The Home of Indie Celtic Music Online
October 17, 2011 — 21,000+ subscribers
HIGHLIGHTS…
- What’s New?
- Celtic Music Magazine Has a New Name
- Who Are the Most-Accessible Celtic Musicians
- This Week in Celtic Music Playlist
- Celtic CD Reviews
- Unsubscribe at the bottom of the newsletter
Don’t just download.
Support artists you like & Buy.
Then, forward this newsletter to a friend.
Subscribe here.
Greetings Celtic Music Lovers,
I first published my Celtic music magazine at the end of 2000. Back then, I called it Celtic Muse. A year later, I renamed it Celtic MP3s: Song of the Week. In 2002, it took it’s most recent name–Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. I decided to change the name.
Originally, the magazines was about Celtic mp3s. I’ve had trouble keeping the free Celtic MP3s up-to-date. Now it is about indie Celtic music. It mostly features CD reviews and occasionally offers additional Celtic music news.
I haven’t seen another magazine named “Celtic Music Magazine”. There’s the Irish Music Magazine which focuses on traditional music by Irish musicians. There are also numerous folk and Celtic resourced magazines. But nothing with that title. Most people usually refer to it as the Celtic Music Magazine or Celtic MP3s anyway. So it only seems fitting.
That said, your free Celtic MP3s are not going away. I plan to merge the Celtic MP3s with the CD reviews. That way, when you read some reviews, you will be able to not only find what the reviewer has to say, you may also be able to listen and download a track too.
I’m still working on this, but you can read and listen to “Up the Stairs” by the Makem & Spain Brothers as an example.
So keep subscribing to the new Free Celtic MP3s podcast. If you enjoy that, why not subscribe to Song Henge, my archive of Celtic music downloads. It’s a great way to support the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.
Oh! Let me know what you think of the new layout for the website at www.celticmp3s.com.
Talk to you soon. Slainte!
Marc Gunn
Navan – Traditional Celtic songs in the original languages.
Who Are the Most-Accessible Celtic Musicians?
One of the great things about indie Celtic music that no one really talks about is the approachability of the Celtic artists. If you go to pop rock show, it’s highly unlikely that you will ever meet the lead singer face-to-face. You’ll be lucky if you meet the drummer who was only hired to fill in for one gig.
In the Celtic music world, it is completely different. Many times the only way you will not meet the artist is if they are surrounded by other fans. That’s what I learned when I asked that question last month on facebook. Most Celtic musicians love to meet their fans at shows.
In fact, when I posed this question on facebook, I was flooded with names of friendly musicians like Emerald Rose, Red McWilliams, Ed Miller, Mark Stone, Mark McMillan, Albert Alfonso, Alex Beaton, Emily Dugas of Clandestine, Deanna Smith Scotland of Jiggernaut, Wolf Loescher, Wade Harper, Linda Relph of Nine-8ths Irish, Constant Billy, The Tea Merchants, and Sean Orr.
Spfld Irish Fest 2008 Ladies of Longford Lone Raven twins. Photo by Cindy Funk.
Yet, when it comes to the internet, things are a wee bit different. Many traditional Celtic musicians who aren’t online at all. Some of those who are can take months to respond. But every now and then, you email an artist and something incredible happens. You get a response. I learned this nine years ago when I compiled my first Celtic compilation CD for the Celtic Music Magazine.
I was looking for a big name to attract contributors. I emailed two bands: Dropkick Murphys and Black 47. The Dropkick Murphys never emailed me back. Nor their manager. I have emailed them several times over the years. I’ve heard not a peep.
So I was blown away one hour later when Larry Kirwan of Black 47 responded to my email. He was kind, generous, and extremely personable. He’s that way every time I email him. I also hear he is just as personable on his Celtic Crush radio program on SiriusXM.
The only problem I have run into with my fans is time. I consider it essential to respond to every email I get. Unfortunately, it can take anywhere from two days to two months to respond. So I’m sure you can understand why this list is so much smaller.
Here are some of the most-accessible Celtic musicians online: Poitin, MacTalla Mor, Máirtín de Cógáin, Eric Bogle, Scrum, Black 47, Anne Roos, Bow Triplets, and Mairéid Sullivan.
