Music At Maddens Podcast #006 - Fiddles, Family & Finding Your Voice with Sinéad McKenna
Welcome to a new episode of Music At Maddens Podcast with me, Lynette Fay.This week we welcome Sinéad McKenna to the podcast.Nestled in the rolling hills of the Clogher Valley, where County Tyrone meets Monaghan, a most unusual musical incubator took shape - a converted chapel where the McKenna family raised seven children, each one a musician. Fiddle player, singer and composer Sinead McKenna takes us on a captivating journey through this extraordinary upbringing, where tunes and songs were as natural as breathing.From first picking up the fiddle under her parents' gentle encouragement to playing at festivals and sessions across Ireland, Sinead reveals how deeply the musical traditions of her borderland home have shaped her artistic voice. The conversation weaves through cherished memories of learning from older musicians who carried tunes learned by ear from radio broadcasts, and how these experiences instilled in her a profound respect for the stories behind the music.The path from family sessions to acclaimed performer wasn't without challenges. Moving to Belfast meant stepping out from behind the protective circle of her brothers at sessions, finding her own voice as both musician and performer. The pandemic period became unexpectedly transformative, rekindling Sinead's appreciation for musical community and spurring her creative development through projects like the Duncairn Collective.With disarming honesty, Sinead shares the vulnerability she felt while creating her debut album, describing herself as "such a bluffer" navigating the unfamiliar territories of promotion and business. This authenticity extends to her evolving stage presence, where initial nervousness has blossomed into confident storytelling and connection.As Sinead prepares for international performances in France and Japan, her story reminds us that tradition isn't merely preserved - it's constantly renewed through the authentic voices of those who carry it forward. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with Ireland's finest traditional musicians and discover the living heritage that continues to inspire new generations.New episodes every Monday.Maddens BarInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddensbarbelfast_home_of_trad/Ri-RaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ri.ra.beer/Website: www.ri-ra.beerMcIlroy GuitarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcilroyguitars/Website: https://mcilroyguitars.co.uk/Dunville’s Irish WhiskeyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunvillesirishwhiskey/Website: https://dunvilleswhiskey.com/Anzac DrinksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/anzacdrinks/
--------
39:26
--------
39:26
Music At Maddens Podcast #005 - Ancient Traditions, Modern Expressions: The Evolution of Irish Music with Conor Caldwell and Ryan Molloy
Welcome to a new episode of Music At Maddens Podcast with me, Lynette Fay.This week we welcome Irish Artists, Conor Caldwell and Ryan Molloy to the podcast.Conor Caldwell and Ryan Molloy share their journey through traditional music from North Belfast and Tyrone, exploring how they navigate between classical and traditional worlds while bringing archival treasures to life.• Belfast has transformed from a city where traditional music was hidden to one where it thrives on every street corner• Growing up in different musical environments – Conor in classical music with Donegal connections, Ryan immersed in trad music in Tyrone• Traditional and classical music worlds are becoming less boxed-off with more permission to experiment• The 1920s jazz influence on Irish music and how partition affected musical culture in north and south• The importance of academic recognition for traditional music through dedicated university programmes• Their collaborative album "Oh, Listen to the Band" resurrects jazz-influenced trad music from the 1920s• Belfast's unique musical energy now places it alongside Ennis as top destinations for traditional music• Advice for learners: purposeful practice, setting realistic goals, and most importantly – listeningNew episodes every Monday.Maddens BarInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddensbarbelfast_home_of_trad/Ri-RaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ri.ra.beer/Website: www.ri-ra.beerMcIlroy GuitarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcilroyguitars/Website: https://mcilroyguitars.co.uk/Dunville’s Irish WhiskeyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunvillesirishwhiskey/Website: https://dunvilleswhiskey.com/Anzac DrinksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/anzacdrinks/
--------
46:51
--------
46:51
Music At Maddens Podcast #004 “Belfast TradFest” with Dónal O'Connor
Welcome to a new episode of Music At Maddens Podcast with me, Lynette Fay.This week we welcome Artistic Director, Dónal O'Connor to the podcast.We cover Drinking Water at Maddens, Belfast TradFest, Donald's First Session, Growing up in a Musical Family, Rebelling against Music as a Teenager, Bringing a Walkman to Sessions, Preserving Irish Music, Belfast TradFest 2025, The importance of Authenticity and much more.New episodes every Monday.Maddens BarInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddensbarbelfast_home_of_trad/Ri-RaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ri.ra.beer/Website: www.ri-ra.beerMcIlroy GuitarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcilroyguitars/Website: https://mcilroyguitars.co.uk/
--------
49:51
--------
49:51
Music At Maddens Podcast #003 “The Golden Oldies” with Desi Adams & Ruadhrai O'Kane
Welcome to a new episode of Music At Maddens Podcast with me, Lynette Fay.This week we welcome Irish Artists, Desi Adams & Ruadhrai O'Kane to the podcast.We cover Maddens back in the day, How Trad Music has changed, Playing the Flute, Ruadhrai’s Hidden Talent, Irish Families, Festivals and much more.New episodes every Monday.Maddens BarInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddensbarbelfast_home_of_trad/Ri-RaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ri.ra.beer/Website: www.ri-ra.beerMcIlroy GuitarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcilroyguitars/Website: https://mcilroyguitars.co.uk/
--------
41:33
--------
41:33
Music At Maddens Podcast #002 “Redefining a Biird” with Biird
Welcome to a new episode of Music At Maddens Podcast with me, Lynette Fay.This week we welcome 4 out of 11 Irish Artists, Biird to the podcast.We cover The backstories of 4 of the members of Biird, How Biird came together, Changing Narratives, First Gig on St Patricks Day and much more.New episodes every Monday.Maddens BarInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddensbarbelfast_home_of_trad/Ri-RaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ri.ra.beer/Website: www.ri-ra.beerMcIlroy GuitarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcilroyguitars/Website: https://mcilroyguitars.co.uk/
Music at Maddens podcast from the snug upstairs in Belfast’s home of trad. Yarns, pints and laughs with well known faces from the trad music scene. Locals, visitors are all welcome to join in the chat - with Lynette Fay. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, watch on YouTube
New Zealand