Named by RTÉ.ie as “one of ten fierce women defining Irish culture”, Dublin-based singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Inni-K’s music draws on her extensive background in folk and traditional Irish music, even as she ventures into new musical territories. Her original songwriting career (‘The Hare & the Line’ 2019 and ‘The King has Two Horse’s Ears’ 2015), combines ethereal vocals with deft musicianship, evocative lyrics and a unique approach to song-writing.
Inni-K third studio album, Iníon, is a contemporary sean-nós album and is out now!
Over nine tracks, Inni-K searches out the beauty, tradition and ancient pathos of sean-nós in a contemporary, vital and unique reimagining. She is a singer both reaching back into a deeply held tradition, while simultaneously pressing out against its very edges. Inni-K sets out to create a re-hearing, in a way, of something dear, something essential, and in doing so, she has – with fellow collaborators: Matthew Berrill (clarinets), Brian Walsh (drums & percussion) and Mary Barnecutt (cello) – created a bold, new and contemporary experience of sean-nós song for her listener.
In each new iteration of these songs, Inni-K seeks fresh perspectives and sonic concepts for us. She is rethreading song and story, voice and singer in all its diverse traditional beauty and bringing in her own striking and contemporary style and music.
Iníon shows the confidence and musical maturity of a singer who is both deeply rooted in the Irish tradition and is free to explore.
In the liner notes for Iníon, Inni-K says:“The roots of this album reach deep. In my mind’s eye, I see myself, aged 11, at home, tracing my finger across a small dent in the front of the record player and listening to a Gael Linn record that Mam and Dad had, hearing the singing of Seosamh Ó hÉanaí. In that moment, I was transfixed. I became fascinated by sean-nós singing and, through the years since, have explored that compulsion alongside other musical curiosities and influences. Iníon is a circling back to my musical lineage to honour my first deep love of sean-nós song and what has been passed onto me. The same momentum carries me and this music forward, joyfully falling into step with fellow explorers of different musical genres, from jazz to classical, to imagine together and share new iterations of some of the songs I love most from our singing tradition.
I try to be a caring, attentive daughter of our rich song and music traditions, and also hope to be an innovative, curious and adventurous one!”
Inni-K has also performed, toured and recorded with Ré - traditional group including Cormac Begley, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Maitiú Ó Casaide & Peter O Toole. Having shared stages with such varied and renowned musicians as Malian kora master Toumani Diabaté, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Lisa O Neill, jazz drummer Jeff Ballard, Glen Hansard, Javier Mas (Leonard Cohen’s spanish guitarist), Wallis Bird, Efterklang, Tiny Ruins and many more, Inni-K is becoming a well-established presence in Irish music.
“Iníon is an album of tremendous understatement, power and beauty.” Folk Radio UK
“One of the most acclaimed voices in the extraordinary revival of traditional and folk music we have witnessed in recent years.” RTE Arena
“This album is emblematic of a fidelity to the form but, equally, a fidelity to musical exploration and collaboration…a kind of elegant modernity…a very special record.”
The Irish Times
“One of Ireland’s most exciting artists” The Irish Times
“A new sonic cloak for the ancient sean-nós form” Dónal Dineen.
