Live Report: multi-instrumentalist BRÍDÍN performs innovative harp pieces for the Y&E Series

Last night's Y&E takeover featured the live performance of contemporary harpist BRÍDÍN. The ethereal set utilised loop and effect pedals to give new life to the traditional instrument. Performing in Donegal, the backdrop of Lough Eske created a fitting scene for her nature inspired compositions.

Hailing from Co. Sligo, BRÍDÍN carries the tradition of Irish music into the fourth generation of her family – playing harp, flute, piano and dancing sean nós. After achieving a master’s degree in music, she’s continued to develop her own unique style, bringing a modern energy to her traditional influences. She released her Ocean Of Stars EP in 2021, which featured contributions from Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Clare Sands and more.

Her first song is called 'Wisteria'. What starts out as a delicate melody is gradually transformed into a complex chorus with the use of loop pedals. She drums her hands along the sides of the harp to create a percussive beat, further demonstrating the potential that one instrument can hold. The song stirs many different emotions as she strives to convey her reverence for the past.

She then plays 'Ocean of Stars' - the title track of last year's EP. For this track, she introduces vocals and uses loops to create harmonies alongside the gentle strings.

This is another ode to her homeland: “I wrote 'Ocean of Stars' when I decided to move back home to Sligo," BRÍDÍN says, "I remember sitting on the beach one night in Enniscrone, mesmerised by how many stars I could see and the effect that moment had on me. The ocean, the stars, the mountains and the peace."

'The Salmon's Tale' is her first exploration of the contemporary style. A departure from the previous moods - this beat is jazzy, playful, and wonderfully unique. Her music lies in the indistinct place between traditional and contemporary. She proves her ability to sway between both worlds and play to her strengths in each.

Before playing her final song 'Northwest', she tells the listeners to "Close your eyes and imagine a little seed growing into a huge tree."

"I feel a strong pull to nature and my beautiful surroundings in Sligo when I’m composing my pieces. I’m fascinated by the beginning and ending of life and the constant movement of nature. That’s where I draw most of my inspiration from,” she says.

She announces that she'll be playing a gig in Dublin on May 15, just before her new album releases on May 26.

Watch the Hot Press Y&E Series – supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7pm each night.

 

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Coming up on the Y&E Series:

Thursday, April 28: Amberlight

Made up of vocalist Lauren Doherty and guitarist/producer/songwriter Paul Casey, this Derry duo have been busy over the last two years, releasing an exciting selection of singles and accompanying videos, including the likes of 'The Song My Heart Sings' , 'Strong Enough', 'Only Love (A Fisherman's Lament)' and 'Peace at Last'. They also contributed to the Rave On, Van Morrison series, performing a cover of 'Celtic New Year'.