As 2024 rolls to a close we’d like to take a minute to highlight the bands that were played the most this year. While there are so many great Celtic bands to choose from, there’s always a group that one finds themselves reaching for again and again. These are the ones that seemed to get the most rotation over here on this trip around the sun:
The Drowsy Lads
Family. Friends. Music. Two decades.
This is the recipe for the magic in the music from The Drowsy Lads. With over 20 years together and a great mix of close relationships, the “stew” is just right to create the energy this band produces when they play together. The 5-piece group is made up of father and son (Phil and Josh Franck), brother and brother (John and Daniel McKewen) and Bryan Brookes – a long, long-time friend. The camaraderie between them is undeniable.
The backbone of their style is rooted firmly in the traditional, but they’ve been known to bend to an influence from outside now and again…which in this band’s case is definitely a good thing. Between all the members they play a ton of instruments, so prepare yourself to hear everything from button accordion, to tenor banjo, to concertina, to flute – and more!
The BorderCollies
In terms of contemporary Celtic music The BorderCollies (gotta love that name!) rank high on our list. The trad/folk influences are all there, but the band definitely adds their own touch to the mix. Haling from Duluth, Georgia the group of musicians is well-known regionally, and can hold their own among any group of Celtic players.
The BorderCollies had their beginnings back before 2000, and they’ve picked up members along the way—each bringing their own special talents to the mix. With any Celtic band the skill is usually seen in how they arrange traditional materials while keeping their unique blend of sound. This is a band that knows how to do that!
Jesse Ferguson
It seems like singling out Jesse Ferguson is a no-brainer. His vocal timbre is something special, and the singer can bounce easily from peppy Celtic songs to ballads and other musical fare without issue. Dubbed “The Bard of Cornwall”, Ferguson has an ease that’s refreshing and a confidence that is appealing.
Growing up with music, the singer found his way through the folk tradition of playing by ear—alongside another passion, which was poetry. With this background serving as a base, it’s no wonder Jesse landed himself a spot on our list of most played—it’s a foundation that makes for beautiful music.
Louise Bichan
Louise Bichan is another musician steeped in art, as she is also a photographer. Based in the USA, this Scottish musician has formal schooling in her chosen instrument of the fiddle, which she has played since she was seven years old. It’s always fascinating to hear a musician who has this type of background lean into the music and make it their own. There’s something about blending a structured education with experimentation that gives a sound like no other.
Stringed instrument lovers will appreciate the music Bichan plays, but it’s not so “virtuoso” based that your average listener will fail to like the sound. Whether playing sprightly or slow and steady, she blazes through the quick tunes and teases emotion out of the moodier ones. Fiddle for everybody!
Tarren
Bristol-based Tarren is a trio of musicians out of New York that play both original and traditional music. Although newer to the Celtic music scene than some of the others on this list, the band has made enough of an impact to be included here. Instrumentation and arrangements are a highlight here, with some unexpected but refreshing choices made by the band members.
The group calls themselves ambassadors for “new-folk” but also explain they are rooted in the English tradition. The music isn’t overdone, keeping a structure that is at once minimal—yet full…a balance that is difficult to accomplish at all, much less accomplish well. Pretty amazing for a band with only a few years under their belt.
Tradify
Based out of Dublin, Tradify is another newer addition to the Celtic music genre that made our top 8 list this year. With musical influences that include countries such as Spain, America, and Ireland, they have carved out their own unique place in the mix of things. Instruments include uilleann pipes, whistle, and bouzouki, the group has dubbed itself the “Thrilling Tune Trio”, which seems to fit quite nicely!
The three musicians are able to use their respective talents quite well in combination, making for a well-rounded mix and vibrant energy that defines the signature sound they have crafted. Prepare to be entertained!
Clare Cunningham
For something completely different where vocals are the center focus, Clare Cunningham delivers. The singer’s Celtic roots and musical background underpin a powerful vocal range and emotion-laden lyrics in her songs. Picking up the keyboard at age six, Cunningham kept learning and growing musically, all while developing her standout vocals. She has rasp, clarity, feeling, and power—all woven together seamlessly.
With a combination of toughness, grit, and passion, Cunningham’s songs radiate her love for music. While it’s tough to tuck her style neatly into a genre, it’s definitely worth a spot here. We found ourselves reaching for her songs again and again.
Poitín
It’s no secret that we love Poitín – and it’s no secret that we aren’t alone! From their first to their latest album, Banks of Red River, the six-piece band has been serving up their own special style of Celtic, Irish, French-Canadian, and Metis music for many years now, and they are showing no signs of slowing down.
Based in Pilsen in the Czech Republic, Poitin has performed all over Europe, sharing their session-styled music with eager audiences from Poland, to France, to Germany and beyond. The best thing about them is that the songs they play are always a good listen—and whether it’s a soulful ballad or rousing dance tune, they do it all well.
Although not “officially” on the list of 8, I would like to mention a project near and dear to my heart – Dancing With Hobbits” – which is a collaboration between myself and the skilled fiddler Sam Gillogly. In the spirit of capturing these little creatures in a joyous and celebratory way, we set about to put together a list of tunes one might find at an actual hobbit party. You’ll hear more of this in 2025, and hopefully it will bring you the joy we felt in making it together.
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.
