Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly announce their new album and share ‘Níl Aon Easpa Orm’

Following the success of Rónán Ó Snodaigh (Kíla) and Myles O’Reilly’s 2020 debut album Tá Go Maith, the pair have been attracting an evergrowing fanbase to their unique sound as well as playing numerous shows at home and abroad. Today, they are proud to announce the release of their second album, ‘The Beautiful Road‘, a soulful blend of folk, traditional, and ambient crossover, to be released via Claddagh Records on July 28th (pre-order it here).

To celebrate the announcement, they have also shared the first song, ‘Níl Aon Easpa Orm’, along with an enchanting video created by Myles, assisted by artificial intelligence. Filmed in the sacred hills of Loughcrew, Co. Meath, a location adorned with ancient Neolithic and megalithic burial tombs and monuments, watch the stunning video below and read the background to the song and video in Rónán and Myles’ own words.

I believe it’s crucial for people to visit these places and establish a deeper connection with the spirits of the land. Rónán Ó Snodaigh

Níl Aon Easpa Orm is also our Song of the Day.

Lyrics to Níl Aon Easpa Orm

[pronounciation: ‘Neel Ayn Ass-pa Urm’]

Níl aon easpa orm
De bharr gur thug tú dom
An méid a thug tú dom
B’shin a bfhuil agam
Níl aon amhras orm
De bharr go ndúirt tú liom
An méid a dúirt tú liom
Nuair a dúirt tú liom
Níl aon eagla orm
De theasca gur sheas tú liom
Nuair a sheas tú liom
B’shin a bfhuil ionam

I am not without
Because you gave to me
All that you gave to me
It is what I have
I am not in doubt
Because you said to me
What you said to me
When you said to me
I am not afraid
Because you stood with me
When you stood with me
It is what I have within

To create the film, Rónán, Myles, and dancer Mufutau Yusuf, ventured to the sacred hills of Loughcrew, Co. Meath, a location adorned with ancient Neolithic and megalithic burial tombs and monuments. For centuries, this site served as the final resting place for esteemed figures of the Stone Age and Bronze Age, including kings, queens, druids, and other significant individuals. At Loughcrew, seasonal ceremonies and celebrations took place, symbolically connecting the living with the mystical realm known as the Otherworld.

Myles explains:

“In our video, Rónán and Mufutau embody this tradition, visiting the Otherworld to dance together and pay homage to our ancestors, just as it had been practiced for thousands of years in this sacred place. From the hill’s summit, we witnessed a panoramic 360-degree view of the entire island, evoking a sensation of flight akin to the take-off of an airplane.

As an observer, I noticed Rónán and Mufutau gracefully assuming bird-like shapes and movements, reminiscent of the heavens above, and thought it was a good opportunity to use AI as a tool in post-production. It is fascinating to witness the development and discussions surrounding Artificial Intelligence these days. I believe I have found, and stand by, a positive representation of what it has to offer.

In the last half of the video, when both subjects are dancing, I was able to upload a black-and-white ink sketch of a raven to an AI algorithm. The algorithm mapped the images of the crow to their bodies in unique, improvisational, and surprising ways. The effect represents, for me, their successful passage into the Otherworld, guided by a sacred animal spirit.”

Rónán adds:

“It strikes me that many newcomers in Ireland may not be aware of the sacred or spiritual aspects of the landscape here. I believe it’s crucial for people to visit these places and establish a deeper connection with the spirits of the land. Such experiences can ground them and alleviate their uncertainties. Often, individuals from diverse backgrounds may feel hesitant or unsure in unfamiliar surroundings. However, by immersing themselves in these locations, they can become part of the profound conversation that defines our identity as Gael and as the people of these islands. This discussion transcends superficial differences like skin colour or tribal affiliations—it is a deeply meaningful endeavour.

Artists and those who have contemplated these matters have the opportunity to showcase these places and extend invitations to others to engage in the active spirituality they offer. It is our responsibility to guide people to these sites, to share knowledge about nearby holy wells and sacred spots. This engagement can provide them with an anchor, a connection to the authentic essence of the country. Through our video and the carefully chosen imagery, we aspire to convey these profound ideas more powerfully than words alone can express. Our aim is to diminish the sense of walking on eggshells, and foster a stronger sense of belonging and connection.

Perhaps we take for granted the ancient conversations between the wind, rain, stars, and stones, punctuated by places like Loughcrew, and unintentionally overlook their significance. However, I believe it presents a meaningful opportunity for immigrant populations, who are growing up as Irish, to cultivate a connection to a subconscious part of the country’s collective psyche. This connection can have a profound settling effect. Mufutao, Myles, and I have been working towards this idea for several months, and when we finally had the opportunity to bring it to life, the day and the true meanings of our actions revealed themselves to us.”

ABOUT THE ALBUM:

Following the success of Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly’s debut album Tá Go Maith, which was warmly received by audiences after its release in May 2020, Rónán and Myles have been playing numerous shows at home and abroad, showcasing their unique sound to an evergrowing fanbase.

Having written and developed new songs while touring, the duo decamped to a log cabin in Roscommon and a farmhouse in remote West Cork. Recording one song every day, surrounded by countryside and inspired by nature the pair set out to create a soothing listening experience by focusing on higher frequencies, inspired by the calming effects of bird song, wind, rain, and sea. They also sought to counter the increased levels of intrusive ambient “white noise” caused by traffic, machinery, and other unpredictable sounds arising from the worlds post pandemic return to frenzied norms. Noises that so often overwhelm our ears and inner filters. The result is a collection of songs that experiment with a variety of comforting sonic elements, including bells, breaths, brush-stroked rhythms, halftime beats, and ambient melodies, to create a sonic massage that relaxes the ears and settles the soul.

To accompany different moods and settings, Rónán and Myles carefully selected times and frequencies for each song, considering not only the tune but also the listener’s potential physical posture. From head-nodding paces and cheek-to-cheek melodies for seated listeners, to enough swing to keep dancers on the floor and enough room to drift off for those who prefer to unwind by walking or lying down, this album offers a range of sonic experiences for everyone. A musical refuge from the stresses of everyday life.

‘The Beautiful Road’ will be released on July 28th via Claddagh Records.

Pre-order at: https://claddaghrecords.com/collections/the-beautiful-road

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