I am certain those lists are much bigger. So tell me. What Celtic musicians have you met at festivals and shows? What Celtic musicians surprised you surprised with an email back? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Marc Gunn is the Chief Editor of the Celtic Music Magazine at www.celticmp3s.com. He is an award-winning acoustic Celtic folk musician and was donned “The Celtfather” by the media for being a champion of indie Celtic music. He has given away over ten million free MP3s through his music and podcasts since he began his Celtic music career in 1999. His Irish & Celtic Music Podcast has won two awards for “Best Podsafe Music” in the annual Podcast Awards and is one of the most-popular music podcasts on iTunes.
This Week in Celtic Music Playlist
Indie Celtic musicians need all the help they can get. That’s why I started the “This Week in Celtic Music Playlist” featuring tracks from my latest Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. It’s simple. All you need to do to help a Celtic artist is to Like the latest playlist and then rate it. With just two mouse clicks, you can help these artists sell more music on iTunes.
The latest Celtic Playlist features shows #105-110 of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. So help indie Celtic music, like and rate This Week in Celtic Music #105-110. Then share the Playlist with a friend.
If you’re on Ping, please follow me.
Celtic Music News You May’ve Missed
- Highland Games in Georgia This Weekend Sponsored by Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
- Free Celtic Music App
- Celtic Roots Radio Goes Global!
Become a Fan of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
It’s tough finding quality entertainment online. The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast simplifies the process. I find the musicians who want to be heard and then share them with you every 2-3 weeks. I am actively creating an outlet for these entertainers, who just want to be heard. It’s a valuable service. And it’s all free. But your generous support helps “pay” for the content you enjoy.
You too can show your support for one of the most-popular podcasts on iTunes. Follow one of these seven great tips to support the show.
Celtic CD Reviews
Once a month, I highlight Celtic music artists who were reviewed by the Celtic Music Magazine. It’s a nice way to promote great indie Celtic musicians.
All purchases through Amazon via the links below also help support the magazine as well.
You can see a full list of featured bands and find all of my CDs in my Celtic Music CD Store at www.celticmusic.org.
Are you ready to see what some of the best Celtic CDs are for October. This collection represents some of the best picks from the Celtic Music Magazine. Forget the rest. This is the music you should be listening to. Read the reviews. Then see which album you want to add to your collection.
“Up the Stairs” by the Makem & Spain Brothers
Wow! I find the harmonies in this album heartwarming. The stories they tell in their songs are wonderful, and the stories make me want to travel. I’ve said before, something about their harmonies, but these men belong singing together. I … Continue reading ?
“Wanderlust” by The Rambling Sailors
Gregg and Susan Csikos are a perfect harmony, and Great on their own as well. As I listened, I found myself singing along to the familiar, and loving their songs I didn’t know. I found Susan’s voice crisp, refreshing and … Continue reading ?
“Giant’s Dance” by Giant’s Dance
The traditions of Celtic music cover many styles from the lands of the British Isles. Giant’s Dance, a quartet of musicians and vocalists from Durango, Colorado dance gracefully between traditional Scottish and Irish standards in their self-titled debut album. Giant’s … Continue reading ?
“Humdinger” by Paul Brock and Enda Scahill
Paul Brock and Enda Scahill surprised me with this exciting collection of polkas. Honestly they changed my mind about polkas in general. I found “Miss McLeod’s / Miss Thornton’s” the liveliest, and it is my favorite of the CD. I … Continue reading ?
“Lark” by Colleen Raney
When I started listening to the first song, I fell in love! The lively sound, the soft and sultry voice transfixed me and I had to hear more. Colleen Raney is soulful and sings with a heartfelt passion that I’ve … Continue reading ?
“King of Bellies” by Beer Belly
Every now and then you run across a band that helps remind you just how universal the language of music can be and just now easily it crosses national borders. Beer Belly is such a band. The band describes their … Continue reading ?
“ReD” by Clandestine
Most fans of Celtic music do not automatically associate the state of Texas with Celtic music but this four-person band from Houston has been involved in the genre since 1991 and has toured the U.S, Canada and parts of Europe. Their … Continue reading ?
