Cork singers debut EP racks up more than 20,000 streams in less than a week

A young Cork singer and songwriter has released his debut EP in a career which, despite his young age, has already been running for several years.

Mayfield indie-folk rock artist James Keegan is just 21, but he has already been touring for a number of years, wowing audiences across Europe and the United States.

Known for his heartfelt songwriting and his powerful live presence, the rising northside star has been hailed by contemporaries as being one of Ireland’s most exciting emerging voices.

In 2025 alone, Mr Keegan has already performed in more than 14 countries, and he is currently on a 97-date US tour with Cork band Fire and Water, which consists of local musicians Tomás McCarthy and Clódagh McCarthy.

Playing venues such as the House of Blues in New Orleans, Ruth Eckerd Hall in Florida, and the Aztec Theatre in San Antonio, Texas, they are supporting ex-Queensrÿche frontman Geoff Tate.

US adventure

Their US adventure comes on the heels of an earlier, six-week tour supporting Mr Tate across Scandanavia, Germany, Holland, Slovakia and Estonia.

Mr Keegan’s debut EP is called ‘Teaching Our Fathers’, and it has already racked up more than 20,000 Spotify streams in less than a week.

Recorded with Christian Best of Monique recording studios, the EP features the live band which usually supports Mick Flannery.

Mr Keegan said he was thrilled with the response the EP has received.

“It’s something I’ve worked really hard on over the past few years, in between going to college, working, and touring the world,” he said.

“I’m extremely grateful for all the support everyone in Cork has shown me.

“They say home is where the heart is, and nowhere has as much heart as Cork.” He added that he is looking forward to a big finish to this year, as he is headlining Live at St Luke’s on December 29.