A Path from Pubs to Arenas
In the crowded landscape of modern folk-rock, few voices have cut through the noise with the raw immediacy of James Keegan. Hailing from the northside of Cork, Ireland, the 22-year-old singer-songwriter has quickly graduated from local pub gigs to massive international stages, proving that the age-old Irish tradition of the “grafter,” the hard-working man, is alive and well.
Keegan’s story is one of rapid acceleration fueled by old-fashioned hard work. Raised in Mayfield, Cork, he began his career cutting his teeth in the competitive local gig circuit. Unlike many of his digital-native peers who rely solely on TikTok virality, Keegan built his following the traditional way: playing ravenously. His sweet nature and timeless personality add to the true feeling of how people are drawn to him.
By early 2023, he was a fixture in venues like Whelan’s and Cyprus Avenue, honing a sound that blends the acoustic warmth of traditional Irish folk with the gritty energy of indie rock. His work ethic paid off quickly; he notched multiple Number 1 singles on the Irish iTunes charts before he had even released a full-length project. With number one songs like “Take Me Home,” “Attached Me to Fire,” and “Love Grows Easy,” he had proven to be a force straight from Ireland.
Critics have often noted that Keegan possesses a voice that sounds “older” than his calendar age. Described by Hot Press as having “soaring vocals” and by peers like Damien Dempsey as a “powerful voice,” Keegan trades in husky, soulful melodies that carry a raw emotional weight.
His debut EP, Teaching Our Teachers (released mid-2025), serves as his major artistic statement. Produced by Christian Best at Monique Recording Studios, the record showcases his ability to pivot between intimate, finger-picked acoustic ballads and larger, cinematic soundscapes. Tracks like “River Song” and “Love Grows Easy” highlight his knack for storytelling—weaving narratives that feel both deeply personal and universally accessible. His style has drawn favorable comparisons to Ben Howard, particularly in how he uses atmospheric production to elevate simple folk structures.
After meeting Geoff Tate, Keegan embarked on a massive tour that saw him performing across 16 countries in Europe and 40 states in the USA. Playing solo acoustic sets to audiences expecting heavy metal is a daunting task, but reports from the road suggest Keegan won over the crowds with sheer charisma and vocal power.
Having a critically acclaimed EP, touring with Geoff Tate, and the passion to keep working, Keegan is currently among Ireland’s most promising musical exports. With a sound that resonates in both intimate folk clubs and cavernous rock halls, he is effectively bridging the gap between the traditional Irish balladeer and the modern touring rock star.
On a private note, we here at the magazine have been so incredibly lucky to have spent time with James Keegan in Cork. Watching him perform on home turf is a whole different vibe, and also multiple times in the United States—truly an amazing experience to witness that energy live!