I know very little about the Atlanta Celtic music scene. That's one of the reasons I hired Catherine Tully to write some articles about the scene. I moved to Atlanta almost three years ago. The bands I used to know are no longer performing together. I wanted to get to know my new community. And of course, I like to help out my local Celtic community.
That's what the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast is all about after all. It's about helping the small, indie Celtic musicians who are struggling to be heard. Because I know what that's like.
My next album, Selcouth, will release on February 14 to the sound of crickets, mostly. That's because while I'm good at creating podcasts. I'm not great at spreading the word about my own music. I rely heavily on the goodwill and kindness of folks like you.
So if you haven't done so yet, sign up to my mailing. Then read on and listen. Catherine has a great story to tell about Olivia Bradley.
What a heavenly-sounding voice! Olivia Bradley has more than her share of talent. An open champion level Irish dancer, a bodhran player, and an accomplished vocalist, this Atlanta-area artist also holds a bachelor of arts in music from Clayton State University. Before you hear her sing a word, her long list of accomplishments lets you know she’s serious about her craft. Given that background, there’s really no surprise when you hear that Bradley is a national champion Irish Gaelic singer. Indeed, Georgia is likely quite proud to have her participation at Atlanta’s Celtic Christmas event and Irish Fest Atlanta.
When she’s not singing/performing/touring she also finds time to serve as a vocal instructor at First Redeemer Conservatory of Music & Fine Arts. Her musical interests are varied and rich—she doesn’t limit herself to one particular style. Even so, there’s a definite Celtic backbone to Bradley’s body of work, and she is currently singing and touring as a member of Celtic Angels through the spring.
When you get to sample some of the music she has on her website you’ll be in for a treat. Her song, “Fantasy” feels like it’s straight out of a movie soundtrack, or a Broadway musical. The orchestral arrangement is full and professional, and Bradley’s vocals are spot on throughout. Her voice is operatic in scope and range, but far more accessible to those who don’t favor that “formal” style of music.
Another interesting thing that sets Bradley apart from many is that she's no stranger to singing in a variety of different languages—including Irish, and although her voice sounds wonderful with music, she’s stunning when she sings a cappella as well. Music lovers who appreciate vocal prowess will enjoy the skill with which she sings, but she’s a joy to listen to for pretty much anyone.
If a talented vocalist is at the heart of your attraction to music, don’t miss this one. She’s delightful.
Find more about Atlanta Celtic Music and Musicians.
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 nearly 15 years. You can reach her through her website at CatherineLTully.com.
