Declan Snowden & The Amazing Travelling Bears

“Declan Snowden & The Amazing Travelling Bears” is a Galway-based acoustic act fronted by 22-year-old songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Declan Snowden. The self-titled debut album is a lo-fi folk pop experience ranging from laid back ballads like “You May Find I’m Gone” and “You Can Call” to fast-moving folk rock as in “On My Own” and “So I’m Done”. The album was written, performed and produced by Snowden at his home studio tucked away in a small village outside of Galway. The DIY ethic is important to the philosophy of the act, and a warm lo-fi approach is key to the recorded sound. Inspiration is drawn from artists such as Van Morrison, Elliott Smith, Beach Boys and Neutral Milk Hotel.

Although a newcomer to the singer/songwriter scene, Snowden has been active in performing live with different bands and genres since 2003. The DS & ATB live act involves Snowden performing the songs solo with an acoustic guitar, harmonica, ukulele and whatever instruments are lying around. The live performances are intimate and warm with a few surprise covers thrown in. The lilting melodies and dynamic changes have drawn praise from the expanding local fan-base. A few small shows have been performed around Galway with plans for an Irish tour mid-Spring.