Tag Archives: David Keenan

David Keenan ‘What Then Cried Jo Soap’

Photo Credit; Eli Penya

Acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter David Keenan has released his new single. ‘What Then Cried Jo Soap’, an official music video is streaming now via YouTube. ‘What Then Cried Jo Soap’ marks the latest single from Keenan’s eagerly awaited second studio album, WHAT THEN?, due via Rubyworks on Friday, October 15th.Keenan will celebrate WHAT THEN? with a busy international live schedule, including a series of eagerly awaited US shows supporting GRAMMY®-Award-winning guitar virtuosos Rodrigo y Gabriela, set to get underway September 1 at Boulder, CO’s Chautauqua Auditorium. 

‘What Then Cried Jo Soap’ is a frantic scramble for life’s meaning expressed through the powerful medium of evocative musicianship. Keenan once again showcases his poetic skills with this vibrant and riveting new tune. The genre-defying artist expands on his opulent sound with a soulful melody basked in-country hues while a dark, smothering soundscape broods in the background. His warm vocals dwell comfortably within his deeper range as he utters the lyrics in a thought-rambling manner before animating the chorus with short yelps. The vivid lyrical imagery Keenan is known for shimmers throughout the track, as the instrumentation builds and becomes more frantic towards the crescendo he rasps, “A Zippo light in the darkness fed. Two gold teeth in a krusty head did sing”. Boasting expressive musicianship, eloquent lyrics and Keenan’s commanding vocals ‘What Then Cried Jo Soap’ is an exciting teaser for his upcoming album. 

About the song, Keenan said, “This song details the desire for purpose and meaning in one’s own life, These are human struggles which I believe we can all relate to – we are all Jo Soap – heightened like never before as a result of the great trauma that has affected all our lives in countless ways since the pandemic began.”

Watch the video for ‘What Then Cried Jo Soap’ below 


Author: Danu

David Keenan ‘Peter O’Toole’s Drinking Stories’

Photo Credit: Eli Penya

Irish singer-songwriter David Keenan has released his new single. ‘Peter O’Toole’s Drinking Stories’. The song heralds Keenan’s eagerly awaited second studio album, due later this year. Keenan’s breakthrough debut album, ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Bravery’, arrived in January 2020 and immediately ascended to #1 on the official Irish Independent Album Charts as well as #6 on the overall National Album Charts. Fueled by such finely etched tracks as “Unholy Ghosts,” “Tin Pan Alley,” “Altar Wine,” and “The Healing,” the album proved among the best-selling vinyl album releases by an Irish artist in 2020. The release of A Beginner’s Guide to Bravery was celebrated with a sold-out headline show at Dublin’s world-renowned Olympia Theatre, an unforgettable performance captured for posterity in the acclaimed documentary, Alchemy & Prose : A Concert Film

‘Peter O’Toole’s Drinking Stories’ announces the spectacular return of David Keenan. Moving on from his debut album ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Bravery’ the artist is fleshing out his sound superbly. Jangly folk elements build over a driving rhythmic instrumental as Keenan creates a vibrant backdrop full of vitality. The song oscillates from tense verses to a lively chorus with ease, immersing the listener in a rich soundscape of lush guitar, buoyant rhythms, grand strings and lively percussion. All the while, Keenan’s warm vocals maintain a commanding presence. His ability to capture and hold the listener’s attention with his eloquent storytelling, well-coined phrases, and wit is masterful and is greatly enhanced by the instrumentation. A perfect example of this is the lyric “Tiptoe towards immortality laughing into the wind” – the instrumentation quietens to mirror Keenan’s hushed tone creating hair-raising tension for the jubilant infectious chorus to follow. ‘Peter O’Toole’s Drinking Stories’ is an exciting glimpse into what Keenan has in store for us with his upcoming album, and it’s looking like it’s going to be one heck of a treat.

Watch the video for ‘Peter O’Toole’s Drinking Stories’ below.


