'It's been some year': From US tour to Live at St Luke’s

A 22-year-old Cork singer-songwriter is looking forward to playing Live at St Luke’s over the Christmas period, having just returned from a major US tour supporting American progressive rock legend Geoff Tate.

Over the past few years, rising Mayfield star James Keegan has been entertaining audiences all over Ireland with his soulful melodies and captivating storytelling, blending the warmth of folk with the energy of indie-rock.

The iTunes chart-topper reached new audiences earlier this year during a six-week tour across Scandinavia, Germany, Holland, Slovakia, and Estonia, opening for former Queensrÿche frontman Tate.

He first met Tate in Germany last year while travelling to play with Cork-based band Fire and Water, consisting of Tomás McCarthy and Clodagh McCarthy, and a few weeks later, he got the call to join the tour.

That led to the 40-state US tour he has just concluded, playing 98 gigs over 16 weeks in venues such as the House of Blues in New Orleans, Ruth Eckerd Hall in Florida, and the Aztec Theatre in Texas.

“I’ve done 16 countries around Europe and 40 states across the US touring this year,” he told The Echo.

“I had my 22nd birthday on the road, in Salt Lake City. It’s been some year, and it all came from one opportunity in Germany.”

The young northsider’s husky, soulful vocals and honest songwriting have already earned him four Number 1 singles on the Irish iTunes Charts, as well as praise from Live Nation, Hot Press magazine, EarMilk, and Notion.

His debut EP, Teaching Our Teachers, is produced by Christian Best of Monique Studios and features members of Mick Flannery’s band.

James Keegan will play Live at St Luke’s at 8pm on Monday, December 29.

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