Dublin-born bard Seán Mulrooney made his solo debut on December 15th, 2023, with the release of his single "No Two Sides." This heartfelt song, written in solidarity with the people of Palestine, addresses the ongoing genocide and resonated profoundly with listeners, peaking at number 7 on the iTunes charts during Christmas week.
Mulrooney is revered as the visionary band leader of the legendary psych/folk act Tau & the Drones of Praise, a group that has released three albums and three EPs to date. Their latest LP, 'Misneach,' released in 2022 on Glitterbeat Records, features collaborations with soul kindred spirits such as Damien Dempsey and Pol Brennan.
Why Go Solo and Why Now?
The powerful anti-war anthem "No Two Sides" and a breakup inspired Mulrooney to embark on a solo journey, releasing music under his own name for the first time. In February 2024, he recorded his debut solo album with long-time collaborator Earl Harvin of Tindersticks.
Mulrooney shares his artistic drive: "There was this burning desire in me to make this record quick, a response to creation, a creative response, dreamy, folky, dirgy, epic, and deeply personal songs and soundscapes. What I do may sound quite different from the current zeitgeist of Irish music, but I feel it’s emanating from the same source."
A Spiritual Odyssey
Having lived in Berlin for 13 years, Mulrooney heeded a spiritual calling to reconnect with his ancestral roots, moving back to Ireland in 2019. His legendary status in the Berlin music scene includes co-producing debut albums for Camera and Mueran Humanos, singing "Hero" with Michael Rother in 2011, and performing alongside the Krautrock legend Damo Suzuki. In 2023, Mulrooney's transcendent musical contributions with his sister Dee Mulrooney ritual theatre "Growler" earned him the critically acclaimed Lustrum Award at the Edinburgh Fringe. Seán Mulrooney is more than a musician; he is a bard, weaving stories and melodies that echo the timeless essence of human experience and spiritual reflection.
"Dia daoibh a chairde! 🎶✨
We’re honoured to welcome Dublin-born bard Seán Mulrooney to this year’s Hidden Hearth! 🌟 Seán made his solo debut in 2023, with the release of his powerful single "No Two Sides," a heartfelt anthem written in solidarity with the people of Palestine. This deeply resonant song captured the hearts of many. 🇮🇪🇵🇸
Known as the visionary leader of the legendary psych/folk band Tau & the Drones of Praise, Seán has an impressive musical legacy, including their latest album Misneach released in 2022. But now, driven by the urge to respond creatively to both personal and global challenges, Seán embarks on a solo journey with music that is dreamy, folky, dirgy, epic, and deeply personal. 🎤🎸
Join us as we delve into the soul-stirring world of Seán Mulrooney, where every note is a reflection of a deeper connection to life and spirit.
Le grá agus spiorad, Hidden Hearth Team ❤️🔥"
