While the award-winning, double platinum-selling, Mick Flannery may need no introduction, Co. Clare singer songwriter Susan O’Neill is, by comparison, a relative newcomer. That won’t last long, she’s something of a trailblazer…the last time she graced these pages she was on top of a cliff with Clare Sands singing and also playing trumpet and congas…the energy of the performance was really something else.
In 2020, Mick and Susan’s duet ‘Baby Talk’, won ‘Best Original Song of The Year’ at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards and has racked up nearly 1 million streams to date. You should also check out their Live EP, recorded for Other Voices here, which features a divine cover of John Prine’s Angel from Montgomery.
You get the picture here? News of a collaborative album from these two is cause for celebration. Both of them carry an intense presence to the stage and you can see and hear that energy in action on their new single ‘Chain Reaction‘ (out today) which is taken from their forthcoming collaborative album, ‘In the Game’, set for release in September 2021.
Of the track, Susan says “This is the sweet one, the call and response. There is a feeling of love and balance here as both voices verbalise the same lyrics, thoughts and gratitude.”
Mick adds “This song arrived at night/morning early in pandemic lockdowns. It was partly inspired by hopeful talk of a “reset” and/or environmental benefits to a great slowing of human activity.”
Mick and Susan recorded in Co. Cork, with Christian Best engineering all the Irish musicians as well as playing drums on the track. Tony Buchen then took over producing duties in Los Angeles, bringing in various players including ‘Death Cab for Cuties’ Zac Rae on Wurlitzer duties. The infectious feel-good video filmed in Co. Clare and directed by West Cork Director Christopher Luke.
The pair have also announced a string of Irish shows in support of the new record, happening October and December 2021. Including Cork Opera House, Dolan’s Warehouse, Limerick, and Whelan’s in Dublin. New dates go on sale today [Friday 25th June]. More shows to be announced soon.
Stream/Buy the single: https://smarturl.it/in-the-game
‘In the Game’ album by Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill will be released September 2021.
Pre-order:
LIVE SHOW DATES – MICK FLANNERY + SUSAN O’NEILL
Oct 9 – Dolan’s, Limerick
Oct 17 – INEC, Kilarney
Oct 22 – Opera House, Cork
Oct 23 – De Barra’s, Clonakilty
Oct 29 – Sligo Live Festival
Oct 30 – Vicar St, Dublin (Sold Out)
Nov 6 – Whelan’s, Dublin
Nov 11- Spirit Store, Dundalk
Nov 12 – Ramor Theatre, Virgina
Nov 13 – The Duncairn, Belfast
Nov 19 – Roisin Dubh, Galway
Dec 12 – Watergate Theatre. Kilkenny
Photo Credit: Susie Conroy