“The Big White Van” by Rathkeltair
Have you seen the Big White Van? It possibly came your way, and it would have been housing Rathkeltair: Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist Trevor Tanner, Bagpiper Neil Anderson, Drummer Nick Wilson, and Bassist Billy Thornton. And the album, Big White Van, is their … Continue reading ?
“Gael Day” by The Elders
This was a refreshing CD that I really enjoyed from beginning to end. “Gael Day” puts forth some truly wonderful music, and The Elders are a focused, talented band. I was blown away by the sound – the harmony – … Continue reading ?
“Agony” by The Tossers
Mmmm…this is a CD for the true Celtic punk lover. Yes indeed. With roots buried deep inside the South Side of Chicago, The Tossers have been around since the early 1990s and have played with – and toured with some … Continue reading ?
“No More Shenanigans” by The Barley Boys
It’s no secret that I love The Barley Boys. That said, I was excited to write this review–there’s nothing like penning a few words about a band that you really adore. And I have to say–”No More Shenanigans” was fantastic! … Continue reading ?
“Evening Pint” by Shillelagh
This was a very intriguing album, and aptly named. “Evening Pint” is exactly what you should be having as you kick back and take in the auditory textures provided here by Shillelagh. I was drawn in by the “mystical” feel … Continue reading ?
“Drop o’ the Pure” by Appalachian Celtic Consort
Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia one will find more than just gorgeous peaks, lush valleys, and trickling streams. One will also find gorgeous music played by the Appalachian Celtic Consort. Whether it is a … Continue reading ?
“Last Ones Standing” by Ceann
Ceann is a band that is as infectious as they come. Sounding like a Celtic version of They Might Be Giants or Barenaked Ladies with driving rhythms, catchy melodies and wonderful lyrics, one can’t help but smile as they listen … Continue reading ?
Click the image above and subscribe to the podcast
Celtic MP3 Downloads
Free MP3 of “Tippin’ The Jar” by The Sheridan Brothers
The Sheridan Band was born out of a love of Celtic music, family and wild nights. After many long nights at EMAC recording studios they are proud to present their hit new singles “Northern Stars”, “Tippin’ the Jar” and “Run around with me”. Performances though out Central & Eastern Canada over the last 8…
Free MP3 of “Pipers Refrain” by Barrowburn
The band Barrowburn hails out of Raleigh, NC and has been presenting traditional Celtic music on acoustic instruments for over 10 years. Barrowburn prides itself in their versatility. They are equally at home ripping through a set of jigs or reels as they are rendering the simple beauty of a slow air or lament…
Free MP3 from Shillaly Brothers CD “Too Drunk To Fight”
Thanks again for subscribing to the Celtic Music Magazine. I hope you enjoy all the new music.
Slainte!
- Marc Gunn
About the Celtic Music Magazine
Celtic Music Magazine is a monthly publication by acoustic Celtic folk musician and podcaster Marc Gunn, The Celtfather. The magazine promotes Celtic musicians worldwide, and you can help these artists:
1. Visit the links provided
2. Download the music
3. Order a CD, write, or donate to the band
4. Forward this ezine to THREE friends
5. Ask them to subscribe and help Celtic music grow
Copyright 2000-2012 Marc Gunn
The Home of Indie Celtic Music Online
December 7, 2011 — 21,000+ subscribers
HIGHLIGHTS…
- What’s New?
- Make It A Celtic Christmas
- This Week in Celtic Music Playlist
- Celtic Christmas CD Reviews & MP3s
- Unsubscribe at the bottom of the newsletter
Don’t just download.
Support artists you like & Buy.
Then, forward this newsletter to a friend.
Subscribe here.
Greetings Celtic Music Lovers,
It’s time for another Celtic Christmas season. I bought a whole bunch of Celtic Christmas CDs so that I could really get into the season with some great Celtic music.
I also finished recording this year’s Celtic Christmas episode of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. The show goes live next week. Yet, I’m already getting a couple more submissions. So will there be a second? We shall see.
The other big news is the updates to the magazine this month. Wow! My staff has gone above and beyond. There are a TON of new CD reviews and free MP3s. It’s kinda overwhelming. But I guess it makes a great Christmas present, huh?
Have a Merry Christmas!
