2013 will certainly be a year to remember for Derry-born singer Mairead Carlin, who has recently been announced as the newest member of smash-hit US phenomenon, Celtic Woman.
The meteoric rise to join Celtic Woman is just the latest in a long line of achievements for this inspired local woman. Although still in her early 20s, Mairead hit the headlines late last year when she was announced as the latest signing to legendary music label Decca Records - the label who so famously turned down The Beatles back in the day!
Mairead also wowed audiences all over the UK when she was chosen to support legendary ‘American Pie’ singer Don McLean on the extensive UK leg of his World Tour, including a sell-out concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
From there, she performed at the first City of Culture concert in her hometown of Derry, taking to the stage at Ebrington’s Venue during ‘Sons & Daughters’ alongside fellow US singing sensation and Glee star, Damian McGinty.
Speaking of her move to Celtic Woman, Mairead told the Journal; “I am thrilled and honoured to join Celtic Woman, particularly as I’m the first girl from the North of Ireland. I’m humbled to be able to continue on their musical journey alongside Susan, Lisa and Mairead.”
Celtic Woman is the all-female Irish musical ensemble conceived and assembled by Sharon Browne, who also helped create Celtic Thunder, and David Downes, a former musical director of the Irish stage show Riverdance.
Derry producer Frank Gallagher revealed: “The Celtic Woman offer came from a recent meeting I had with their record company in New York. They got in touch with me soon after and expressed interest.I jumped at the chance as it’s a wonderful platform for Mairead to propel her career.”
To date, Celtic Woman has sold six million albums and now, with Mairead alongside, they’ll tour Europe, Australia and the USA.
In coming weeks, Mairead will release a single of ‘Let The River Run’ with Damian McGinty. The song notably features in the current City of Culture promotional video ‘Silver Cities Rise’.
US megastar Carly Simon, who wrote the song, emailed Mairead’s producer Frank Gallagher, to say; “I just played it and cried my eyes out and am still crying. It’s absolutely stunningly wonderful.”
After what’s sure to be an exhaustive few months, Mairead will then turn her attentions to her own debut album, Songbook, due out next year on Decca Records.
All in a day’s work, as they say!
http://www.derryjournal.com/what-s-on/arts-culture/mairead-thrilled-to-join-celtic-woman-1-5448771