Welcome ...
We are Síoda.. Consisting of Emma Robinson on flute, whistles and vocals, Joanna Boyle on Banjo, Guitar and vocals, Alana Flynn on Bodhran, Vocals and dancing and Rosie Ferguson on Fiddle, vocals and dancing.
We have all known each other for in excess of 10 years and have been playing together in various line ups throughout this time. Our current set up arose late last year and the sound produced, shows our history of learning and playing together throughout the years. Our band has gained support from many renowned members of the Irish Traditional Music community and we have recently won a prestigious competition for ‘busking’ in which there were over 30 entrants. Support for the band has also come from members of the Broadcasting media and the group have featured on numerous radio and television programmes including BBC radio Ulster’s Blas Ceoil, UTV, U105, TG4’S Geantrai and RTE's Fleadh Program. |
Reviews ..."....There is so much good that can be said about Síoda that it is increasingly difficult to put a finger on the overwhelming number of factors which make them unique in their genre. One thing is for sure though, traditional Irish music has never looked so beautiful. And, when you couple this with the outrageous talent, skill and craft beyond their years that each musician in this wonderful 5 piece is endowed with, you know that something special is going to happen as soon as the first note is struck. This is why every Síoda performance is gold dust and comes - no exceptions - with a guarantee of pure quality. This is deeply intelligent traditional music and they come with such wonderful arrangements on songs and sets, it just makes listening irresistible. If you haven't heard Síoda yet, just get it done and know you are in for a treat. If you have, well then, listen again and enjoy!..." ( Pearse McMahon/Folk Club An Bonnan Buí ) '...Síoda represent the new wave trailblazers in traditional music. There is a confidence and freshness to their music, borne out of individual integrity and collective coalescence, not witnessed too often. Sit up, pay heed and watch out for these gals (and guy)!...' ( Donal O'Connor/At First Light/Producer) '...Sioda combine the talents of Joanna Boyle on tenor banjo + vocals, Rosie Ferguson on fiddle + feet, Alana Flynn on bodhran + feet, Emma Robinson on whistles and flutes and the bands only 'man' contingent, Conor Murphy on guitar. Having seen and heard these guys live, I can honestly say they are at the forefront of a new, fresh and exciting generation of Irish bands, and they're not bad to look at either (you too Conor!!) I particularly love Boyle's touch on the banjo (being a banjo player myself and not at all bias!). It's really crisp, clean, groovy playing and she's definitely up there with the best in my eyes. In addition, Boyle is a beautiful singer and interpreter of Irish song, of which i'd like to hear more! Ferguson's fiddle playing is effortless and fluid and incredibly assured. So a pretty good start to this band already. Then we have the wonder 'tooter' Robinson, who is somewhat more shy that the rest of the band on stage but she certainly makes up for that through her sublime skills on whistle and flute. Add to this the rhythm of the ensemble., Murphy and Flynn. I was seriously impressed by Murphy's ability on guitar when i seen Sioda live. Accompanying songs and tunes are two completely different ball parks, but he has nailed them both - subtlety and drive with a bit of light and shade. Seriously good pickin! The cherry on the cake then, the percussion of Flynn's bodhran, which is exciting and adds great depth to the bands sound. What i love about Sioda is that they are a unit. They look good and they play good and i look forward to seeing them again soon...' (Damien O'Kane - October 2013) |