David Keenan, the songwriter from Dundalk in Ireland, is one of the most inspired and inspiring songwriters I’ve gotten to know in the past few years. Ever since that acoustic garden show during Kilkenny Arts Festival in 2019, I’ve been keeping a close watch on his work. And he’s been as prolific as he’s been diverse in his output and his often very direct approach. When we were filming sessions at Kilkenny Castle this Summer, Keenan dropped by and recorded an acoustic version of his unreleased song Just For Today. Sitting in the window of the Parade Tower, we were once again mesmerized. Go see for yourself.

Christmas single

David Keenan and his partner Evanne Kilgallon have just announced Christmas’ll Ruin Me, a Christmas single. “This song is a hopeful, humorous one that touches on anxiety, addiction stigma and the pressure of consumerism at this time of year (and the joys of slow dancing in the nude).” Proceeds from the single will go to Dublin Simon Community who provide homeless, housing and treatment services, especially important right now at the height of the homeless crisis. The donation page is live and they would love if you could help them reach their target.

Photos

Keep watching

Thank you for watching and enjoying this session. You’ll probably like some other sessions from The Influences’ archive too, like this earlier one by David Keenan.