Ye Vagabonds: The Harmonic Heart of Modern Irish Folk
Ye Vagabonds are an Irish folk duo consisting of brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn, celebrated for their intricate vocal harmonies and masterful acoustic instrumentation. Hailing from Carlow and now based in Dublin, the pair have carved a distinct niche in the contemporary folk scene, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated following for their authentic and emotionally resonant sound.
Early career
The brothers began performing together publicly around 2012, initially busking on the streets of Dublin and immersing themselves in the city's vibrant folk session culture. Their raw talent and deep connection to traditional Irish and Appalachian folk music quickly garnered attention, leading to the self-release of their debut EP, Rose & Briar, in 2015.
Breakthrough
The duo's self-titled debut album, Ye Vagabonds, arrived in 2017 on the independent Irish label Arbutus Yarns. This collection of traditional and original songs was a critical success, winning the prestigious RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Award for Best Traditional Track in 2018 for their rendition of "The Foggy Dew." This accolade marked their arrival as a serious new force in Irish folk music.
Key tracks
The Foggy Dew — Their award-winning arrangement of this classic Irish ballad showcases their powerful a cappella harmonies and deep respect for the source material.
Brother — An original composition that highlights their songwriting skill and the intimate, intertwined nature of their sibling vocals.
Lowlands of Holland — A stunning interpretation of a traditional song, demonstrating their ability to breathe new life into ancient melodies with sparse, beautiful instrumentation.
The brothers' second album, The Hare's Lament (2019), further solidified their reputation, blending traditional tunes with original works and earning another RTÉ Folk Award for Best Group. Their most ambitious work to date, Nine Waves (2022), is a concept album inspired by Irish mythology and environmental themes, released on the iconic label River Lea.
Collaborators in the Irish folk sphere include Lisa O'Neill, who shares a similar raw, poetic approach to songwriting and traditional interpretation. The vocal harmony focus and contemporary folk sensibility also align them with The Lost Words. For listeners drawn to intricate guitar work and brotherly duets, I Drew The Line offers a compelling parallel.The music of Ye Vagabonds is a staple on folk and acoustic radio programming, featured on independent music radio stations and dedicated folk shows across Ireland and the UK. Their recordings receive regular airplay on national broadcaster RTÉ Radio 1's folk slots and resonate deeply on online folk radio streams worldwide.
You can hear the rich harmonies and compelling storytelling of Ye Vagabonds on radio stations featured on our website. Explore the folk genre and listen to their music through the curated radio stations available on onairium.com.
