Noelie McDonnell

McDonnell is one of the best new songwriters to emerge from the west and indeed Ireland, in years and has the voice and stage presence to match. His music has recently been described as a hybrid of John Prine, Johnny Cash & Bob Dylan by Hot press magazine – no mean feat! This last year seen him play alongside The Walls, Liam Frost, Luka Bloom, John Martyn, Roesy, The Chalets & Mundy to name but a few. His festival appearances have stolen the show.

At the end of 2004, Noelie recorded an acoustic limited edition EP to meet the demand from an ever growing fan base in Ireland and the UK, He embarked on a support tour of the UK that winter for 3 weeks , by the end of the tour he played to a packed audience at his first UK headline show at Manchesters 'Night n'Day' club , independently with no album yet released. His 'Limited edition' EP was selling so well at this point that he realized it was time to record the album. In Spring 2005 this is what he did, he took his band into the studio over a weekend and recored live what is now his critically acclaimed self titled debut 'Noelie McDonnell' .Noelie independently and in a very low-key way decided to release his debut around a hand full of gigs in Ireland in November 2005. He made 1000 copies, and within a week of them being made they were gone. Approached by RMG shortly after this Noelie agreed to release his album nationwide in February of this year.

Since then he has been playing to full houses in Ireland, in March he was invited to do a 10 date tour in America , Noelie took to the SWAP Festival stage in Manchester, UK in July, The only Irish act, alongside the UK's rising acts Liam Frost, I AM KLOOT and Sandi Thom Again. independently and with no release in the UK yet, the word of mouth PR campaign of Noelie mcDonnell is traveling fast. Noelie has been invited to play 'ITHCA 2006' in Italy on September 9th, He then embarks on his first full UK headline tour, and returns to America in October where he has been invited to play a string of dates both headline and support shows.

With his powerful vocals and passionate lyrics, Noelie McDonnell has the ability to take the listener to a magical place, If you’re not familiar with his music, its simple really - catchy melodies combined with stunning guitar performance and heartfelt poetry. His rapport with his audiences is one that is immediately inviting and always memorable. So it’s not surprising that McDonnell fans are quickly increasing in number and dedication!
Noelie McDonnell - Reviews

Irishman Noelie McDonnell Crafts a less traditional sound on his self - titled debut. and instead opts for more contemporary, roots-rock fare. Kicking of with the spirited 'Stars' where the guitar and harmonica meet in a joyful fit. McDonnell reminds of a cross between Ryan Adams and the counting crow's Adam Duritz. The lovely 'New York City' brings some heart felt folkiness to the mix, with McDonnell's slight accent adding to the sincerity of the track. The catchy ' want to go' finds a swift melody and hangs on tight, leading into the hypnotic, 'Belly of the earth' giving off a Dave Matthew's band vibe, albeit with vocals straight outta Galway instead of Virginia, impressive from the first note, McDonnell is an artist to watch!
Free Time - New York March 2006

'..... If you want to listen to someone who's gonna be more well-known in the future; check out this guy, you might just like what you hear! '
Ska, Punk & other junk, New york March 2006

'........musicianship of the highest quality, this debut album confirms he is one Irishman to look out for.'
Hotpress Magazine - Ireland - March 2006

McDonnell is a natural at crafting catchy folk-rock songs with stories that linger as long as the hooks.
Bill O' Neill - Cape Cod Times - Feb 2006

When reviewing Noelie McDonnell's demo in these pages last year, I described the Galway singer-songwriter as a hybrid of John Prine, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. The arrival of his debut album only confirms that he is all that and, indeed, far more than the sum of his influences.
With not a drawl nor a y'all in sight, he picks his way delicately through a dozen robust originals, all tastefully blending elements of outdoor rock, pop, folk and country, and all delivered in his warm, expressive and unaffected voice.
Aided and abetted by a bunch of fine local musicians, McDonnell comes across as the real deal, making happy marriages of the catchiest melodies and home-grown lyrics better than any matchmaker.
On the uptempo 'Stars' the reggae-fied 'Walkin' On' and 'New York City' he shoots straight from the heart. 'What Am I To Do', replete with his wailing harmonica, shows great vocal maturity and confidence. 'Want To Go' sambas in before settling into a fine rockin groove, and there's a mountain of heartache in 'Easy On Me' and in the brilliant 'Steal A Rhythm'.
The laid-back 'Roundstone' is reminiscent of Ger Wolfe and John Spillane, and it's a true gem, decor