Marc Gunn
Make It A Celtic Christmas
With the holiday season upon us, I wanted to take a few minutes and share some ideas for adding a little Celtic flavor to Christmas with the readers here. A few are things I’ve seen and a few are things I have done myself.
Celebrate your Celtic heritage and bring something a little different to the festivities by doing one or more of the following:
- Decorate your tree in a “Celtic” theme. This can really be anything you want–get creative! Whether you make ornaments by hand or start a tradition of buying decorations with a Celtic theme, it can be fun to create a look that is all your own.
- Make a Celtic slideshow. If you are computer-savvy, why not do a slideshow of photos that reflect on your family’s Celtic heritage? You can add some appropriate music and create copies for everyone in the family. This is a project that can double as a gift!
- Write a Celtic carol. Do you play an instrument? Can you sing? Amuse friends and family by coming up with your own Christmas carol–Celtic-style! It’s fun at parties!
- Host a theme party. You don’t have to restrict costumes to Halloween. Why not have a holiday party with a Celtic costume theme? It makes for great pictures and good memories.
- Do Celtic cards. Head out to a Celtic store (or shop online) and get some cards with a theme that reflects your heritage–or pen something appropriate yourself if you have the gift. It’s nice to send something out besides snowmen and Santa Claus.
- Give Celtic gifts. Support the Celtic marketplace by giving gifts from merchants that sell related products. You can get anything from a nice sweater to a piece of lovely crystal–and don’t forget the Celtic MP3s!
My best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season!
Oh, and if you have a way of infusing a little “Celtic” flavor into your holiday season, please do share it here!
Catherine L. Tully specializes in writing about the arts, lifestyle and travel. She is the Owner of 4dancers, a blog for those who love dance, and Editor for Freelance-Zone, an award-winning site for freelance writers. Catherine also reviews music for Celtic Music Magazine.
Celtic Music News You May’ve Missed
Celtic CD Reviews
There are a ton of new Celtic CD reviews this month, twenty-one in fact. That’s a bit many to featur in this newsletter. So instead, I want to share with you the latest Celtic Christmas CD reviews. These are some outstanding albums. I highly recommend them all. You can find them all (and support the magazine when you buy them) on CD Baby, Amazon and iTunes.
“On Thin Ice” by Pandora Celtica
What a lovely Celtic holiday album this is! Right out of the gate you’ll hear a pretty, pretty version of “Deck The Hall“, which was so gentle and pure that it’s sure to put you in the mood to enjoy yourself. The thing that truly sets this CD apart is the fact that the…
“Rejoice! A Christmas Album” by Jed Marum
Jed Marum gives all of these old and beloved Christmas tunes a gentle new and refreshing twist that is sure to please even the most cynical of music critics. The young and the young at heart will revel in the new twist, and sing along as they do every Christmas season. When I first…
“Christmas” by The Gothard Sisters (MP3 + Review)
Need some holiday cheer? Love the Celtic vibe? Why not invest in a little “Christmas” music for yourself this year. Expand your collection of tunes… The Gothard Sisters are sure to please with this CD, which features traditional holiday favorites such as “The First Noel”, “Silver Bells” and “Silent Night”. Be sure not to…
“The Longest Night: A Winter Celebration” by John McGaha (MP3 + Review)
“Melodic” would be one of the first words which spring to mind when you hear The Longest Night: A Winter Celebration by John McGaha. Everything really flows. There’s a grace to the music that I don’t often hear. It’s like McGaha has a “secret sauce” – but the musical kind. Can’t really say I…
Click the image above and subscribe to the podcast
Thanks again for subscribing to the Celtic Music Magazine. I hope you enjoy all the new music.
Slainte!
- Marc Gunn
About the Celtic Music Magazine
Celtic Music Magazine is a monthly publication by acoustic Celtic folk musician and podcaster Marc Gunn, The Celtfather. The magazine promotes Celtic musicians worldwide, and you can help these artists:
1. Visit the links provided
2. Download the music
3. Order a CD, write, or donate to the band
4. Forward this ezine to THREE friends
5. Ask them to subscribe and help Celtic music grow
Copyright 2000-2012 Marc Gunn
Back to Celtic Music Magazine Archives