Author : Danu

David Keenan Releases Single Version of ‘Evidence Of Living’

David Keenan has released a new radio edit of the epic ballad ‘Evidence Of Living’ from his globally acclaimed debut album ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’. The track itself is a deluge of Keenan’s poignant and poetic musicianship as he uses honest and striking narrative lyrics to evoke the tender and strong images of the story he tells. His soothing deep vocals warm the verses with a soft caress while his distinctive lilt intensifies the chorus.With an elegant stride on strings and graceful glides on piano the track sways its way straight to the dynamic crescendo. Keenan’s ability to create songs which exude a timeless quality and nostalgic sheen is mesmerising and within the current times of isolation, ‘Evidence Of Living’ is the perfect release. 

Stream ‘Evidence Of Living’ below


Author : Danu

David Keenan Live At The Olympia Theatre Dublin

David Keenan graced the hallowed halls of The Olympia Theatre last night. A singer songwriter with poetic lyrics and powerful vocals – you might think his set would be quiet and poised with brief hand claps from a drowsy lethargic gathering however that’s not how Keenan rolls … nor his followers for that matter. Exuding mesmerising rock ‘n’ roll charisma, Keenan brought the roof down as he filled The Olympia Theatre with his vibrant, emotive and passionate tunes. The crowd hung onto every word bellowing out the lyrics, each syllable meaning the world to them and all of this was met with humble gratitude from the headliner.

Keenan stands behind a white screen with just his silhouette visible to the crowd. The audience cheer in anticipation. Many of them gushing “ I love him… he’s really pretty” as he poses ready for the canvas to lift and relieve the suspense. Of course Keenan maintained the solo stripped back intimacy that has gathered this dedicated following over the years, performing ‘Big Boys Must Cry’ and ‘Full Stop’ with no band and just his guitar. He is comfortable in the picturesque setting of The Olympia. His larger than life persona and poetic lyrics resound throughout the venue touching every single person who was there as the crowd bellow back his lyrics in worship.

“We made it to the Olympia Theatre, we did this together let’s celebrate together tonight as one“ and that was certainly what it felt like – a massive celebration of an artists well deserved, stellar climb to a sold out show in one of Ireland’s most prestigious and sought after venues. Keenan holds the audiences attention with ease as they await with bated breath to clap, sway or sing along. He stands majestically onstage – prancing, spiraling and jumping creating entertainment with every dramatic hand flail or stride. Like all the best shows a lot of planning went into this performance. There was a  joyous gradual beginning, an intermission of sorts with a wonderfully talented Aerial Hoop performer, a thrilling second half and phenomenal encore which saw Keenan return to the stage being cheered like a hero. Members of the crowd were embracing, shouting “go on lad!” and “love you Dave!” as he belted out powerful favourites  ‘Lawrence Of Arcadia’ and ‘Postcards From Catalonia’. 

Live, Keenan’s tracks ignite into beautiful flairs of wonderful colour and vibrant textures as he fashions the audience into a circle of friendship and comradery. With a band behind him Keenan is unstoppable.  

As the first half of the set swings into ebullient motion we see the familiar side to Keenan’s musicianship, the folky-hued, more traditional-tinged aspect. A lush and utterly mesmerising rendition of ‘Two Kids’ sees Keenan duet with Laura Burke. Their sweet, warm tones melt into one another, gently drifting the track to a new, exciting and beautiful dimension. This time stopping arrangement is a special moment within the set list and members of the crowd hug and sway while others weep. Keenan writes tracks that evoke a multitude of emotions but this specific moment took the crowd from dancing and singing to embracing and swaying in teary joy while electric bulbs and flashing lights illuminate the stage.There is a professional yet passionate approach to Keenan’s live shows that is quite admirable. He knows what gets his audience hyped up but there is an authentic and heartfelt backbone to his polished performance that leaves a raw and honest residue. 

