Irish singer Meadhbh Walsh says gigging in the US has given her "a new lease of life" and is now setting her sights on a collaboration with hugely popular American country music singer Luke Combs .
The 22-year-old folk-musician from Co Cork began her career busking on the streets of Killarney, Co Kerry as a teenager. After the pandemic put an end to her pub performances, she went online to share her musical talent .
Attracting over 100,000 followers across all platforms through live-streaming every weekend in lockdown, Meadhbh went on to tour and collaborate with Ireland’s most popular bands such as Dan McCabe and The Whistlin' Donkeys.
She kicked off her "dream" debut US tour last year where people from Guatemala and China turned up to see her, and is now returning for a third time in July. Meadhbh told IrishStar.com : "I'm doubling my crowds from last time.
"It's an amazing feeling. I can't get over the response from Irish and Irish American people . We're doing five days of straight gigs all over the east coast including Connolly's in Times Square, New York which will be a big one.
"Many of the Irish centres are like mini Ireland . The John Boyle O'Reilly Club in Springfield, Massachusetts is a dark horse of a place and I got some shock on my first time in Philadelphia - the venue exceeded all my expectations."
She went on: "All nationalities are attending the gigs. One person travelled six hours on a plane just to see me. I've always dreamed of doing something like this but it seemed so far away from ever being possible.
"The US has rejuvenated my music career and given me confidence to go for it because people will buy tickets, show up, and make the effort. Irish music is so appreciated on both sides of the pond which is refreshing to see.
"It's had a big resurgence among younger people , too. If I was to reach for the stars, I'd say I'd like to work with The Mary Wallopers or Luke Combs."
Meadhbh was glad to bring "a moment of happiness in an otherwise sad time" to people during lockdown who tuned in every Friday night to hear the young woman play originals and covers of traditional Irish songs .
Putting names to faces and meeting those people in real life in the States has "warmed her heart," and given her even more motivation to share her musical gift with the world . She went on: "Lockdown was a very lonely time.
"I was only seeing numbers on a screen but going to America gave me the chance to meet the people who were sitting behind the desk, watching me religiously . They remembered things I said and songs I sang from years ago.
"They told me my music carried them through tough times which touched me a lot. It helped paint a picture of the real, normal people out there who were silently supporting me. I made a difference to their life , which is nice."
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Meadhbh's debut album will be released this summer . In the meantime, she is organizing an Irish tour, and will next travel to Canada and Australia to meet more of the diaspora . For tickets to Meadhbh's US shows, please click here .
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