She grew up in Madden as Danielle Carragher, but since reaching back in time and taking her maternal great grandmother’s long lost surname as her stage name, Dani Larkin was born.
And it’s not just the name that Dani has adopted from the past.
The Armagh singer/songwriter and musician’s songs also transcend time, steeped in Ireland’s ancient landscape, mythologies and folklore.
Dani began writing at the age of 11 with a poem and since then years of working hard and performing, eventually saw her become the quintessential overnight success.
Her debut album, ‘Notes For A Maiden Warrior’ was released in to 2021 to rave reviews.
‘Striking debut,’ ‘stunning,’ ‘otherworldly,’ ‘powerful,’ ‘you can feel the music in your bones,’ are just a few accolades from the critics.
A whirlwind year of touring home and abroad followed, amidst nominations for ‘Best Album’ at this year’s Northern Ireland Music Prize and ‘Best Emerging Artist’ at the RTE Folk Awards.
She opened for Snow Patrol at sold-out London Palladium Theatre and Belfast’s Waterfront, and after performing at SXSW festival in Austin Texas, it was off to Vancouver before coming home to tour with Declan O’Rourke.
Armagh I caught up with Dani, after she took a short breather in Galway, and she spoke about her life, her music and her philosophies on both.
While she’s inspired by where she comes from and the legacies of the land, Dani, who has a degree in history and sociology and a masters in international conflict and cooperation, has also used her music to unite, working in places as far afield as Palestine, Indonesia and Columbia.
It’s back on the road again closer to home in the coming months however, with Dani’s next tour kicking off on April 29 at the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in Belfast, followed by a UK tour with Ye Vagabonds and some shows of her own.
Tickets available at www.danilarkin.com.
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