Shane Ó Fearghail is an Irish Singer-songwriter from Dublin, now based in Vienna. His musical style fits neatly into the Irish Indie Folk box. Likened to REM, Crowded House, Rufus Wainright III and Ron Sexsmith, it is easy to see where his songwriting loyalties lie. Irish music however, is his first love.
On stage Shane Ó Fearghail is one of the best live performers out there. Energetic, engaging and unpretentious with a genuine depth and craft to his songwriting that is never far from his Irish Folk roots in it’s storytelling and pathos.
Having released his critically acclaimed debut album ‘The Watcher & The Comet’ – produced by Herbie Macken (Neil Finn, Gavin Friday) as Caruso, he signed a publishing deal for Europe. His self produced second album ‘Everything You Need Is Here’, released under his own name, took him a step further, securing licensing deals in North America and in turn established him as a solid solo performer and consistent songwriter.
‘They Might See Dolphins’ – his newest long play, was recorded in Germany and Austria in 2016. Co-produced alongside Bavarian producer Christian Knollmueller, it is a “fan-funded” creation and an eclectic mix of eleven beautifully crafted songs – with the production to match. It shows a distinct creative turn in lyric and musical direction, cementing Shane as a well rounded creative songwriter helping him secure worldwide publishing with Sentric Music UK. Sad Opera Entertainment now manages Shane’s publishing. Now working on two new albums consecutively, Shane has carved out his own personal niche and network in Europe.
With a background in Animation, Writing, Art & Film Making, other strings to his bow include, co-writing and song collaboration projects, with releases for other artists. In his spare time he is involved with the Vienna Songwriting Circle (founding member), as well as developing songwriter groups and workshops throughout Europe. Shane is a chief co-cordinator of Schottenfest – a cultural music festival in Vienna that celebrates Irish and Scottish culture in Austria – now in its fourth year. He also manages the Acoustic Room, The Song Factory, The Artists Place & the new Vintage Sessions – all live platforms in Vienna for original music and upcoming songwriters. Fair Play Concerts, his non profit platform, was set up in 2016 to help and develop songwriting and songwriters in Vienna and beyond.
Shane was the recent winner at the international Sofia Singers-ongwriting festival in Bulgaria in September 2018. He is sponsored by Shadow Guitars (Bestacoustic Reinhardt GMBH) and Fusion Bags, being an active Artist Ambassador for both brands. He will perform for Shadow Guitars and Reinhardt Best Acoustics over the five days of Frankfurt Messe 2019; one of the worlds biggest music fairs.
Shane Ó Fearghail & The Host. Live Shane performs solo and also with his band and new musical project ‘The Host’. The band consists of an eclectic group of musicians from Austria and England, all of whom bring a beautiful element and mix to old and new songs. Live they bring a contemporary feel to Irish and Appalachian roots and folk, sweetened with a European touch. A real live event! With festival dates in Germany already under their belt – this year will see Shane and the band roll out to more countries. Shane’s website can be visited by clicking here.