The second half of the set brings drums, guitars (with some shredding solo’s) and a hint of grit into the show. Here Keenan tries his hand at being somewhat of a rockstar of sorts. He succeeds. A shout of “ haon, dó, trí, ” from Keenan rumbles above the drum thuds as ‘Unholy Ghosts’ initiates the more dynamic aspect of the show. There doesn’t appear to be a soul in the venue who doesn’t know all the lyrics to every track on the recently released ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ album. ’The Healing’ and ‘Good Old Days’ have the crowd in a flurry of adored mania. ‘Alter Wine’ is utterly enthralling live – Keenan delivers the track with intense, earnest vigor as his strong vocals ricochet over the intoxicating melodic riff on guitars and strings.”Join hands with the person next to you.. lift them up” Keenan shouts as the entire venue sings the “Rain, rain, go away, I’ll come down another day” lyrics of ’Love in a Snug’. He doesn’t compromise quality as his striking vocal range refuses to falter while being met with mass applause for the lengthy notes in ‘ Tin Pan Alley‘. 

The encore brings more tears as a woman near me announces “Oh my god i’m going to cry” for ‘A Corner Boy’s Lament’ and yes she absolutely did. As she sobbed in the audience, on stage Keenan is giving it his all with his acoustic guitar. He tenderly presents this emotive song, perhaps unknowingly, creating or connecting to a special and personal moment with a lot of his audience. ‘James Dean’ and ‘Badlands’ continues the ecstatic sing and clap along while ‘Subliminal Dublinia’ aptly brings the show to an explosive finale as Keenan shouts “this is the end of the beginning not the beginning of the end”. 

There is no denying that Keenan deserved to be headlining The Olympia last night. His musical prowess is inspiring. He has the ability to rally and passionately ignite the audience through his powerful, emotive tracks and meaningful lyrics. As the confetti cannon erupted into the venue the lights illuminated the crowd’s smiling, proud faces.They cheered and applauded this young man who has worked relentlessly to craft and carve his sound without compromise. Keenan has created something unique that binds strangers together and provides an atmosphere of elation. His tracks are his medium of release, a therapy of sorts but they are perhaps so much more to the crowd of fans gathered in that venue last night.. ready to celebrate this milestone with him.  


Author : Danu

Check Out More Pictures From The Night Below

David Keenan ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ Album

David Keenan is set to release his debut album ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ tomorrow, Friday 10th January. Keenan has self-released several EPs and singles, opened for Hozier all over the UK and Europe and had a week-long residency at The Irish Arts Center in New York. ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ was recorded in a week of live-in-room spontaneity at the Hellfire Studios in the Dublin Mountains overlooking the city. Known for his intensity, lyrically rich and powerful tracks Keenan delivers a debut album like no other. 

‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ dives deep into conflicting emotions with relentless stamina while it’s tender moments and witty quips soothe and brings joy in the most unusual ways. Keenan’s sublime melodies and intriguing instrumental arrangements allow all to enjoy his rich musicianship. ‘James Dean’ kick starts the experience. The Sean-nós style vocals maintains Keenan’s unique appeal as he ornaments his melodies and holds his own with little accompaniment. ‘Unholy Ghosts’ is a refreshing vibrant ditty filled with lively instrumentation as the animated sway and catchy chorus boasts traditional Irish charm with a contemporary twist. ‘Alter Wine’ is the pinnacle moment of the album. Intense, fermenting and luring with a hint of innocence throughout – it’s exceptionally crafted and masterfully written. That sublime string melody both builds tension and laments with a sweet weeping quality through the sticky beat, delicate keys and pining guitar. The vocals articulate disdain, lust, passion and anger all while delivering the most striking and epic expression in the album with confidence and poetic depth. ‘Love In A Snug’ has the task of following its powerful emotive predecessor. Taking this duty in its stride the song tenderly broods to start with simple accompaniment before building superbly into a sing-along anthem. 

