Irish Mythen Singer A Gem From Ireland

I had the pleasure of seeing Irish Mythen at this year’s 2011, Mariposa Folk Festival, at Tudhope Park in Orillia, Ontario, on the shores of Lake Couchiching. Now I cannot seem to get enough of her, and am constantly going to her website, YouTube, or listening to her new CD “Open Here”.

This talented Musician/Singer/Songwriter/Recording Artist has lived in many places that include Sweden and Australia, and currently calls Miramichi, New Brunswick her home. Irish is originally from Wexford, Ireland, and as a child lived on the Caribbean Island of Trinidad, later moving to the Middle East where started her musical journey playing guitar and writing songs.

Irish attended Ballyfermot Senior College, Arts Block in Dublin, Ireland where she studied contemporary music performance and the practical side of the music industry. In 1996 Irish started a four year tour, performing in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and the United Kingdom, and since has continued playing at Folk Festivals all around the world.

Irish has performed with Richie Haven, The Dubliners, Joel Plaskett, Matt Anderson and more.

It is not too often that I hear a song that will bring tears to my eyes. This song “55 Years”, written and performed by Irish Mythen did in fact make me tear up. Irish explained how she met an elderly gentleman and he told her that he had just recently lost his wife. Through their entire marriage they had never slept one night apart. This touching story inspired Irish to write this beautiful song.

Before the Mariposa Festival I was doing a YouTube seach on who was performing at this years festival and I came across this song by Irish and loved it. When I heard her perform it live it was even better. In reference to "Children of The Corn" that you hear Irish say in this video: While she was singing Jesus, there were about 30 or more people walking somewhere all in a single file, that we the audience could all see. As they all walked by Irish paused and said "Children of The Corn". She does have sense of humor that keeps the audience entertained and laughing. Storytelling comes naturally to Irish and I felt myself hanging on to every word.

Unfortunately when Irish performed Mercedes Benz by Janis Joplin on Friday evening I missed it. I would have loved to hear her sing this, as Janis is one of my all time favorites.

Mariposa Folk Festival 2011

From the Packet & Times

"Irish Mythen was a stand out for me," Lusty said. "Her performance on Saturday, she just channelled Janis Joplin."

John Swartz, Special To The Packet wrote:

"Then I heard Irish Mythen do a tune on the main stage between main stage acts. She had a big voice and enthusiasm. It had to be her, but she was a lot shorter and lighter".

"It was. She's is Irish and now calls New Brunswick home. She does some singing on Matt's new CD and has gigged with him".

"At the pub when she was performing a workshop with John McDermott, Reid Jamieson (whose father, Gil, lives here) and Daniel Champagne, they were supposed to be doing covers of other people's music; she lit into Janis Joplin's Mercedes Benz in a way that served notice she wasn't taking prisoners".

Irish has recorded five albums. Her debut album "Republic of One" was recorded in Bohus Studios in Sweden. "Appreciate" followed by "Fallen Me", "Necessity" and the fifth released this summer is "Open Here". If you have a chance please go to Irish's website and have a listen, it is fantastic.

For a listing of all upcoming music festivals where Irish will be performing or to listen to other songs that she has recorded, please click on this link to take you right to her website. Irish Mythen.

Irish performed "Fathers Song" one year at Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Nova Scotia and an audience member who had not talked to his father in twenty years was so moved by this song that he called his Father. If you'd like to hear this song it can be found at her website.