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Before we get carried away with excitement in anticipation of the solo gigs, big supports and new releases 2019 promises to bring, let’s take a moment to look back at the year that put Blaithin Carney on the map…
1. Performing live on Newstalk and RTE Radio 1
Blaithin had the pleasure of singing twice on Newstalk with Bobby Kerr and once on RTE One.
2. Supporting her good friend Gavin Glass at the East Side Tavern
Blaithin played support to Gavin, who launched his new single Thirty Something at one of the most renowned live music venues in the city.
3. Playing dress-up to film the official video of ‘No Means No’
Echoing the harrowing truths and unyielding defiance of the #MeToo Movement, this is the sort of video that makes the hairs stand your neck. Watch here.
Such style… such glamour? It was the coolest of locations, but to see the vision come to life was so worth it!
4. Having d’chats on d’telly with Elaine
Blaithin was a featured guest on Virgin 3’s Elaine show to discuss her uber-cool single, ‘No Means No’. She remained poised and professional most of the time.
5. Discussing music with other passionate musos on radio
Blaithin then popped into Classic Hits 4FM to give ‘No Means No’ a good plug on Lou Cantillon’s Guaranteed Irish show. Lou kindly obliged! The very next day, B was chatting the ear off Maura on Near FM’s The Arts Show - can you guess what they discussed?
6. Performing at the local theatre for the Naas Midsummer Festival
It’s not often Blaithin gets to perform in front of her kiddies but back in her hometown, on a sunny summer’s evening, they were perfectly poised in the front row, singing and chanting and cheering to their rockstar mom’s powerful performance. Launching ‘No Means No’ on the night in the ethereal surroundings of McAuley Place, Blaithin stunned the crowd of locals with her vivid storytelling and breathtaking pianism alongside her band and string quartet.
7. Becoming a regular feature at The Ruby Sessions
Playing at the infamous acoustic music venue of Doyles on a Tuesday night as part of The Ruby Sessions, Ireland’s premier acoustic showcase that has featured top acts including George Ezra, Ed Sheeran, Hozier, Kodaline, Glen Hansard, Mumford & Sons, Lisa Hannigan, Picture This, Paolo Nutini, James Blunt and many more.
8. Becoming a regular Whelan’s Women On Wednesday-er
Heading to Whelan’s on another school night to perform alongside lots of talented ladies from all walks of the creative life.
9. Playing dress-up again to film ‘Close My Eyes’
Through lyrical genius and enhanced production, Blaithin draws you into a trance with this enchanting track. Once they saw this video, it’s no wonder RTE 2FM named Blaithin their Rising Star of the Week!
10. Being playlisted by RTÉ Radio 1 with ‘No Means No’ and ‘Warning Flags’
It’s always nice to see the fruits of your labour so in addition to both songs entering the Irish singer-songwriters chart in the top 5, Blaithin was also thrilled to see her own creations being backed by Ireland’s most listened to radio station.
11. Launching ‘Warning Flags’ at her headline gig at the Stag’s Head
You could hear a pin drop in the Stag’s Head during Blaithin’s graceful preamble to her latest release, Warning Flags. In front of an intimate crowd, Blaithin gave an emotionally exposing performance of a song that perfectly treads the line between sincere balladry and indie sensibilities. Listen here!
12. That one time B nailed her liquid wing first time
It was a very good day, definitely worthy of a mention.
13. Sharing the stage with the best of Irish music at the National Concert Hall for Aidlink for Turkana
Blaithin looked at home leading the Mezzo Music Academy Choir at the spectacular venue of the National Concert Hall. The star-studded night was in aid of Aidlink for Turkana - a wonderful charity that raises funds for support girls gain an education in Kenya.
14. Playing support with The Pale for Glen Hansard’s sell-out gig at Vicar Street
Vicar Street was always going to be a fun one! With the Christmas spirit in full swing, Blaithin was guest pianist for the Pale as they performed to a full house before Glen Hansard took to the stage.
15. The Christmas Eve busk on Grafton Street
Although she still had about 1 billion things left to do on Christmas eve, Blaithin maintains the Christmas Eve busk was one of the most unexpected, feel-good highlights of the year. Performing alongside the Pale, u2, Glen Hansard, Imelda May, Damien Rice, Mundy, The Coronas, Roisin O and many more, you could spot Blaithin’s stunning vocals and big red-lipped smile from the Liffey.
“Memories take us back, dreams take us forward.”
PS. If you’d like to see our Queen B take to the stage Upstairs at Whelan’s on Friday, 24th May, secure your tickets here!
As the evening darkened on the cold wintry night of Thursday, 10th January, many of us were snuggled up by a warm fire, tucking into the last stash of mince pies and the dregs of the Christmas vino.
But not our B!
She unearthed her red lippy from the bottom of her handbag, grabbed the coolest, cleanest t-shirt she could find, keyboard in tow, and made for St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services, where a very special event called Cistin was taking place.
Cistin is part of the European First Fortnight Festival, which hosts a series of events across Europe in the first two weeks of every new year to raise mental health awareness through creative arts and cultural action. Joining acclaimed storytellers, 6 piece band Laura Ryder Ampersand and The Sacreblues, Blaithin took to the stage for the first time in 2019 for a very worthwhile cause.
Joining the conversation around mental health, Blaithin spoke intimately about the inspiration behind ‘Crystallize’, a heart-rending song she co-wrote with New Zealand treasure and dear friend, Sir Paul Holmes. The performance gave us a rare but charming insight into the mind-set of Blaithin, who normally lets her strong-willed lyrics do her talking!
‘Crystallize’ will be released later this year - sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of this page to be among the first to hear it!
To see some of B’s performance on the night, check out her Instagram Highlights on her profile here.