The characters within his tracks have been everyone at one time or another as Keenan narrates his stories with flawless commitment. The piano accompanied ‘Tin Pan Alley’ portrays this superbly. The piano twinkles and elegantly laments with warmer tones flickering throughout. Each track is just as lulling as it is powerful, the soft brooding intros lead the way to compelling choruses.Every track on the album takes its time, some gliding past the 6 minute mark. Keenan allows them to flourish as they wish. ‘Eastern Nights’ stripped back presentation is a time stopping moment within the album as the guitar backing delicately glimmers behind Keenan’s striking vocals. ’Origin Of The World’ is a slow burner with a sparse almost haunting backdrop as it builds to its vibrant crescendo. The enigmatic thud of ‘Good Old Days’ swirls with themes of reality and poverty. Mourning strings layer the track in a nostalgic tone as Keenan’s poetic view looks at the past with a modern perspective . 

Keenan fleshes out his emotive songwriting with ‘The Healing’ – a sprightly number which is twisted within its seams as Keenan weaves compelling arrangements with dramatic strings. It’s a joy to listen to. The potent ‘Subliminal Dublinia’ brings the album to a close. Starting at a strolling pace the track flickers with warm guitar as strings and piano are added into the mix. Keenan’s expressive vocal delivery is powerful within this track with the resounding line “occupy the city with original ideas” echoing the tracks end leaving a thought provoking impression. 

‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ is a powerful thought provoking album. Keenan looks at the world through the eyes of his characters creating songs of nostalgia with honest moments and emotive chills as he builds and crafts his music with a maturity and majestic quality that is to be admired. 

‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ is out tomorrow Friday 10th January

Watch the video for ‘Altar Wine’ below


Author : Danu

A Chat With : David Keenan

We sat down to have a chat with David Keenan before the release of his new album ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ in The Library Bar at the Central Hotel Dublin. We talked about how he crafted the album, his intricate lyrics and how he creates the characters and scenes in his tracks.

‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ is out this Friday January 10th

You can catch David Keenan live at :

JAN 11th The Empire The Belfast Empire, Belfast, United Kingdom

JAN 13th  Olympia Theatre, Dublin

Watch the interview below


Author : Danu

The Strypes ‘Spitting Image’ album launch at The Thomas House, Dublin With Support From David Keenan

I was invited to head down to The Strypes ‘Spitting Image’ album launch at The Thomas House, Dublin. The four piece seemed dedicated to include all ages of their fans in the celebrations by performing an under 18s show beforehand giving their younger demographic a chance to enjoy their live show. We sat outside the room listening to The Strypes put on a wild performance for the screaming young fans claustrophobically jammed into the room. I thought surely they can’t maintain this energy and vitality for two shows in a row.
The door opened to the second round of fans as they packed into the room tightly like sardines in a tin I could feel the temperature rise and the oxygen being stolen from me with each breath, it was going to get sticky and warm very fast. David Keenan kicks off the show warming up the crowd with his powerful emotional vocals and lyrics that cut deep.With just his guitar for accompaniment he glides from soft lulls to sharp potent wails while the audience sway gently. Belting out tracks like ‘Cobwebs’ and ‘The Good Old Days’ with a lilting twang and traditional Irish influence. His strong weighty lyrics and knack for story telling is perhaps wasted on the eager young faces but never the less undoubtedly striking and in the moment compelling. Keenan calls Harry Hoban on stage to accompany him for his final track to play keys adding an elegant graceful tone to his set. Keenan’s performance seems almost personal, it’s a man on a stage telling you his life story without flashy effects, it’s simple and raw.

The crowd push forward as they wait restlessly for The Strypes with Miles Kane blasting through the speakers to keep them entertained. A mixed bunch in the audience, The Strypes seem to hold a following of all ages. One man I spoke to who was there with his daughter loved the boys just as much as she did and had seen them many times before. These were hard core fans who knew every detail, every strand of hair on the lads heads.

