolving artistic voice that absorbs both local traditions and a broader global sensibility. She embraces the complexity of music’s role in expressing human experience across time, often drawing inspiration from close-knit musical communities.

The formative experiences of her youth include attending a concert by Hothouse Flowers in Dingle in 1988, a memory that stands out for its youthful excitement and lasting impact. Early musical preferences also encompassed mainstream pop, as indicated by her first record purchase, Madonna’s "True Blue," illustrating the diverse sonic landscape that shaped her development.

While Scanlon does not adhere to fixed musical favorites, she acknowledges a particular attachment to Iarla Ó Lionáird’s rendition of "O’Carolan’s Eleanor Plunkett" and the emotional resonance of Joni Mitchell’s "A Case of You." These selections underscore the blend of tradition and contemporary songwriting that informs her artistic sensibility.

Details about the tour’s dates, venues, and ticketing are available publicly, offering audiences the opportunity to engage with some of Ireland’s most respected traditional musicians. This initiative not only showcases individual artistry but also reinforces the vibrancy and relevance of Irish traditional music in today’s cultural landscape.

As Scanlon and her fellow musicians traverse the country, their performances promise to highlight the enduring power of traditional songs and tunes, fostering a renewed appreciation for Ireland’s musical heritage among diverse audiences.