Vyvienne Long

Vyvienne Long
Vyvienne Long was the first to conceive and perform ‘cello song’ in Europe. Mesmerising the festival circuit with her sparse but hugely dynamic cover of “Seven Nation Army”, what was first perceived as a novelty has since become a niche subgenre that sits alongside the guitar and piano as the songwriter’s instrument of choice. Coming from a classical background, Vyvienne started out in the song writing world collaborating and touring with Damien Rice on his albums O and 9. Her own cello and piano-based songs found popular appeal with her “Happy Thoughts” for the EasiSingles cheese commercial, and then critical acclaim with the release of her debut album Caterpillar Sarabande. Her work has been in demand for soundtracks in Ireland and internationally since, including Kirsten Sheridan’s Dollhouse, the Icelandic documentary The Future Of Hope and RTE’s drama series RAW. Admired as a compelling vocalist and songwriter of incisive wit, critics have drawn comparisons with Björk, Tori Amos and Joanna Newsome.
Vyvienne masterfully arranged her songs for singer-cellist and string quartet with the release of her live album Vyvienne Long Live with the Balanescu Quartet in 2013. She has also toured with the eclectic New Triangle (Niwel Tsumbu, Roger Doyle, Vyvienne Long), recorded an EP of Beatles covers to mark the 50th anniversary of their visit to Dublin in 1963, and played with Irish super group DFF, who’s music is captured in the exuberant Pouric Songs. Vyvienne is a regular guest with producer and DJ Kormac following their collaboration on his album Doorsteps, and by request has appeared with artists such as Ed Sheeran in Dublin’s 3 Arena. More recently she has been composing and recording songs and string arrangements for the Japanese advertising market.
Vyvienne is currently recording her second solo studio album. amid ongoing commercial commissions, live engagements and the shifting sands of family life.

‘Vyvienne Long is a boldly inventive creator of silken riches and her first live album strikes a pose, with staccato drama. Her cello insinuates itself across the Balanescu's filligree of sound, with percussive plucking and bowing, whorls of layered sound. Do not miss the charm, excitement and canny pop instincts of Vyvienne Long.’ Paddy Kehoe RTÉ Ten Album Review 2014
‘Long's sprightly harmonies and incandescent cello work are beyond beautiful’ Johnny Keegan Hot Press April 2014 22
‘Vyvienne Long has been known for some time as a boundlessly talented cellist and arranger ... here she displays all her talent, confidence and humour to fabulous effect...’ Ian Melaney, State
‘Her music is extravagantly baroque, as if fished from the subconscious of Tim Burton or Edward Gorey.’ Independent.ie