Shane Barry

Shane Barry is an eclectic multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer from Waterford. Having originally found his voice fronting the acclaimed Shane Barry and the Distractions, releasing albums and touring internationally, the band went on hiatus in 2010. The band regularly toured Ireland and the UK, and supported acts such as Ron Sexsmith, the Stunning and the Pale. Returning to college and moving to Cork resulted in a temporary shift in focus, with music playing second fiddle to other pursuits. His first solo album ‘The Night Post’ was due for release in 2020 but was shelved due to promotion/touring restrictions arising from Covid-19. Instead of waiting, a new run of creativity emerged.

Shane Barry finally released his debut solo EP, ‘The Nearly Man’ in 2020. The 5 tracks represent Shane’s progression from 70’s influenced brass and soul recordings towards a more diverse influence, including rock, alt. country and electronica. The period coincided with a revived love for making and producing music.

In search of ambient soundscapes in parallel with Beatles-infused pop, Shane self-engineered another solo album ‘Songs from the Silver South’. Originally conceived as a fully instrumental soundtrack to an imagined past, lyrics and songs began to flow. Former band members were called in to add colour and shape to the compositions. Tracks were recorded on the move in rehearsal spaces, bedrooms and kitchens across Waterford and Cork over 2021 and 2022. The album now represents a wide spectrum of musical genres, all based around the theme of living in a small town, and the stories that inhabit it.

Songs from the Silver South, officially Shane’s debut solo album will be released and toured in 2023.