The four piece take to the stage triumphantly and blast straight into some new tunes from the new album starting with ‘Behind Closed Doors’. Filled with a Californian vibe and exploding with electric energy one thing I noticed from the start, this album is definitely a game changer. The performance is slick punchy and mighty, the crowd erupt jumping,moshing and singing guitar riffs and lyrics – they know every song inside out. The atmosphere in that room was volcanic. Pete O’Hanlon passes out free badges to the crowd, who in turn later hand Ross Farrelly a can shouting “session! session!”. A circle of moshers leap and push for the bouncy ‘(I Need A Break From) Holidays’.They dedicate ‘Grin And Bear It’ to David Keenan. The crowd are wild and in a frenzy thirsty for track after track pushing forward and just jumping manically. Josh McClorey had to ask them to move back a little because they were crushing the people in the front. Not only did The Strypes showcase some slick dexterous playing they made sure everyone was safe at the show regularly checking if everyone was ok and handing out their water to parched fans. It was a sticky stuffy show that got wilder and wilder as the set went on. The band played well past their set with old songs like ‘What A Shame’ and ‘Scumbag City’ setting the crowd alight. With Evan Walsh drumming like a speed demon in flashy sun glasses and Pete O’Hanlon (who was reunited with a lost sock) exuding swagger and pizzazz, these guys effortlessly absorb the crowd into their brand of Beatlemania. They included everyone from the back of the room to the front in their party and boy was it insane.

The Strypes have grown into a band who can put on a monstrous show with outstanding stamina and vitality while showcasing their sophisticated, slick, refined sound and fun swagger-infused showmanship. I highly recommend seeing The Strypes live.

Watch the video for The Strypes new single ‘Great Expectations’ below


Live Music Review Of :Áine Cahill supported by Megan-Kate Doolan and David Keenan

We got the pleasure of witnessing a diamond in the rough develop into a rising star last Saturday night at the Grand Social Dublin where the bubbly Áine Cahill had her first sold out Dublin show.

megan-jpg2Megan-Kate Doolan greeted the crowd with her warm mellow vocals and smooth soothing tracks. The Wexford youngster showcased her flavour of alternative folk, sprinkled with a bit of soul and glazed with gentle creamy vocals and a slight rasp giving a fantastically unique rich texture to her tracks. With beautiful melodies presented simply with just her and her decorated guitar Megan-Kate Doolan looked delicate and elegant but when performing her songs she draws you in and touches your soul.

David Keenan follows with an intense set of strong lyrics and dynamic vocals. Belting out tracks about places he has been and people he has met on his travels. He possesses the art of story telling indavid-jpg2 true Irish manner. With proficient guitar playing that is organic and raw strengthened with powerful vocals that are attention grabbing with the odd lilt almost half yodel at times. Keenan shows the red-blooded gritty side to music reminiscent of the Irish songs of old.

 

Once Keenan finished his set the crowd flooded forward awaiting the entrance of Áine Cahill. The room became clammy and sticky as the people packed to the front. I began to realise just how popular Cahill had become as I was being pushed back from the people in front of me, who made no apologises of their crude assault on my shoes while leaving me with little to no personal space. One gets worried when you are so close to someone that you can almost breath in their hair. Cahill begins her set with a captivating a cappella version of ‘Bang Bang’ which completely absorbs the crowd in a frenzy of awe and admiration. This starlet shatters any doubt anyone can have as she performs a soulful rendition of this classic with all the emotion and suave only aine-cahill-2Cahill possesses. Crooning her way into ‘Puppet’ followed by a passionate and soulful ‘Dangerous Woman’ which gets everyone swaying and loosening up their hips. Track after track showcasing her talent effortlessly. Cahill displays she is a born performer. Exuding sass and likeability she holds the entire audience in the palm of her hand while she banters back and forth with them. ‘Blood Diamond’ is a catchy cheeky little dig at the “bitches ” who always get what they want. Portrayed with a characterisation of class and an attitude of high class splendour while also delicately giving the middle finger Cahill once again pulls the crowd into a “girl power” anthem that has everyone shouting out the lyrics as they are reminded of someone they know who fits the description of the lyrics. The famous ‘Black Dahlia’ had everyone singing and swaying. It is obvious that Áine Cahill is set for great things from the roaring for “one more song” and from the massive amount of people bombarding her for autographs and selfies after the show. Watch out for Áine Cahill she has a big career ahead of her.
You can catch Áine Cahill live at
Fri 23 Sep The Waiting Room, London
Fri 04 Nov Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin