Labelled as the hottest new group out of Northern Ireland by Chicago Irish American News, the quintet that is Connla have been quickly making an impact on the folk scene.
Hailing from the cities of Armagh and Derry, Connla released their EP in 2015 and album in 2016 to much critical acclaim, and they have already gathered a big following in the UK, Ireland, Europe and USA. They were crowned Best New Group in the Live Ireland Awards in 2016, and also carried off the trophy for Best Vocal/Instrumental Album of the Year too! Songlines magazine made Connla their “must see act” for their tour of the UK and stated that “a band this young shouldn’t be this good”! An outstanding performance in Chicago led to the talented young band earning the title of Best Concert of the Year at the Live Ireland Awards in 2017.
The band members are Ciara Mccafferty (vocals, bodhran), Ciaran Carlin (flute, whistles), Paul Starrett (guitar), Emer Mallon (harp) and Conor Mallon (uillieann pipes, whistles). Their sensitive and innovative arrangements of traditional and modern folk songs and tunes have helped them create their own sound which is very identifiable as Connla.
We're looking forward to welcoming them to Shetland!
Consider this your early warning system…there is something serious on the horizon and that creative storm is Connla
Irish Music Magazine
“…thrills and excites as they continue to progress by leaps and bounds
fRoots Magazine
Intoxicating – their own musical heritage is superbly showcased
R2 Magazine
Wonderful
Bob Harris, BBC Radio 6
Find out more at connlamusic.com.
Find them on Facebook, X, Instagram and SoundCloud.
