Biography

From classical Indian to Scottish folk, traditional styles of music are sung within communities all around the world, forever evolving as they’re passed down the generations. Often, they remain there – perpetually entrenched within their cultural origins. Enter Sibéal Ní Chasaide (Cassidy in English), a singer bringing the centuries-old Irish style of sean-nós singing to the world via her debut EP on Decca Records. Sibéal grew up surrounded by a community who live and breathe live music. Born to an Irish father and American mother in the small town of Ráth Chairn, Co. Meath, one of the few remaining Gaeltachts (Irish speaking area) and small pockets of Ireland where sean-nós – literally translating to “old style” – originates. “We all pick it up from the people around us”, she says of the ancient aural tradition. “The teachers never taught us anything other than the actual repertoire. We never trained our voices; we picked it up from listening.” As an artist who’s grown up with this age-old tradition but who also listens to contemporary artists including Ellie Goulding and her favourite, country star Kacey Musgraves. Sibéal has honed a unique accessible, modern representation of a traditional vocal style. It’s only the beginning for Sibéal, but it won't be long before the world hears this ancient style of singing – updated for the present day and more beautiful and compelling than ever.