Seán Brady Irish singer FAQs
Are you able to sing every Irish song in the world? (No, but I know a lot of them!)
I perform a mixture of classic Irish ballads and covers of songs recorded by The Dubliners, The Pogues, Christy Moore, The Furey’s, The Wolfetones and other major Irish artists. I can also do lots of country songs by acts such as Hank Williams, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks and similar county icons. I can also include some contemporary songs by Simon and Garfunkel, Neil Diamond, Oasis, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, etc.
It’s me on guitar (electro acoustic Takemine) and vocals with a Bose PA system. (I don’t use Karaoke style backing tracks.)
It’s usually with either my banjo, concertina or fiddle player.
Around 60% of my gigs are performed solo and I’ve done several residencies aboard as a solo performer, Having an extra player backing me does add to the overall dynamic of the show and with a banjo or fiddle there’s the added option of being able to play traditional Irish jigs, reels and hornpipes if required.
It’s usually me with a banjo and fiddle player. It can also feature an accordion or concertina player if required or an uilleann piper (Subject to availability).
Yes, I use a top of the range BOSE system, an industry standard Shure SM58 microphone and a Takemine electro/acoustic guitar.
Absolutely. When you book me you can select a play list from my current song lists found here. It’s best to email your selection to me a few days before the date of your booking.
Not usually, however, if it’s a special song required for the occasion I can often learn it for you in time for the event, if I’m given enough notice.
I have lots of rebel songs that I can perform, ranging from Kevin Barry to Sean South of Garryowen, Grace and many more. I do not perform them unless the actual booker has requested me to do so.
If requested to yes. The most requested songs from my own recordings are The Thatcher Song, The Bojo Song, Jackie’s Army, De Valera, Michael and The Drumshanbo exile.
Anywhere. I’m based in London but I’ve played all over the world. In Britain I travel anywhere. With long distance bookings there will be an additional travel fee but I keep it to a minimum and will quote that at the time of enquiry. If your booking is over 120 miles from London I’ll usually stay overnight which would also be added to the cost.
That’s almost impossible due to the fact that the vast majority of my gigs are private functions such as weddings, wakes, family parties, etc. You can see my videos and hear my audio samplers here. You can also hear lots of my albums and singles on all of the major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, YouTube, etc.
When you book me the details of the event, date, timings, location and your details are written into a contract. This is then emailed to you to check, agree, sign and return. Depending on the booking a deposit will be required (usually around 25% of the overall fee) which can be paid by bank transfer or PayPal. The balance is payable prior to the event either via bank transfer (48hrs prior) or in cash on the day once I’ve set up and before I perform. In some circumstances the fee in full will be required in advance. (Some bookers often prefer this option)
If you cancel 90 days or more prior to the date of your booking, you’ll need to pay 50% of the overall fee less the deposit already paid. If you cancel less than 90 days prior to a booking the fee is due in full less the deposit already paid. If the gig is cancelled due to a government directive that prohibits live music (Force Majeure*) You will not have to pay any cancellation fees and can use the deposit paid towards the rescheduled date. *You can also choose to receive a full refund of your deposit.
Generally no, unless agreed between me with the booker beforehand and at my discretion. It’s a slightly tricky area with very strict rules in place on health and safety these days along with having to adhere to my public liability insurance.
It’s always best to enquire in plenty of time for summer weddings and anything that falls on a Saturday. With funerals and wakes they’re often midweek and at short notice so there’s no set time on those and I often sing at services and gravesides with only a couple of days notice.
Yes, I have full public liability insurance and can provide a copy of that to a venue proprietor or booker when requested.
Yes, all plugs and inputs carry the stickers of certification.
In the vast majority of cases Irish dancers use their own backing tracks to match their show and tempos. I can play the backing tracks through my PA to make that work if required.