Clare O Riordan

Following her “exquisite debut Shelter” in 2014 (Colm O’Hare, Hotpress), Irish singer/songwriter and pianist Clare O’Riordan recorded her new album ‘Outside’ in Brick Hill Studios in Cape Cod, MA, USA with producer Jon Evans (Tori Amos bass and guitar). Experimenting to broaden the scope of her sound was at the heart of this recording, where she looked to capture the energy and passion of a live performance. According to Clare, Outside has ''soul and grit” reflecting the emotional and social themes addressed in her songs. The end result is a collection of passionate yet sensuous, intense yet playful, haunting yet joyous songs that examines the polar opposites of life with cinematic clarity and beauty.

On Outside Clare’s deep emotions on the social injustices and inequities of our times are reflected in expressive melodies carrying themes of homelessness ‘On the Streets’, addiction ‘Killer of Love’ and the refugee crisis ‘Outside’. Outside also celebrates the power of love and enduring hope in the face of adversity in tracks such ‘Take my Hand’, ‘Glimpse of Love’ and ‘Sailor’ albeit through a bitter sweet lens.  Sometimes evoking a contemporary flavour and at other times reminiscent of the past, ‘Outside’ is an eclectic mixture of piano based balladry, soul, alternative folk, and dark soulful vocals.

The title track from ‘Outside’ spent one month on the RTE Radio 1 playlist and the album has had extensive airplay.Clare has performed live at select venues across Ireland and captivated audiences at both the 2019 Doolin Folk Festival and Cork Folk Festival. She also headlined a sold out show this year for the benefit of the homeless organisation ‘Belonging to Each Other’ in Cape Cod, USA and on New Year’s Eve 2018 she performed with the Hothouse Flowers in Cork Opera House. On the night, Clare will be joined by a Clare Sands and she will perform songs from ‘Outside’, her debut album ‘Shelter’ as well as a ‘unique take’ on some quintessential covers.

“A modern artist with a mature soul….[Outside] is a playful, powerful record” (Edwin McFee, Hot Press)

“You [Clare] sing so beautifully” (Miriam O’ Callaghan, Sunday with Miriam 2019, RTE Radio 1)

“Shelter is full of beautiful songs sung with that amazing voice of hers" (Fiachna Ó Braonáin, Late Date, RTE RADIO 1).

“Beautiful smokey voice” (Cathal Murray, Weekend On One, RTE RADIO 1).

"Superbly crafted originals.... [Shelter] my 2014 Album of the Year" (Noel Casey, Dublin City FM).

“You [Clare] remind me of Joan Armatrading" (Pat Kenny, The Pat Kenny Show 2014, Newstalk 106-108 FM).

Website: clareoriordan.com