Deaf Joe
Waterford, Munster, Ireland | SELF
Music
Press
Waterford native Joe Harney looks like a folk artist. Sometimes looks can be deceptive, but in Deaf Joe's case, they're definitely correct. The owner of a gorgeous voice, the multi-instrumentalist creates beautiful soundscapes and is a fantastic live performer. He wowed crowds at Electric Picnic 2010, and his Winter's Glow EP was one of the standout releases of last year. - 2UIBestow / Swear I'm Not Paul
DEAF JOE
THE HOLY WATER [Delphi]
In combining a haunting narrative with a great billowing melody, Waterford lad Deaf Joe has created a genuinely lovely lo-fi ditty. If you don't instantly fall head over heels for the delicate 'The Holy Water', I'd advise requesting your morphine prescription be reduced. Posted 09 March - Hot Press
Not deaf but certainly Joe Harney, I’ve been listening to this guy’s music for about five years, from back when people had MySpace profiles they actually used. A close friend and accompanist of Katie Kim, Deaf Joe is now signed to the Delphi Label which is also home to Sacred Animals. 2010 saw Joe release Winter’s Glow and now he’s moved on to The Holy Water EP which is streaming from his website.
It’s beautiful music, slender guitar-based tunes with searching vocals of a rich timbre that flow alongside the music in perfect harmony. It’s folk by definition but each track is quite different, such as strident, eponymous opener The Holy Water and the strummy swayer Fables. My favourite is below; A Place Called Home.
Deaf Joe is readying for gigs around Ireland with House of Cosy Cushions very soon – De Barra’s, Clonakilty (March 25). Crane Lane, Cork (March 27). The Joinery, Dublin (March 31). Phil Grimes’, Waterford (April 1). Admission is free to the shows in DeBarra’s and Crane Lane, I’ll pop up a flyer for the Dublin gig when I get one. - Harmlessnoise.ie
An ambitious young Irish label is readying its most exciting release yet.
It’s always heart-warming to see domestic indie labels on the rise. One stable who have been particularly busy of late is the Delphi label. Following a stellar Eurosonic stint by Sacred Animals, the camp are now preparing for the release of Deaf Joe’s new EP, The Holy Water, on March 11. Plus Sacred Animals are off on the road again, this time to the US for a batch of dates including SXSW and then to Canadian Music Week. Best of luck guys!
Meanwhile fans of Deaf Joe can catch the Waterford gent on tour with the wonderful House Of Cosy Cushions in March when they bring their sonic brilliance to De Barra’s, Clonakilty (March 25); Crane Lane, Cork (27); The Joinery, Dublin (31); and Phil Grimes, Waterford (April 1)… - Hot Press
Im really psyched to share this track with all of you because frankly, it’s great. You can download ”What’ve I Done” from the direct link and you can listen to the Limited Edition Winters Glow EP below via Bandcamp.
Joe’s distinctive vocals gracing over the steady acoustic guitar strums along with electric guitar grunge accents and simple drum hits make up a sound incomparable and worthy of more attention. Straight out of Waterford, Ireland it’s nice to see that he’s trying to gain a following over here in the US. Deaf Joe’s latest ensemble, Winters Glow EP, is one dazzling and stunning ride, full of otherworldly charm and granted real staying power by its soulful and dreamlike songs. The intricate arrangements and lyrical harmonies resonate in his work for music in theatre and dance in his home town of Waterford, Ireland.
Deaf Joe arranges and plays all instruments on his recordings except for a trusted collaborator sitting in on drums. Winters Glow is filled with effortless chamber-pop and lush, beautiful songs. Deaf Joe doesn’t need too much explaining or dissecting - it just needs listening to make sense. The limited edition four-track EP was released on The Delphi Label on October 22, 2010. If you haven’t heard him yet do so now, click the play button and enjoy. - The Record Stack
He’s been likened to Bon Iver in the past...despite playing most of the instruments himself, Winter’s Glow showcases his own brand of rich fok-based instrumentation. - state.ie
Joanna - Deaf Joe is hands-down my most favourite and most listened to track this year...plus it’s just the most perfect song ever. - stranded.ie
"Joe's vocal hits the spot while a widescreen soundtrack punches you in the gut." - Hot Press
"Joe emerges pearl-like from his shell. Sublime songs and divine inspiration; a potent mix." - Today FM
Discography
Forest Fires EP (2009)
Winter's Glow EP (2010)
The Holy Water (March 2011)
Softest Touch (B-sides) (October 2011)
Debut Album (out January 2012)
Photos
Bio
Joe is anything but deaf. Well… maybe a little deaf to the noisy ebb and flow of fashion and fad, but not to the source of his soulful and dreamlike songs. Joe writes, arranges and plays everything on his recordings except for a trusted collaborator sitting in on drums. His romantic leanings are further portrayed in his work for music in theatre and dance in his home town of Waterford, Ireland.
What’s he trying to do? “I’ve been asking the same question myself. No answers yet though… but hopefully the listeners can get as lost in the songs as I do.”
He has recently put the finishing touches to his first full-length, due for release in January 2012. Never one to sit still, he is also currently working on collaborative projects with Katie Kim and Molotov Ape.
“Joe emerges pearl-like from his shell. Sublime songs and divine inspiration; a potent mix.” - Donal Dineen, Today FM
“Joe’s vocal hits the spot while a widescreen soundtrack punches you in the gut.” - Hot Press (Pick of the Fortnight)
"Waterford native Joe Harney looks like a folk artist. Sometimes looks can be deceptive, but in Deaf Joe's case, they're definitely correct. The owner of a gorgeous voice, the multi-instrumentalist creates beautiful soundscapes and is a fantastic live performer. He wowed crowds at Electric Picnic 2010, and his Winter's Glow EP was one of the standout releases of last year." - 2uibestow.blogspot.com
Links
