"A very talented, original young songwriter with all the trademarks of a great career ahead."
- Declan O'Rourke
Graham Sweeney is a singer-songwriter from Achill Island, Co Mayo. His distinctive
sound arises from a blend of traditional guitar playing, percussive finger-tapping and rhythmic vocal
melodies.
As a childGraham discovered his father’s vinyl collection containing some of the great names of the ‘60s
and ‘70s - Pink Floyd, John Martyn, Jethro Tull, Planxty and Supertramp. This music helped mould his
unique alternative folk style. The history and dramatic landscape of Achill Island has also had a strong
impact on Graham, informing his work both poetically and visually. "Achill has definitely shaped all of
the tracks on the album.
The landscape and surroundings have had a huge part to play in my music and lyrics. There are many great
songs about the streets of famous cities and towns, for me, it’s more about space,” says Graham Sweeney.
“The ocean, the mountains, wind, sun and rain shaped these songs". His birthplace combines his three
passions; music, surfing and vintage VW’s which he has been restoring since the age of 12: these
elements are the cornerstones of his music career. “I was unaware when I trained in the motor trade that
I was being welcomed into a global family of VW enthusiasts which in turn led me to travel, surf and
perform with musicians while traveling through Ireland, Europe and North and South America”. Graham has
toured and performed extensively, appearing at festivals including Electric Picnic, Another Love Story,
Vantastival and many more. Graham has also supported some of Ireland’s great artists, including Lisa
Hannigan, Damien Dempsey, John Sheehan, Mick Flannery and Declan O’Rourke.
Declan is a huge fan of Graham’s work, describing him as: “A very talented, original young songwriter
with all the trademarks of a great career ahead”. Graham Sweeney’s debut album ‘I Am’ was recorded in
San Francisco, Berlin and Ireland and was produced by John Michael Berry and engineered by Lance Hogan
(Kila, Dead Can Dance). The core band playing on the album includes Rhys Mc Bride (Lead Guitar), Aine
Sweeney (Bass, Backing Vocals), Mark Mc Girr (Drums).
‘I Am’ is due for release in 2020.
"Best new guitar player I've heard for years."
- Luka Bloom
Graham Sweeney tour dates
