Stephen O'Dowd

Born and bred on the west coast of Ireland in the County of Sligo, Stephen has been brought up and encompassed with music. He is among the 4th generation of a musical family known for it’s roots in Irish traditional music, notably his grandparents Joe and Sheila, father Seamie and brother Rory. Learning guitar in childhood to graduating from BIMM Dublin in 2021, Stephen has been immersed in a wide variety of music drawing inspiration namely from listening to Folk artists such as Thom Moore, Planxty, John Martyn etc. Mythicising stories, encapsulating landscapes and depicting and creating characters his music leads you on a journey with 12/6 string guitar, harmonica, vocals and Irish traditional flair.

In late 2024 Stephen self-released two singles “The Galleass Girona” and “Johnny Whelan”, he has also performed across the country at festivals such as Sligo Live, Ballyshannon Folk Festival, Doolin Folk Festival, Cairde Arts Festival as well as travelling the length and breadth of Ireland perform at a number of reputable Irish venues. This year Stephen is taking steps forward in his solo project having attended Your Roots Are Showing in Jan 2025 and now embarking on an Irish Tour with “Hugh Joseph Feely” this spring featuring venues such as the Cobblestone, Dublin, The Record Room, Limerick and The Sunflower, Belfast.