Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Richard Campbell team up for new music film ‘A Gardener Now’

Kíla frontman Rónán Ó Snodaigh and lambeg player Richard Campbell have linked up for a new music film created by Myles O’Reilly.

The video features Ó Snodaigh and Campbell discussing their traditions and playing their instruments in Derry. The chemistry between the two is evident as they chat and play their drums.

The 12-minute music film is a celebration of “peace, reconciliation and hope, through rhythm.” ‘A Gardener Now’ sees Campbell — a Unionist and Derry native — sharing stories and experiences with Ó Snodaigh in an “unlikely alliance.”

“It's not often these two traditions get to converge, even though we often live within drumming distance of each other,” Ó Snodaigh said. “There's a good chance the possibilities for fun outweigh ignoring each other.”

“There have been historic reasons for us to be separated but I'm hoping that now is the right time to be listening to each other's drums.”

This is not the first time the pair have come in contact with one another. Campbell and Ó Snodaigh met back in 2016 and they have been swapping stories and exchanging rhythms ever since.

“We have been talking and playing whenever possible. Meeting in Derry was very special for me because I was on his turf,” said Ó Snodaigh. “There is so much history behind each of our pursuits that when we play the past is activated; this can be scary too but it's very rewarding for me to be able to cross into enemy culture and not be an enemy.”

The film was made by Myles O’Reilly, a friend of Ó Snodaigh who helped to produce the bodhrán player's solo album Tá Go Maith.

“I've always referred to Rónán as a Jedi Bodhrán player,” said O’Reilly when talking about the film. “On learning of Richard and his Lambeg, a traditional instrument for the Orangemen of Ulster, the filmmaker in me kicked in. I was quick to suggest we try and film the two of them playing together.”

“This unlikely alliance has been deeply satisfying. I hope I’ve bottled the significance of these two formidable drummers from different sides of the fence, making the effort to meet, listen and learn from each other,” he added.

Watch ‘A Gardener Now’ below.