Tag Archives: Driven Snow

Indie, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Driven Snow Live At The Workman’s Cellar, Dublin

4 Comments

Last Saturday was a night to remember in The Workman’s Cellar, Dublin. Headlining the venue and accompanied by Geoff Warner- Clayton on piano was duo Emily Aylmer and Kieran McGuinness under their new musical project moniker Driven Snow. 

The duo have done limited shows to date ( Driven Snow is still relatively new,  McGuiness calls it ” a baby band ” ) and I was absolutely thrilled at the chance to see them perform live having fallen in love with their recently released tracks ‘Trying’ and ‘Sunlight’.

I was not the only one who jumped at the chance to see the duo live. As I made my way through the packed venue towards the stage I overheard fans ( some stood in groups while others sat on the ground in circles ) talking excitedly amongst themselves about Driven Snow’s sound and wonderful harmonies. It was clear from the atmosphere in the venue that everyone was looking forward to a great night filled with wonderful music.

Driven Snow walked on stage to rapturous applause. Both Aylmer and McGuiness seemed taken aback by the crowd’s enthusiasm before even having begun their set. Their faces beaming with delight they set the music of the night in motion with ‘Trying’. The crowd instantly fell silent as glorious vocal harmonies from both Emily and Kieran resounded throughout the venue, beautifully complemented by gentle keys and soothing tones on guitar. ‘Nothing As Hard As Love’ set the calming tone for the night and the crowd loved every minute of it. ‘Moonlight’ also went down a treat with fans as some swayed while others embraced as they enjoyed Driven Snow’s beautiful sound, poetic lyrics and expressive vocal harmonies.

The duo put on a magical and compelling performance. They instantly connected with the audience as they gave comical anecdotes to their songs which kept fans laughing and engaged throughout their set while two Delorentos covers went down a treat with the crowd. 

Driven Snow are a joy to listen to. Their wonderful vocal harmonies and evocative musicianship is a must listen and if you ever get the chance to experience the band live you won’t be disappointed.  


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music

Driven Snow ‘Trying’

Driven Snow have released their debut single, ‘Trying’. Little by little Driven Snow began to emerge in the shape of a collection of songs that are at odds with, yet informed by, their collective musical outings (Kieran as a lynchpin of Delorentos and Emily as a vocalist with Republic of Loose and Stars On Fire). The pair decamped (with children, grandparents and all) to Donegal, taking their musical sketches up to Tommy McLaughlin’s Attica Studios (Villagers, S.O.A.K., Pillow Queens) and encouraging them to grow into simple, gentle tunes with a big heart and a common soul.

With just gentle guitar accompaniment and lush harmonies ‘Trying’ is a beautiful piece of music that displays Driven Snow’s ability to express emotion through delicate instrumentation and meaningful songwriting. The spacious elements within the song gently draw the listener into the track’s ethereal soundscapes and expansive atmosphere while the soft buoyant rhythms add a bite and lift to the song. The track slowly builds throughout while the sweet tone of Kieran and Emily’s vocals coo lyrics that deal with anxiety and yearning to overcome the fears we all experience while navigating through life. The duo gracefully translate these feelings through a few short yet powerfully evocative words “My dreams get dark at three am and I’m not so zippy, like I pretend but I am trying”. 

‘Trying’ is a charming tune that provides an exciting glimpse into the talent of Driven Snow. Looking forward to hearing more little gems from this duo.

Stream ‘Trying’ below 


Author: Danu