Episode 91: From 13-Year-Old Support Act to 3Arena – Ciaran Moran’s Story

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Dublin singer-songwriter Ciaran Moran to talk about his journey into music and the experiences that shaped his sound.Ciaran shares how his passion for music began at just nine years old when his uncle first taught him guitar. Growing up in a musical family—his brother Keith played in No Angels DC, who toured with Sinéad O'Connor and Meat Loaf—Ciaran was surrounded by the music industry from an early age. At 13, a songwriting course helped him find his voice and learn how to write about difficult subjects. That same year he worked with Christy Moore and Roddy Doyle, and even toured with Damien Dempsey.Growing up in Dublin’s inner city heavily influenced Ciaran’s music, leading him to write about social issues like addiction and the realities of life around him. He also reflects on playing his first gig supporting Damien Dempsey at Whelan's at just 13 years old.Ciaran speaks about the influence of the late Christy Dignam, performing at the 3Arena, and the challenges of breaking into the music industry. We also discuss self-belief, the Irish mentality around success, and the importance of staying authentic as an artist.Ciaran performs two songs live during the episode, giving listeners a real taste of his raw, honest style. It’s a powerful conversation about music, resilience, and staying true to yourself.