Irish Artist Clare Cunningham to Make OPRY Debut March 18th
Due to the beauty of the internet, I became acquainted with the fabulous Clare Cunningham, an Ireland-native-turned-Nashvillian who has found herself preparing to take on one of the biggest and most historic stages in Nashville, The Grand Ole Opry. We caught up with her to learn more about her music, how she’s preparing for the momentous evening, and what it’s like to be an Irish songwriter in America!
Hi Clare! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! Let’s start by describing what genre you'd place yourself in, how you would describe your music & what songs you'll be playing at The Opry!
I’m hard to 'put in a box' or define because my voice and style are very diverse. I blend a lot of genres and don't just sing in any one style. It's been said I am very unique. Multi-genre describes me best but I do lean more towards Celtic, and Folk-Americana these days!
My music and songs are whatever I am feeling in the moment or whatever the Lord is gifting me at the time of writing so my music is very raw and honest and I do love to write very inspirational material as mental health advocacy is very important to me.
I know one definite song I’ll be singing at the Opry and it’s called ‘Éireann i mo chroí’ (Ireland in my heart) I wrote it 5 years ago when I first moved to the states and it’s my favorite song to perform live. If I am singing a second song it will be something mental health based.
Why did you pick this song?
This song is so special to me because it was the first Celtic song I ever wrote. It encompasses my heart, soul, and culture, all in a few minutes. It’s a super personal song yet it continues to gain the most amount of love from listeners. They truly feel my soul when I sing it.
It’s also the song that I close out every single show with and I go to Ireland every time in my mind when I sing it with my eyes closed.
That’s wonderful! How did you land this amazing feature?
Through the wonderful Brenda Willis of the Music City Irish Fest.
What was your first thought after hearing you were going to make your Opry debut?
I went straight to where I had packed my things on my last house move and dug out an old dream board (when I used to make them), and there it was - A picture of The Grand Ole Opry. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would ever come true. I knew the Lord had a hand in this for sure! So my first thought was to give glory to HIM and can’t believe how blessed I am to perform where so many legends before have.
We love manifestation!! So happy for you!
As an international artist, what would you say are the biggest differences between the music industry in America vs Ireland?
The biggest difference is the size of the countries, which lends to having more opportunities in America. There’s a bigger variety of styles in the states and there are a lot more opportunities for work and placements simply because it’s a lot bigger in size and there's a bigger consuming market for it. The music industry here is booming whereas in Ireland it’s somewhat stagnant for the most part. And it's a little more socially acceptable to have music as a career in America v's Ireland. It's looked more upon as a hobby at home.
What are some steps you're taking to prepare yourself to walk into the circle?
I’ve legitimately been trying on some dresses before this! I’ve sung the song countless times but I’m going to be adding something special to it so I’ll be rehearsing for that and just talking to as many publications and making TV/Radio appearances. As an independent artist, it’s difficult to juggle it all at times but feeling super grateful!
Is this the biggest stage you've performed on? If not, what is?
It is hands down one of the most prestigious stages I as a solo artist, will have performed on.
As far as the biggest stage, that was back in 2014 when I was the lead singer of ‘Thundermother’ and we sang at ‘Sweden Rock Festival’ to over 25,000 people.
How can people find you?
Everywhere!!!
The best place to go is my website where all the links to my music, blog posts, tour schedules and so much more are available.
https://www.clarecunninghammusic.com
We are so excited for Clare and her OPRY debut! You can grab your tickets to watch this incredible moment unfold yourself at the link below or, visit OPRY.com!