by Catherine Tully and Marc Gunn
With each new year there are always a selection of bands that seem to merit a closer look and a call out for ongoing attention. As we slide on in to 2025, this is the list of bands I’ll be keeping a close eye on:
The Langer’s Ball
The tagline on The Langer’s Ball’s website reads: “Irish Folkpunk from the Frozen Midwest”, and the tone of that phrase gives you a little peek into the fun that ensues as you listen to their music. The two-piece band has been around for more than 15 years, and “light” is a word that comes to mind when I think about the mood of their music…it’s just so easy.
You’ll get some traditional sounds—Irish folk-punk style, but this band also creates and plays their own music. Depending on the tune you’ll hear strings, accordion, and penny whistle melding together, and of course, the vocals! This is a great group to put on when you’re in the mood to sit back and just enjoy yourself with lively music to accompany you as you while away some time with friends over a few cold ones.
Marc's note: In typical punk style, The Langer's Ball is aggressively promoting themselves and releasing lots of new music. Plus, they also adopted the Album Pin idea. I'm excited to see what they do next.
Learn more about The Langer's Ball.
The Gothard Sisters
This is not the first time I’ve mentioned The Gothard Sisters, but there’s a good reason they make the cut time and time again—they’re just that talented. Solana, Greta, and Willow hail from the Pacific Northwest and they all grew up steeped in Irish culture…Irish dance, singing, instrumentation. Their love of these things simply shines from them as they play together.
These ladies like to genre-bend, and are pleased to defy a neat classification. Elements of everything from classical to pop music can be found folded gently into their songs—and it doesn’t end there. They like to play with sound, and it rewards the listener as well as the artist here. Sometimes there is a band that just rises to the top, and these ladies are certainly in that category. Can’t wait to see what’s next from them!
Marc's note: Each album by The Gothard Sisters has gotten progressively better. They are in the studio working on their next one. I can't wait to hear it and share it!
Learn more about The Gothard Sisters.
Kinnfolk
Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains, Kinnfolk is a husband and wife team that proclaims that their sound comes from a traditional Irish session in Virginia where they first met back in 2017. It’s undoubtedly lovely. Julie Kinn’s vocals are pure and certain, and Josh (her hubby) harmonizes wonderfully with her. There’s a yearning quality to many of their songs that is both emotional and moving, but they do upbeat tunes very well too.
The band’s sound and skill are both being recognized, and they have been noticed by many in the short time they’ve been playing together. Spring 2025 will find the pair putting out a new album, which is something to anticipate. It’s going to feature some original music and some traditional fare, and the title will be “Star Above the Mountain”. Can’t wait to hear what this third album brings!
Marc's note: Kinnfolk are just delightful. I am entranced by their online presence. Seeing all of their local successes and hearing they are touring next year has me thrilled.
Learn more about Kinnfolk.
The Ciderhouse Rebellion
Sometimes combining two outstanding musicians—creates magic. It’s simple as that. This is the case with The Ciderhouse Rebellion. The pairing of fiddle player Adam Summerhayes and accordionist Murray Grainger creates a synergy that is unlike other bands. They own the music – they claim it and play as if their lives depend on it. It’s a noticeable energy.
When you listen to them, you can feel they are totally immersed in the sounds they are making together. It's natural, elegant, and often it seems like it couldn’t be played any other way. Bands like this are such a joy to follow. I’m sure this year will bring more of what is already a really, really wonderful thing. Looking forward to hearing more.
Marc's note: I love the creative way The Ciderhouse Rebellion approaches traditional songs and tunes. Guess I wasn't surprised when I realized they shared members with The Haar (below).
Learn more about The Ciderhouse Rebellion.
Enda Reilly
An Irishman who now resides in the United States (Michigan, to be specific), Enda Reilly maintains a connection with his homeland by sharing his take on Celtic music with others. He’s been songwriting since the age of 16, but holds a deep love for traditional Irish music as well. A poetry aficionado, Reilly has even played music that shares the beautiful verses crafted by none other than Yeats with his audience. It makes for a unique combination!
