Well…it’s been another beautiful day, and this evening there promises to be another stunning sunset over Spanish Point.
It has been an exciting few months with the launch of my new album Landmark, and a series of beautiful intimate boutique gigs taking place in diverse locations such as living rooms, cafès and an upcoming gig in a poly tunnel on the horizon.
Thank you so much to all of you who have come to the gigs, bought the album and been so supportive this last while. Also to those who have liked and shared and shared again the videos and new singles released recently. Thanks to you, the songs are reaching people in places and countries I could only have dreamed of.
The first launch of Landmark took place on a beautiful Friday evening in late April at my friend Caitriona’s house in Miltown Malbay. Accompanied by Chris Wood, Anne Rynne, Shona Blake and Gerry Hegarty, the songs were introduced for the first time to a warm and receptive audience .
Speaking of house gigs, if you would like to host a gig in your living room, or in any room for that matter – wherever you are in the world, I’d be delighted to hear from you. All that is required is space for people to sit and listen and I will do the rest!
You can contact me on claire@clairewatts.ie.
On the last Friday in May I had the great pleasure of chatting to Eoin O’ Neill on his radio show The West Wind on Clare FM about the new album, singing some of the songs from it and playing the flute. Eoin has been a great supporter of my songs and due to airplay on his Sunday morning show, copies of the album are now winging their way to the USA, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.
You can hear the show here.
The first launch gig of last month took place in The Potter’s Hand, Kilrush. Thanks a million Aisling for having me back to sing in such gorgeous surroundings again.
On the first Sunday of May, I was the special guest at the wonderful Kilshanny House Singing Circle. Surrounded by upwards of 30 singers it was an amazing night full of warmth, amazing songs, stories and craic – big thanks to Noirin Lynch for being a fabulous bean-an-tí and to Mary and Aiden Butler for their wonderful hospitality.
Another lovely launch gig was when I brought Landmark to Limerick, to The Acoustic Club at Charlie Malone’s. The welcome was warm and there was a huge turnout of musicians and singers. Thanks to Dominic Taylor for having me back again!
This month kicked off with a trip to Suffolk where I joined Julian Marshall and other songwriters for what was a gorgeous weekend of songs, collaboration, lively discussion and great company. And there were also trees!
I look forward to the official release of the album on 11th June, and will have a brand new single from the album to release early next month, along with a new video. This month there are some more lovely gigs coming up at The Folk ’n’ Soup Club in Ballina, the aforementioned poly tunnel in Ennistymon, and an intimate gig at “The Secret Garden” in Galway just down the road from where I went to school in the Jes. Chris Wood on multi-stringed guitars will be joining me for these June gigs.
I am also very excited to be performing at a Poetry Ireland event in Dublin with Three Women Sing, with news just announced that a further event is being planned for Limerick. Also looking forward to chatting with Rohan Healy of Dublin City FM at the end of June and recording a live session with him.
Enjoy the Sunshine!
Claire
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