Northern Irish musicians, Ryan Vail and Eoin O’Callaghan aka Elma Orkestra and will launch the release of their collaborative studio album, Borders with a show at the MAC this Friday, 28 June, alongside two of the most respected Irish artists in their field – vocalist, Moya Brennan and spoken word artist, Stephen James Smith.
Both from Derry-Londonderry, Vail and O’Callaghan’s album, Borders is a nod to their city and an acknowledgement of the need to overcome divisions. Presented by AVA and Quiet Arch Records, the additions of both Brennan and Smith help extend the atmospheric heights of the set, which combines electronic and neo-classical genres.
An Emmy award-winning performer and a founding member of iconic Celtic music act,‘Clannad’,Brennan is recognised as the ‘First Lady of Celtic Music’ and is widely regarded as one of the most influential singers in Irish history.
Smith has made a name for himself by modernising the art of spoken word and Irish poetry and returns to the MAC following his own successful tour here in November 2018. A world-renowned performer who has worked with the likes of Conor O’Brien (‘Villagers’ and Ivor Novello Award Winner), Oscar award-winner Glen Hansard, Shane McGowan and Roddy Doyle.
Borders has already been praised by critics for the scope and scale of its ambitious sound, with O’Callaghan and Vail’s meticulous, inspired compositions highlighting the album’s staggering feat of collaborative spirit.
Tickets for Borders at the MAC on sale now at www.themaclive.com or call Box Office on 02890235053.