Cork singer releases new single 'Our Song'
Raised on the family farm in Co. Cork, vocalist, dancer and multi-instrumentalist, Mags McCarthy, took time out from helping with calving to release her new single 'Our Song' on Friday, January 10, on all digital media services.
Mags grew up on the 185ac family dairy farm at Dripsey, where her brother James also keeps beef cattle. She began her musical arts pursuit as a four-year-old learning Irish dancing, going on to master a variety of dance styles as well as musical instruments, with her primary focus on violin.
Courted by the renowned Irish dance troupe, Rhythm Of The Dance, Mags who completed post-graduate studies in ethnomusicology at University College Cork, became a global performer.
The singer-songwriter has since canvassed 40-plus countries, performing before millions as a principal lead in the dance troupe and as a solo touring artist.
Having taken a career break, Mags is now back teaching music full time in Terence MacSwiney Community College in Cork.
"I have been writing a lot of new songs and recording them in Nashville and Ireland. I have definitely been kept busy at the music and when at home, helping out on the farm," she said.
"At the moment the cows are calving so things are busy. You definitely don't need a gym working on a farm anyway as there is always something to do. So between the music, teaching and farming it keeps me going and I am extremely happy.
"i am blown away with the support of my new single 'Our Song." The music was recorded in Nashville but I recorded my vocals at Windmill Lane studios, Dublin. It's going for digital release and radio release on January 10 and going to radio in the US on January 13," Mags added.
"I really loved writing this song and I had some much fun recording it. Now I am excited about the release and hopefully people will enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed writing and recording it," the Cork singer said.
Embracing the talents of the artists who influenced her, Mags infuses energy and sounds from Elvis Presley; Dolly Parton; Loretta Lynn; Shania Twain; Bruce; Charlie Daniels; Johnny Cash and Garth Brooks into her live performances.
Mags has received invitations to perform in front of dignitaries such as president Barack and first lady Michelle Obama in the White House; the British royal family; the young prince of Luxembourg in Chelsea, England, and the European Parliament in Brussels as well as in numerous majestic locations including Dublin Castle, Waterford Castle, Blarney Castle and Ashford Castle.
She has performed with Dolly Parton and was invited in 2018 to perform on the CMA festival in Nashville as well as 12th and Porter, the Wildhorse Saloon, BBKings, the Nashville underground as well as historical music city venues.
She has also been featured on the Music Row magazine in Nashville and won the discovery award in June 2018.
"My latest music video 'Light of a Clear Blue Morning' has been in high rotation on many of the national networks across America as well as cruise liners, shopping malls and diners," said the Cork woman who plans to release more of her songs throughout the year.
