In this episode I talk with Irish sean nós (old-style) singer Chan Reid about the experience of living as an immigrant far from one’s ancestors, and how experiences of migration and dislocation resonate in the heart of Irish traditional song and music. Chan sings some heart-cracking-open songs, and even obliges me by explaining how Irish traditional singers do the “diddly bits” that make sean nós songs sound so unbelievably cool.

Join my pagan ritual song course here: https://www.danicaboyce.com/pagan-ritual-song

Follow or contact Chan Reid here: https://www.instagram.com/seannossinger

Join my mailing list here: https://enthusiastica.substack.com/

References:

Joe Heaney for sean nós songs

Irish Traditional Music Archive: https://www.itma.ie/

Scottish sound archive Tobar an Dualchais (Kist o' Riches): https://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/

Songs in the episode:

Dooley Gate by John Shiel (sung by Chan Reid)

Here's a Health to the Company, traditional (sung by Chan Reid and Danica)

The Shores of Loch Bran (sung by Chan Reid)

Thank you to Sylvia Woods whose tune, Forest March, is the theme music to Fair Folk podcast