Harper-composer Aisling Lyons will release her second studio album, Uaithne, on Aug. 7. Lyons says the album title refers to a legendary enchanted harp from Celtic mythology, said to bring harmony in music “while connecting the mortal and divine worlds.” Except for one track based on a traditional tune, the album features Lyons’ compositions. Lyons says, “There are tunes written about people who have passed on and tunes imagining people I haven’t met. There are also pieces written for people dear to me on this earth and of events that have resonated with me deeply. I hope to connect living and past spirits with these tunes. I hope the sounds resonate with you too.”
Lyons is a harper, concertina player, composer, arranger, and educator from County Clare. She has received widespread recognition for her work, including nominations for RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards for best folk instrumentalist and best emerging artist. She describes her work as “rooted in the rich musical traditions of her family and home place, [balancing] a deep respect for Irish traditional music with a distinctive voice shaped by collaboration, composition, and creative exploration.” Lyons has performed extensively as both a solo artist and collaborator throughout Europe, the USA, UK, Australia, and China. This year, she will make her debut as a soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra and embark on an Irish tour with Becky Ní Éallaithe and Muireann Ní Shé.
Uaithne is available for pre-order via Bandcamp. Learn more on Lyons’ website.
