Ryan’s Gig with Shane Barry and the Silver South Ensemble
Waterford-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Shane Barry, brings his 10-piece band to Ryan’s on Sunday, November 26th at 8pm, to celebrate the release of his debut, solo album ‘Songs from the Silver South’. The album represents a wide range of influences and interests. From ambient country to indie new-wave to folk-rock to the instrumental retro-dance/electronica of the album closer, Shane creates a number of tapestries to present the stories inspired by small-town living. The 10-piece band includes a brass and percussion section, all dedicated to filling out the ambitious arrangements of Shane’s songs.
Having had previous success with the soul/indie influenced Shane Barry & the Distractions, Shane has spent the last few years completing a PhD in Applied Linguistics, starting a family, and playing other people’s songs to finance this new solo project. The pause in performance opportunities in 2020 led to a rediscovery of enjoying music and writing songs. In discussions with regular collaborator, mixing engineer and former O Emperor drummer, Brendan Fennessy, enough basic equipment was purchased to self-engineer his album, ‘Songs from the Silver South’. Away from the time and financial pressures of the studio, the album was recorded in bedrooms, hallways and practice rooms over 2021 and 2022, while toddlers slept and neighbours mowed lawns.
‘Songs from the Silver South’ is available on 12” vinyl, CD and digital, only on Bandcamp or at live shows, and released independently through Shane’s Distraction Music label.
