Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová (Once): The Folk-Rock Duo from Dublin and Prague

Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová are the Oscar-winning folk-rock duo famously known for their collaboration on the film Once. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, and Prague, Czech Republic, their raw acoustic sound and heartfelt songwriting captured a global audience, leading to a multi-platinum soundtrack and a successful stage musical adaptation.

Early career

Glen Hansard, born in 1970, was already an established figure in the Irish music scene as the frontman of the influential rock group The Frames, formed in 1990. Markéta Irglová, born in 1988, was a classically trained pianist and singer who met Hansard in Prague when he was on tour with his band in 2001.

Their musical partnership began organically, with Irglová contributing vocals to The Frames' 2006 album The Cost. The pivotal moment came when director John Carney cast them as the leads in his low-budget musical film Once, for which they wrote and performed the songs.

Breakthrough

The 2007 film Once and its accompanying soundtrack became a surprise cultural phenomenon. The album, released on the Plateau label in Ireland and Canvasback/Columbia in the US, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Soundtracks chart and has been certified Platinum in the United States.

Their signature song, "Falling Slowly," won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008, catapulting the duo to international fame. They subsequently recorded officially as The Swell Season, releasing albums and touring extensively.

Key tracks

Falling Slowly — This Academy Award-winning ballad defined their sound and became a global folk-rock anthem.

When Your Mind's Made Up — A powerful, building track from the Once soundtrack that showcases their intense vocal and instrumental chemistry.

If You Want Me — A hauntingly beautiful song led by Irglová's vulnerable vocal, highlighting her crucial role in the duo's dynamic.

The success of Once evolved into the Tony Award-winning stage musical of the same name, further cementing the legacy of their songs. Both artists have pursued successful solo careers, with Hansard releasing albums like Rhythm and Repose and This Wild Willing, and Irglová releasing her own solo work including Muna.

Listeners who appreciate the authentic, emotionally resonant folk-rock of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová should also explore The Frames for Hansard's earlier influential rock work. The acoustic intimacy of Damien Rice shares a similar Irish folk sensibility and raw lyrical delivery. For another potent male-female folk duo, try The Civil Wars, known for their haunting harmonies. The poetic songwriting of Fionn Regan also aligns with this delicate, narrative-driven genre.

The music of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová maintains a strong presence on adult alternative and indie folk radio stations. Their timeless tracks, particularly from the Once soundtrack, are staples on online radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion singer-songwriter and acoustic-driven rock.

You can hear the heartfelt folk-rock of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová on radio stations featured across our network. Discover their celebrated discography by tuning into the curated stations available on onairium.com.