Songs come to us from artists in many different ways, whether they’re pieced together via a Digital Audio Workstation or jammed out with a band or as occurs with acclaimed Irish singer, songwriter and poet David Keenan, hand-crafted, toiled over and thought through in a most personal and passionate manner. With Keenan, his only motivation is to create a shard of art that means something and that he’s proud of, might it be a song or musicless poetry. The possibility of the end result being a commercial hit is the last thing on his mind, although like any musician, that would be a rewarding consequence.
Keenan has toured consistently with notable events including two headline nights in Dublin’s Olympia theatre, the main stage of Electric Picnic (on a bill with Billie Eilish, The Killers and Paolo Nutini), residences in Paris and New York’s Irish Arts Centres and writing the music for Evanne Kilgallon’s experimental play “AN LAR”. David has delivered his fascinating tales set to indelible tunes at sold out gigs far and wide, from the New York City Winery, The National Concert Hall in Dublin, The Irish Cultural Centre London, to the EU ala Paradiso and the Islington Assembly Hall, UK.
In January 2024, David Keenan will tour Australia for the first time, presenting his poetic lyrics and soulful melodies in solo mode. Ahead of David’s Australian tour, Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips had the opportunity to chat with the amiable Irishman about his career and the upcoming shows downunder.
MORE ABOUT DAVID KEENAN
Experience an evening with David Keenan, an extraordinary innovator in Irish song writing. His distinct style, characterised by poetic lyrics and soulful melodies, has earned him great critical praise. His chart-topping albums and captivating live performances mark him as a standout artist in the music scene. Keenan’s work exists outside of the mainstream. His lyrics are steeped in poetic shapes and forms, matched by a musical rawness that serves a visceral and deeply emotive live approach. He has a way of connecting people in story and song with an inimitable emotional depth that is rarely found.
David Keenan hails from the border town of Dundalk, Ireland, and has become one of the country’s best known songwriters and live artists in recent years. Still in his twenties he’s always refused to pander or conform to the expectations of others and has released new and varied work while touring consistently since 2017.
Keenan has a way of connecting people in story and song with an inimitable emotional depth that is rarely found. Two critically acclaimed albums “A Beginner’s Guide to Bravery” released in 2020, reaching Number 1 in the Independent Charts and the 2021 follow up “WHAT THEN?” marked Keenan’s worth as an artist intent on pursuing his own path. His 2022 album Crude, 2023 EP Crude Boyo and his flirtation with a new band of jazz musicians has further cemented Keenan’s place in the world of songwriters and performers of note.
DAVID KEENAN AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Friday 19th + Saturday 20th January
Sydney Festival – ACO Neilson Theatre, Sydney NSW
Tickets on sale now : www.sydneyfestival.org.au
Wednesday 24th January
The Gov, Adelaide SA
Saturday 27th January
George Lane, Melbourne VIC
Tuesday 30th January
The Triffid, Brisbane QLD
Wednesday 31st January
Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne VIC
Friday 2nd February
Meeniyan Hall, South Gippsland VIC
Tickets for all shows except Sydney Festival
Early Bird Presale: Wednesday 29 November 9am local time – Sign up here https://daltours.cc/davidkeenan
General Tickets on sale now
