Fontaines D.C. drummer Tom Coll to launch trad music compilation album on his own label

After scoring Grammy, Mercury, BRIT and Choice Music Prize nominations as Fontaines D.C.'s drummer, Tom Coll is expanding his musical horizons with the launch of a new compilation of trad music on his own label, Skinty Records. The release, titled Goitse A Thaisce, will be available to pre-order from Monday, May 24.

The project will feature old and new trad tracks that have soundtracked Tom's life, and will be available exclusively on vinyl – limited to only 1000 copies, pressed in Dublin.

"The idea for this record came from an extended period of time living back in my family home in the west of Ireland," Tom says of the project. "Here, I found myself in the midst of a vast, mountainous landscape, a place that vividly recalled my childhood memories of old Irish traditional music. This experience sparked a need to immerse myself in the tradition once again. Trad was my first musical love over any other, so it feels very gratifying to put together this compilation."

He goes on to note that every tune on the compilation album "holds a special place" in his heart.

"Whether it’s by lifelong heroes such as The Bothy Band or Planxty, family friends like Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh or Emer Mayock, or by contemporary artists pushing the boundaries of the tradition like Lisa O’Neill or Ye Vagabonds, these songs have soundtracked my life thus far," he resumes.

"If this record can introduce just one person to the world of Irish music, then it has served its purpose. The tradition has so much depth and richness to it, and I urge you to please delve into it with an open heart. The title of the record roughly translates to 'come here my darling,' which is the sentiment I feel when I hear these tunes. Hopefully they can bring about that same feeling for you."

The album will also feature liner notes from Donal Fallon of the Dublin history podcast Three Castles Burning - in which he discusses the irrepressible spirit of Irish traditional and folk music.

Keep an eye on hotpress.com for more information about the release on Monday, May 24...