We ask our visiting artists to tell us a little bit about themselves. We hope that these short questionnaires will reveal something that you didn't know or expect about them.
Knoeline Keane hails from nearby Portumna and has been writing and singing for the past few years both locally (Roisin Dubh & Monroe's Live) and on national stages (Electric Picnic). Her mix of "straight from the hip" lyrics as well as powerful and evocative melodies make her songs instantly memorable. When it came to selecting a local artist to support Sarah McQuaid, it was evident to us that Knoeline was ideal!.
But really, who is Knoeline Keane? Her answers to our quickfire questionnaire might surprise you!
Q- Tell us about yourself
A- My name is Knoeline Keane. I’m a singer/songwriter from Portumna, Galway. I started writing and performing music when I was 19 and have been trying to do so ever since.
I studied Music Performance for a year in 2015 in Galway Community College and won Student of the Year. I have played support for songwriters like Mick Flannery and Emma Langford and got the chance to play a slot at Electric Picnic in 2019.
I’ve recorded 2 EPs and a few singles along the way and my newest song Tainted is out since March. All proceeds from my bandcamp sales and Spotify streams are going to Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to help with their work in Palestine. I also do cover gigs in pubs with my friend Sarah which I do enjoy as I get to cover songs from my favourite decades such as the 80s and 90s.
Apart from music, I enjoy nature, animals, anything Witchy and sleeping!
Q- What will you play in Birr?
A- I will play my newest songs such as Tainted, The Villain and Autumn and maybe even an old one. I usually throw in a cover for good measure too.
Q- Who is your biggest influence?
A- In life, my 5 year old niece Amber is my biggest influence at the moment as I’m getting to enjoy childhood again through her eyes.
On stage, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker are my biggest influences but I’m mainly just really inspired by people who work “normal” 9 to 5 jobs that come home and just shred guitar better than Jimi Hendrix for 2 hours and never feel the need to show or tell anyone how good they are!
Q- Describe yourself as a 10-year-old.
A- She was in love with animals, loved outdoors, loved watching movies, had a great imagination, was obsessed with Witches, was painfully shy and loved Joni Mitchell’s song Case of You after hearing it in the film Practical Magic.
Q- What’s your best on stage memory?
A- Playing support for Mick Flannery was a big deal for me as I’m a huge fan but I think my favourite onstage memory is when I played a few songs in my local pub for one of the first times and everyone there was so supportive.
Q- What’s your worst on stage memory?
A- Playing to nobody is always a bad experience. I’ve also had a moment or two where my guitar is so out of tune mid-way through a song.
Q- Where are you at your happiest?
A- In bed with my cat watching terrible tv.
Q- What’s your favourite colour?
A- Black to wear, but purple to look at.
Q- What’s the last book you enjoyed?
A- I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. I’m currently reading Little Women as it’s one of my favourite films and I’m really enjoying it also.
Q- What's the last Play or Film that you enjoyed?
A- I usually just re-watch classics these days but Oppenheimer was good. It’s not a film or play, but the TV show Maid was so good. I’ve watch the full show twice now and it’s really stayed with me.
Q- What’s your favourite song of all time?
A- Funeral by Phoebe Bridgers (closely followed by Atlantic City by Springsteen!)
Knoeline Keane will open for Sarah McQuaid on Sunday, 28 April from 8pm.
Tickets available online here or through our box office : 057 9122911
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