- Culture
- 26 Jun 20
Irish Women in Harmony for Safe Ireland: Emma Langford talks life in Limerick, Dolores O'Riordan
Emma Langford discusses Dolores O'Riordan's considerable impact on her life and career.
Alt-folk singer-songwriter Emma Langford has long felt a strong connection to Dolores O'Riordan. "As a fellow Limerick woman," the young singer-songwriter begins, "Dolores has always been a part of my life. We grew up in the same city, and went to the same school."
Indeed, last year Langford one the new Dolores O'Riordan bursary, which allowed her to finish production on her highly-anticipated sophomore album. "Through her presence as a musician on a global level, she showed me that there was a place on the stage for me, as a woman in music who didn't necessarily want to fit the mold.
"As an Irish musician, she showed the world what we're capable of – maybe more importantly, she showed us back home in Limerick what we're capable of."
Musicians are often approached to take part in fundraising opportunities, putting work in but forfeiting pay, Langford says. "It's tough! There are so many great causes, so it's important that when you agree to that kind of thing, you believe in it, but know your voice will be amplified. When RuthAnne approached me to be a part of a collaboration that celebrates and empowers Irish women, I happily said yes. I truly believe in Safe Ireland's cause, and I believed the project would amplify everyone's voices equally!
"I hope people come away after watching this video with a nice long list of names of kick-ass Irish women in music who deserve to be heard more on the airwaves and seen more on stages."
- Text SAFE to 50300 to donate €4 to Safe Ireland
Watch 'Dreams' below.