As a solo act, Reilly puts a lot of himself into the music, and there’s a sense of that thoughtfulness when you listen to him play. Some songs are fun, others reflective, but every tune has been carefully arranged and considered for effect. This intelligent composition makes him a standout, and keeps me tuning in to see what’s next.
Marc's note: New original, songwriting is what makes the music business go round. Enda Reilly is lots of new Celtic music for the next generation of Celtic musicians.
Learn more about Enda Reilly.
Lissa Schneckenburger
Lissa Schneckenburger is a talented fiddler and an easy pick for this watch list. With nimble fingers, a wealth of experience, and a passion for performing, there’s just nothing to want for here. She delivers a well-rounded offering of music for anyone that loves this instrument, hands down. She also is a singer and accompanies herself on fiddle.
The Vermont-based artist has been playing her chosen instrument since the age of six, and it definitely shows. Not only does she have a performance-based career, but she is also a fiddle teacher…which takes a lot of knowledge! Not everyone is able to translate their talent in a way that others can benefit from in this way. Whether Lissa is playing traditional tunes or one of her own, the sound that comes from this musician is beautiful.
Marc's note: I interviewed Lissa Schneckenburger in 2022. We talked about sustainability and the music business. Last year, she released a new album of original songs and tunes. She's been a favorite of mine on the podcast.
Learn more about Lissa Schneckenburger.
Ironwood
The second husband and wife duo to grace this watch list (maybe there's something to that?), Ironwood consists of Anna on fiddle, mandolin, and vocals and Mark on guitar and electric bass. This Michigan-based band cites their inspiration as coming from American and Celtic folk music, and that shows through. There’s a simple honesty to their music that makes it at once comfortable and intriguing.
Ironwood recently celebrated five years together as a band, so it will be fun to see what happens now that they’ve had some time to really mature their pairing and amass a good selection of original music. I think 2025 may be a great time to watch them step into the next phase of their relationship as a musical duo and see what songs and sounds the new year brings!
Marc's note: I stumbled across Ironwood on Facebook by accident. With lots of original songs, the band feels vibrant and exciting. I keep dropping in to see what's new. I expect a lot more in 2025.
Learn more about Ironwood.
Telenn Tri
Funny enough, another duo makes the list! Telenn Tri hails from Australia, and is made up of and Peter Franche, who plays the piano accordion, guitar, bouzouki, and bass guitar and Christine Morphett on the harp and fiddle. When you close your eyes you can almost see the harp being played, as each note is so expertly played.
Franche is able to provide a perfect foil for this stringed instrument, which is not an easy task to do as skillfully as is done here. He also steps forward to become the featured instrument at times, so there’s a back-and-forth that makes it so much more interesting than if it was more uneven. Both musicians combine to become so much better than each would be alone. Teamwork at its best!
Marc's note: Telenn Tri are rather new to me. They've been on the podcast for a while, but they keep popping up. I didn't quite make my most-played artists lists. But I feel like they will one day.
Learn more about Telenn Tri.
The Haar
Last on this year’s list is The Haar, a skilled group of four that has an almost theatrical sound, setting them apart from many others. Singer Molly Donnery’s breathy lyrics float about while three experienced musicians weave a tapestry of sound around her singing. It’s a delightful thing. Cormac Byrne, Adam Summerhayes, and Murray Grainger are the musicians that provide this backdrop. (You may recognize a couple of these names from earlier in the list!)
This is music that demands you listen to it…it’s not really for the background—at least that’s my take on it. The delicacy of the vocals and intelligent mix of instrumentation is best enjoyed as its own main course. Splendid.
Marc's note: The Haar has been on my radar for a while. I love their take on traditional songs. It's dark and haunting, and yet new. I didn't realize until I started this list that The Haar and The Ciderhouse Rebellion only had one band member difference. LOL. No wonder I love them both!
Learn more about The Haar.
Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and for the Celtic Music Magazine for over 20 years.
Marc Gunn is a Celtic singer and songwriter and host of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Celtic Christmas Podcast, and Pub Songs & Stories. 2025 marks his 20 year anniversary as podcaster.
