Local Singer Songwriter Oonagh Derby recently launched her hotly anticipated new album, Breathe, at The Sunflower Bar.
With a world-wide tour and prestigious awards such as The Live Ireland (Livies) Award in Chicago already under her belt for her inaugural CD Harmony Street, this county Armagh songstress is already gaining critical acclaim from other musical luminaries.
Pat Gribben from 80s hit-makers The Adventures quoted “I knew Oonagh was good, but not this good,” whilst another respected local singing/song-writing icon Anthony Toner praises her “exciting new voice, bringing strong songs in a fresh soul/folk vibe.”
Breathe is an 11 track album by this sexy, sassy songstress, who is also an accomplished TV producer at Belfast based RedBox Studios, specialising in music. This album has a much more confident, mature and self-assured sound – it’s like Oonagh’s music has grown with her and is a true masterpiece. One of Oonagh’s new album tracks from her first album, Lovely Friend, has even made it onto the big screen, having been used in a new movie ‘A Bump Along The Way’, starring Bronagh Gallagher.
Oonagh, a qualified Quantity Surveyor, is looking forward to her album launch and is excited about where it could lead.
“My album Breathe, just like Harmony Street, is an eclectic mix of original material with strong, emotive storytelling. They’re essentially songs by a woman, for a woman. The stories I tell in my songs are about real women and real things. I’m a daughter, mother, partner, sister and friend and all these things find their way into my music.” Oonagh continues;
“Breathe has been five years in the making and I truly believe that it offers a unique new vibe, from my original folk and trad sound. I’ve been on a bit of a transition and my new CD is a definite side stop into blues and jazz, incorporating a warm traditional feel. This is definitely music to move your hips to and I have to thank the rest of the band Cormac O Kane, Dick Farrelly, David Bell, Nicky Scott and Peter McKinney for helping me realise my dream. I was honoured to work with such a talented, stellar line-up of accomplished musicians. I am chuffed that one of the tracks from Harmony Street is on a new movie sound track and I have also been asked to support Brian Kennedy on his forthcoming tour. Who knows what other adventures Breathe will take me on? Exciting times ahead for sure!” For further information check out www.oonaghderby.com
