I headed to The Clonmel Busking Festival last Saturday to check out the potential artists and bands who will be gracing the Irish music scene in the coming years. It’s a great opportunity for artists to practice their performing skills and for some to give them a taste of what performing is like. It is a sort of throw yourself into the deep end way of learning if you’re new to performing but what better way to get yourself out there and the prizes for the competition are another glossy attraction. There was something for everyone from singer songwriters, traditional and country to some indie and alternative bands ( not enough of these if you ask me but the genres were well represented).

It’s great to hear all the rich sounds of music on every street and I’ll admit I was excited to hear the talent. Each corner brought a new vibrant sound. The Cranberries covers were plentiful and of course some Johnny Cash renditions, some more welcome to my ears than others. However, one recognisable sound sparked my attention on Gladstone street, a familiar voice crooning over Arctic Monkeys ‘Dance Little Liar’ it was the young fresh faced two piece I had the joy of meeting at last year’s Busking festival – junior finalists from last year The Bike Mechanics comprised of duo Ramah Kinane -Kumar and Donnacha O’Dwyer. Last year was their first ever public performance and they showed up to the festival just to get some performance experience and hopefully extra additions to their band, a drummer, bassist and perhaps a singer to be precise. They sang their hearts out displaying massive growth from last year with their already proficient guitar skills more sleek and fluid and their vocals developed with rich depths and perfect croons, the falsetto of ‘Under The Bridge’ wasn’t bad either. Again, this year they are just looking to gain experience. They show their growth and persevered even through the rain. The duo adjust the tracks to suit their all guitars outfit well as they take turns with riffs and solos making each track a delight. With determination like that and slinky guitar skills I can’t wait to see the original material they produce. These guys even played Thin Lizzy’s ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ for me before I headed off.

                The Bike Mechanics(Donnacha O’Dwyer and Ramah Kinane- Kumar)

A little way down I came across Muireann McDonnell a 12-year-old singer songwriter. I arrived half way through her rendition of George Ezra’s ‘Budapest’. The maturity and control she has over her voice is magnificent, it would make a grown man cry. It’s a little raspy with warm hues and rich glorious tones. McDonnell writes her own songs as well, her original tracks are very mature and hard-hitting numbers that give goosebumps and grip your very soul.

           Muireann McDonnell 

 

Another singer songwriter which particularly caught my attention was Aimee O’ Brien a 20 year old singer who was gently cooing through Passenger’s ‘Holes’ when I arrived. Her sweet vocals once again packed oodles of emotion as she stood there, quite shy and timid allowing her immaculate vocals and sweet tones to mesmerise the listeners. I was quite taken aback.

 
Aimee O’ Brien

 

The second band I found completely consuming was Barefoot Magicians a Dublin band blasting out some funky rock n’ roll swagger in the middle of a crowd of people. They performed their original tunes with suave sleekness and proficiency that is to be admired, everyone standing around was captivated. The infectious bass grooves and punchy drum beats coaxed our hips to wiggle while slinky guitar licks and shredding solos blew our minds and let’s not forget those glorious harmonica blasts and warm dynamic vocals. It was a confident performance every time and each track was slick and dripping in finesse. This is a band to keep an eye out for.

 
Barefoot Magicians 

While walking past the alcove my ears followed the sweet sound of the very mature voice of Rua Tuohy singing Johnny Cash’s ‘Folsom Prison Blues’. Another young performer with outstanding vocal composure and a passionate delivery with every note. Well-deserved winner of the junior category he purred out a beautiful emotional rendition of The Smiths ‘This Charming Man‘ , it was perfect.

  
Rua Tuohy

 

I also happened upon the beautifully melodious Switches Be Trippin’ a band of four siblings playing guitars and signing with lush angelic harmonies. Their clean crisp presentation of each track was immaculate and a joy to the ears. Winners of the seniors category this four piece blew everyone away especially with their final track. Hozier’s  ‘Work Song’. A cheery four piece that were entertaining to watch with a vocal delivery that is simply mesmerising.

  
Switches Be Trippin’

Within each category it was difficult to choose a clear winner. Each artist brought something special to the table. It was a trying task for the judges. Personally I enjoy the Busking festival as we have some extremely talented artists in Ireland who just need some experience and encouragement and this is a great opportunity for them while they figure out what works for them and gain some experience but it is also great to see well-oiled suave bands and artists do their thing with rich sounds, fine musicianship and slick instrumental displays. I would love to see some more indie, alternative and rock representation to add some edgy vigour into this fantastic festival but I enjoyed it anyway. I have found some amazing artists to keep an eye out for.

See below pictures of some of the other amazing acts at the festival