TPOE 337: Alannah Thornburgh

Mayo harpist Alannah Thornburgh talks about her debut album Shapeshifter, released February 12. She is inspired by the traditions of fairy folklore and mythology from rural Ireland. The project began when Alannah was commissioned to compose a piece for the Linenhall Arts Centre’s New Music in Mayo series, curated by traditional musician Emer Mayock. With the support of the Arts Council's Next Generation Award, Alannah conducted interviews with nearly 50 historians, storytellers, and locals, collecting stories and experiences that inform her music. These conversations are woven throughout the album. We talk about all this, as well the Thornburgh family band and the influence of her saxophone-playing dad, the influence of the late Conor Walsh, and her various collaborations with the likes of Lemoncello and Varo. Buy Shapeshifter: alannahthornburgh.bandcamp.com Alannah Thornburgh tour dates: April 4: The Linenhall Arts Centre, Co. Mayo April 11: Levis’ Cornerhouse, Ballydehob, West Cork April 12: Maureen’s, Cork City April 17: The Cobblestone, Dublin April 27: Prim’s Bookshop, Kinsale, Co. Cork May 9: The Duncairn, Belfast May 10: Fennelly’s, Kilkenny