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Leahy is a powerhouse Celtic music group and one of Canada’s most renowned musical families. To date, they have sold more than half a million albums worldwide and achieved Double Platinum status in their home country and won three JUNOs. Leahy’s story began with a family of 11 siblings whose musical abilities gained them attention from around the world. Their life became the subject of an Academy Award-winning documentary that foretold the success that would follow (The Leahys: Music Most of All). Playing everything from fiddle, piano, guitar, drums, bass, and accordion to singing, step dancing, and composing, the Leahy family were steeped in a world of music.
From early days, Leahy has been known for their innovative approach to music, merging time-honoured Celtic melodies with modern rhythms and instrumentation. They toured extensively throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe, earning a reputation for having one of the most exciting and musical live concerts. A timely performance at the JUNO Awards led to the band opening for another famous Canadian, Shania Twain, on her record-breaking Come On Over World Tour, putting their powerful performance in front of millions of people throughout North America and the UK.
Leahy’s newest recording, LEAHY Live In Concert, is the 10th addition to the platinum-selling band’s celebrated discography. The tracks on this record were captured during a live performance in Kingston, Ontario and the performance was filmed as part of a video series, LEAHY: From the Inside, where the group shares an inside look at the creative process that brings their music to life.
Featured live recording, “Roots,” is a powerful song that highlights the group’s unique blend of traditional Celtic music. Interjected with modernity, the song boasts electric guitar and bold drumming.
Erin Leahy – piano, fiddle, vocals
Denise (Leahy) Flack – lead vocals, piano
Siobheann (Leahy) Donohue – bass, vocals, fiddle
1. What did you enjoy most about the recording process of this new release?
DENISE – re album – It was a more natural process – live – less chance to ‘overthink’ each element.
ERIN – re focus track, Roots – This medley is particularly energetic, growing in intensity from start to finish, so performing it live always feels exhilarating. To know we were capturing this energy and intensity during the live performance, as a recording, was really exciting.
SIOBHEANN – This recording was all feel. In the moment. In a studio, it is about perfection and nailing it. A live recording is the real deal at that moment. Playing with siblings live, the recording is honest.
2. Share a nugget of advice that has resonated with you most over the years.
DENISE – Trust your gut. Be willing to admit when you are not sure or don’t know but trust your gut!!!
ERIN – Listen. Make sure you can hear the other band members playing or singing with you, as well as yourself.
SIOBHEANN – Play from the soul. Let your true self resonate through the strings. Don’t hold back.
3. Who would be your dream artist/band to co-headline a tour with?
DENISE – BeeGees – I would be constantly dancing
SIOBHEANN – Post Malone. He’s all over the place in music genres. So am I. That would be incredible!!
4. What sets your music apart from others in your genre?
DENISE – I think our difference is how we pair trad/roots with rock – our backline bass and drums drive differently. Also, the presence and style of piano (stride/swing-rhythm) – primary.
ERIN – The glue of our sound – as siblings, but also as musicians growing and influencing each other over the years.
SIOBHEANN – Our music is inspired by our vastly different tastes in music. Elements of different styles shine through in our playing.
5. Tell us what your favourite song is at the moment and why.
DENISE – Hozier – Too Sweet – interesting, rhythmic, great voice – love the space
SIOBHEANN – My favourite song at the moment…are you ready for this? Make Me A Channel of Your Peace. A church hymn. Not even sure that is the correct name. Why? The world is in chaos. Peace. It starts with each individual making peace. Then trying to live in harmony.
