In 2021, Lewis Barfoot released her debut album, Glenaphuca. Born in Walthamstow, the daughter of an Irish mother and English father, Lewis’s debut made quite an impression on Folk Radio’s David Pratt, who saidin his review:
“This release is the delightful sound of a musician who is both an accomplished composer of original material and also a torchbearer keeping alive traditional styles and songs from both Ireland and the UK in a way that pays due deference to the past whilst also potentially opening the door to making folk music more accessible and exciting to new, modern audiences.”
He concludes: “Unequivocally enjoyable, Glenaphuca is an absolute treat and a superb debut. More please.” Two years on, that wish is granted as Lewis announces her debut follow-up, HOME (due in November 2023). Dublin City Bells is her latest single, due for release this week on 4th August 2023.
Echoing her previous single Tongan Town, Dublin City Bells is described as a jubilant song of celebration, inspired by the bells ringing and the streets of Dublin filling as the lockdown was lifted. Lewis told us:
“Dublin City Bells“ draws inspiration from the resounding bells and bustling streets of Temple Bar as they reverberated with life after the lifting of lockdown in the summer of 2021. I was artist in residence with Dublin City Arts Office, and until that point, I’d been living in a wooden cabin in the mountains in West Cork. It was a total culture shock. The mood in the streets was incredible. It was Pride; there was so much joy, celebration and the feeling of community. Everyone was hanging outside drinking, laughing and reconnecting, and this song speaks of that delight. It is the first single from my new album, HOME.”
You can catch Lewis on tour in the UK next month; see the dates below.
The video was Filmed and Edited by Adrian O’Connell at Itchy Feet Creative and Produced by Lewis.
Dublin City Bells was recorded at Wavefield Studios in Cork and Lewis’s home studio in Cork. Mixed by Giles Barrett (Lightship95, London), mastered by Pete Maher and featuring Elisabeth Flett on violin, Gabriel Buffa on clarinet, Davie Ryan on drums and Michael Riordan on double bass.
UK Tour Dates
Thurs 7th Sept – Anteros Arts – Norwich
Sat 9th Sept – The Grit – Lowestoft
Wed 13th Sept – Folklore Rooms – Brighton
Thurs 14th Sept – The Elm Tree – Cambridge
Fri 15th Sept – St Pancras Old Church – London
Mon 18th Sept – The Bell Inn – Bath
Website: https://www.lewisbarfoot.com/