One of Ireland’s most innovative bands are set to take Newry by storm. Kíla are coming to Iúr Cinn Fleadh.
In true Celtic style, Kíla are rooted in Irish tradition – and dig into world influences. Kíla fuse their own melodies, Irish lyrics, Irish folk instruments – such as whistles, fiddles, Uilleann pipes and bodhrán – with djembe, congas, drums, mandolins, brass and guitars.
Formed at school in Dublin’s late 1980s by founding members Rónán Ó Snodaigh, Rossa Ó Snodaigh and Eoin Dillonare, Kíla are now defined as ‘contemporary Irish World music’. They transcend the traditional boundaries of Irish music with their blend of freewheeling instrumentals, furious jigs and primal rhythms.
The band’s latest album Raise The Road was previewed recently on RTÉ Radio 1’s Arena. Arranged by composer Paul Frost, the record combines funk, mambo and New Orleans jazz with the signature trad of Kíla.
With over 20 releases across their five-decade career, Kíla have collaborated with some of the biggest names in Irish music, including U2, Sinéad O’Connor, Shane MacGowan and The Dubliners.
Kíla have worked extensively in TV and film. Their most notable collaborations have been with French composer Bruno Coulais on the soundtracks for Cartoon Saloon’s three Oscar-nominated animated films – The Secret Of Kells (2010), Song Of The Sea (2014), and most recently for Wolfwalkers (2020).
The band will perform at Newry Town Hall on 23 August. Special guests will be Landless, who sing unaccompanied traditional songs in four-part harmony. The Guardian newspaper praised them for the ‘stunning intensity’ of their sound.
Kíla and Landless have been brought to Iúr Cinn Fleadh thanks to our delivery partner Narrow Water Events. Tickets can be booked through Eventbrite.