Muireann Bradley, an 18-year-old from County Donegal, Ireland, is a rising star in the music world, captivating audiences with her remarkable talent for singing and playing the blues. In a generation dominated by pop icons like Taylor Swift, Muireann’s passion lies in the rich history of American blues, drawing inspiration from legends like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nina Simone. Her musical journey began in her childhood, nurtured by her father’s deep love for blues and ragtime music. From car rides filled with Blind Blake to a home brimming with guitars and CDs, Muireann was immersed in a world of soulful sounds from an early age. This early exposure ignited a spark within her, leading her to learn songs like “Candyman” alongside her father and eventually pick up the guitar, choosing the challenging yet expressive technique of fingerpicking.
Muireann’s musical path, however, wasn’t always linear. For a period, she dedicated herself to combat sports, achieving national-level recognition in both jiu-jitsu and boxing. It was the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns that brought her back to music. Unable to pursue her athletic endeavors, Muireann rediscovered her passion for the guitar and blues, immersing herself in practice and learning a diverse repertoire of traditional tunes. This renewed focus led her to post videos on YouTube, showcasing her exceptional skill and authentic interpretation of classic blues songs. These videos caught the attention of Josh Rosenthal from Tompkins Square, an American roots music label, who quickly recognized Muireann’s potential and signed her at the remarkably young age of 13.
Over the next two and a half years, Muireann meticulously recorded her debut album, “I Kept These Old Blues.” The album, recorded live with no overdubs or modern studio tricks, captures the raw energy and authentic sound of early blues recordings. The song selection reflects Muireann’s deep understanding of the genre, ranging from dark murder ballads like “Delia” and “Stagolee” to more lighthearted tunes like “Candyman.” Her performances, while deeply rooted in tradition, also carry a distinct personal touch, showcasing her own musical style and interpretation of these timeless classics. This unique blend of tradition and innovation has garnered Muireann significant attention and praise.
The release of “I Kept These Old Blues” marked a turning point in Muireann’s career. Her appearance on Jools Holland’s annual Hootenanny, a prestigious New Year’s Eve music show, introduced her to a wider audience. Her captivating performance of Reverend Gary Davis’s “Candyman” earned her a standing ovation, a testament to her captivating stage presence and exceptional talent. This performance sparked further interest, leading to appearances on popular television shows like Ireland’s “The Late, Late Show,” where she shared the stage with renowned Irish actors Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott.
Muireann’s rising popularity culminated in a landmark transatlantic record deal with Decca and Verve Forecast, labels synonymous with iconic artists like Billie Holiday and contemporary musicians like Melody Gardot. The deal includes the remastering and re-release of “I Kept These Old Blues” with an additional track, “When The Levee Breaks,” a song she frequently performs live. Muireann’s rendition of this classic folk song strips it back to its roots, drawing inspiration from Memphis Minnie’s original and Philadelphia guitarist Ari Eisinger’s interpretation, showcasing her ability to breathe new life into well-loved songs.
Looking ahead, Muireann is eager to continue exploring her musical potential. While she deeply admires her influences and cherishes the rich legacy of blues music, she is also beginning to craft her own original songs. Her future plans include recording her own music while continuing to perform the classic blues songs that have shaped her musical journey. With her incredible talent, dedication to her craft, and a deep respect for the history of blues, Muireann Bradley is poised for a bright future, carrying the torch of a timeless genre into a new generation. Her unique blend of traditional blues with a fresh, contemporary approach has established her as a rising star, and the music world eagerly anticipates her future contributions.
