Music from the Heart

Dan McCabe is a folk singer from Kildare, Ireland. His journey began in May 2020, when he uploaded a few songs to YouTube. What started as a simple project became a viral sensation, amassing over 50 million views in just three months and marking the beginning of his meteoric rise. Since then, McCabe has become one of Ireland’s fastest-rising stars in folk music, with over 50 viral videos to his name.

McCabe’s music, which marries traditional Irish ballads with contemporary folk influences, quickly caught the attention of national institutions,  with RTÉ calling on Dan to feature on its Late Late Show twice and performed at the President’s residence for a New Year's Eve broadcast. His first tour in 2021 sold out 60 venues across Ireland, taking in the most prestigious stages in the country including The Ulster Hall, Dublin’s 3Olympia and the INEC in Killarney. That same year, he signed a management and record deal, and by 2022, McCabe was performing at the Aviva Stadium during Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Portugal.

In 2023, McCabe signed a worldwide publishing deal and released his first self-penned track, Heaven’s Only A Touch Away. This year marks the release of his first fully produced studio album in collaboration with world-renowned producer Bill Shanley and showcases McCabe’s evolving artistry as he prepares for the next wave of Irish shows and international performances. With a loyal following at home and a growing global audience, Dan McCabe stands poised to bring his unique interpretations of Irish folk music to the world.

Dan McCabe’s first studio album ‘Back To Life’ is a bold, heartfelt journey through Ireland’s most treasured ballads. Recorded at Dublin’s iconic Windmill Lane Studios, it showcases McCabe’s deep connection to the Irish folk tradition. Each track is infused with a visceral energy, and with his powerful voice, he carries every lyric with passion and purpose. Opening up with an exquisite rendition of Bruce Springsteen's "I'm on Fire", this track alone sets the standard high for the entire album. You can tell McCabe has a strong confidence in his abilities by tackling a song like that. But rightly so. Even his vocal carries certain similarities to the original yet the take remains his own.

The musicians surrounding McCabe add exceptional layers of depth and texture to the album and deserve a special mention, with Conal Early on keyboards, Kyle Farrell on guitars, and Alan Doherty on whistles making up an outstanding core band. There’s a very impressive list of special guests throughout, including Colin Farrell on fiddle, Martin Ditcham on percussion, and James Blennerhassett on bass, against the backdrop of Gavin Murphy’s lush arrangements which give the album a sweeping, cinematic quality. 

Dougie MacLean's "Caledonia" is an evocative track about the love for the homeland. McCabe's version adds even a deeper layer of sadness, making it a haunting standout. Another iconic song, The Fields of Athenry, is presented in a similar fashion and brings a veil of sorrow right from the start.

"Ride On", known to be sung by McCabe's fellow Kildare artist and Irish living legend, Christy Moore, has been cemented into the Irish folklore. You wouldn't possibly find an Irish person who wouldn't be familiar with it. Another soul-stirring number that only gains when taken into the hands of an capable artist.

Grace in this stripped-back arrangement is raw and timeless. The tragic story feels even more poignant.

Schoolsdays over is one of those songs that feels like it's been there for centuries.

Back to Life Tour 2025

Tickets

Greville Arms Mullingar - January 2nd

Clayton Hotel Galway - January 3rd

 Clayton Hotel Cork - January 4th

Keadeen Hotel Newbridge - January 10th

 Kilmore Hotel Cavan - January 11th

Carrickdale Hotel Dundalk - January 18th

Riverside Park Enniscorthy - January 24th

Abbey Hotel Donegal - January 25th

Vicar St - January 26th

Tullyglass House Hotel Ballymena - January 31st

Headford Arms Kells - February 1st

 Landmark Carrick-on-Shannon - February 8th

 Glor Ennis - February 13th

Woodford Dolmen Carlow - February 15th

Rhu Glenn Hotel Waterford - February 28th

Millennium Forum Derry - March 1st

 Armagh City Hotel - March 8th

Arklow Bay Hotel - March 15th

Devenish Complex Belfast - March 22nd

 INEC Killarney - March 28th