"Bit of ciúnas for the musician" - Dàibhidh Stiùbhard

I will never forgive myself for going nearly 21 years without hearing this incredible voice, and of a proud Co. Tyrone native nonetheless. Dàibhidh Stiùbhard has a voice that people will talk about, singers will aspire to, and possesses an innate Irish-ness that only traditional singing can replicate.

Name: Dàibhidh Stiùbhard

Age: 25

Instrument: Voice

Dream gig to attend: Probably any Capercaillie gig. They're my favourite trad band and I've not seen them live yet!

What would you consider to be your greatest musical achievement?

Launching my album at Celtic Connections in January of 2020.

You're having dinner with three of your musical heroes (dead or alive), who are they? Most importantly, where do you take them?

Rita Gallagher, Joe Heaney and Paddy Tunney. I think I'd take them to Two Taps and order a big dish of their Seafood Paella (pure selfish because it's probably the only restaurant I've missed during lockdown).

How would you describe your music in one word?

Ornamentation

What are you listening to right now?

I do music like books and like to have a mixture of stuff on the go. I'm listening to Joe Holmes and Len Graham's After Dawning which is fantastic. I particularly love Loughinsholin and Sween Bann Water. I'm also listening to Mike McGoldrick and Dezi Donnelly's album Dog in the fog. It's just a river of great music. And finally I'm also listening to "Sotiria Bellou Vol1/singers of Greek Popular Song". I'm facinated with these greek songs and they go round and round my head for days after. The melodies, ornamentation and style inspire me so much.

Singers like this don't come around everyday, so make sure to stay up to date with Dàibhidh's music on Facebook and Instagram. His debut album, An Sionnach Dubh, is out now, with some gorgeous tracks that you will have on repeat (I have since last year, Kin of Cú Chulainn got me through 2020). Treat yourself!