Cork artist Rawney headlines Winthrop Avenue, having released his debut EP 'Say It Loud' in July.
Multi-instrumentalist Rawney (a.k.a. Ciarán Calnan) is an independent artist hailing from the musical melting pot of Clonakilty in West Cork. Having played in various bands from the age of twelve, most notably Setmaker, he has been focusing on solo endeavours of late and his debut EP Say It Loud was released on 8th July 2022, which is available on Bandcamp and all streaming platforms.
The EP was officially launched at a sold out show to an adoringly raucous crowd at the legendary DeBarra's Folk Club, Clonakilty, making him only the second ever act from the locality to sell out the venue after the 10-piece West Cork Ukelele Orchestra.
The EP was preceded by two singles, Say It Loud and Red Handed, which have been getting regular radio play around the country since they were released on 24th June and 1st July respectively. Say It Loud also won The Cork Playlist Song
of the Month for June.
Rawney’s sound is a blend of rock, indie, folk and pop which has drawn comparisons to some of his influences including The Frames, Mic Christopher, Incubus, Foo Fighters and Stereophonics.
Music is in the blood. Son of the late Billy, drummer of a popular showband in Cork from the late 70s onwards, it's no surprise that Rawney has continued that legacy, albeit with a focus on original material. "One of my earliest ever memories is sitting on my dad's knee playing the drums. Growing up watching him and my uncles playing together inspired me to do the same."
Renowned for his powerful vocals and energetic live performances, the former Clonakilty Community College and UCC student has honed his craft over the past decade by performing hundreds of gigs, both at home and abroad, at various venues and festivals in Ireland, Australia, Canada, Vietnam and Spain.
This collection of songs, which were written and initially performed on acoustic guitar, got a new lease of life in the studio, resulting in an electrifying, full-band sound throughout this long anticipated debut solo release. "A couple of the songs are a few years old, so to finally get in the studio and record them for this EP, alongside the newer material, was great. I'm very happy with how it turned out and it's exciting knowing they are out there in the world for people to enjoy and hopefully connect with."
Produced, mixed and mastered with Brian Casey (John Blek, Rowan, Clare Sands, Tiz McNamara, Paradox) in Wavefield Recording Studios in Clonakilty, less than two miles over the road from where Rawney grew up, the EP has been brewing for almost four years. Rawney takes on the vocals, guitars and drums himself while Casey adds his magic touch on bass, electric guitar and keys. The EP also features the talented Dolcie Keogh on violin, a partnership rekindled from their Setmaker days.
Themes of speaking up, addiction, the pitfalls of social media and not making rash decisions are touched upon over the course of the EP. With songs in the bank and more gigs lined up in the coming months, there is plenty more to come.
