The Whileaways

THE WHILEAWAYS BIO

Multi folk award nominee’s The Whileaways have ingeniously solved the dilemma of having three lead singers by becoming, essentially, one stunning voice. The band of "perfected simplicity", combine in sublime harmonies, singing songs they have mined from their own lived lives and the lives of others.  With themes of family, love and a sense of place, their music “hollers for a chance to be heard in a live setting, so rich is its lyrical tapestry” (Irish Times).

The Whileaways are Noelie McDonnell, Noriana Kennedy and Nicola Joyce, are three accomplished singers who had each toured and recorded extensively with their separate projects before coming together as a band. With over a dozen albums to their collective credit, and having played gigs and festivals all over the world, they began to admire each other’s singing at sessions in their home-town of Galway. 

This trio of song-writers came together in 2012 and since then have released four critically acclaimed albums. Their spell-binding live performances have shown to be a special haven for fans with all of their shows selling out as part of their ‘In all Honesty’ Album launch tour last year.   During lockdown The Whileaways made an exceptional contribution to entertaining their audience online with their weekly sharing of songs ‘Live from Home’.  Their regular Sunday night performances via Facebook became a cherished opportunity for fans from around the globe to come together and enjoy the band's music.

The Whileaways have garnered high praise from the music press both at home and abroad being described as “among the finest singers in the country” (Hot Press) and their music as “profound and insightful, tightly woven, experimental, fresh and energetic” (Irish Music Magazine) . In 2019 they had three songs scored and recorded with the RTE Orchestra.

The band are renowned for their live performances, whether that’s touring their own material, or their much-lauded show Bird On The Wire, a collaboration with Pauline Scanlon which features a ten-piece band including strings, and explored the songs of song writing icon Leonard Cohen. It has been performed to sold-out audiences in Ireland and Holland over the last three years in venues such as Ulster Hall, The Olympia Theatre and the Cork Opera House. 

Often joined by maestro’s Eimhin Cradock and Sam Finlay on drums and bass their beautifully crafted original songs and harmonies are delivered beautifully from the stage. With a blend of storytelling and intimate conversation their live show is undeniably  transporting and a testament of the dedicated fan base they now hold. 

QUOTES

"the sound of a fine band honing a distinctive sound" Lauren Murphy, Sunday Times Culture

"Among the finest singers in the country...deceptively simple and deeply affecting...absolutely stunning melodies and harmonies" Hot Press

"Prepare to be spellbound" Sligo Live Festival
"hollers for a chance to be heard in a live setting, so rich is its lyrical tapestry"  Siobhan Long, Irish Times

"a knockout and one of the best acts at the festival" - Sandy Brady, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Australia

"this bands musical penchant: perfected simplicity" - Colleen Taylor, The Irish Echo