Fresh from a landmark year that saw her debut album Something Bigger earn critical acclaim and sell-out headline shows, Co. Mayo folk artist Sarah Keane is set to release an intimate acoustic reimagining of the record to mark its anniversary.
The acoustic edition sees Keane return to the raw, stripped-back essence of the songs that first captured audiences across Ireland and beyond. This new version places Keane’s powerful vocals and trademark acoustic guitar front and centre, offering listeners a more vulnerable, immediate connection to the stories at the heart of each track.
“I’ve loved singing these songs for audiences and seeing their reactions in real time. From tears during “The House” to the taps on the shoulder after gigs to ask “What happened with the guy from Letters?” There has been something incredibly special about performing these songs with just my guitar. Whilst I love the fuller sound of the album, I wanted to release a version that captures the intimacy of playing in front of a live audience.”
Accompanying the anniversary release is a stirring music video for “Thunder & Lightning,” which captures the song’s essential tension between desire and hesitation. The film features individuals candidly sharing their aspirations alongside the fears that hold them back from pursuing them. “Jasmin Moustadraf and I worked closely to figure out how to share the heart of the song, that profound inner knowing that not trying is far more painful than failing,” Sarah reflects. “I’m so grateful to every participant who brought such vulnerability to this project and created something so powerful.”
promising emerging voices.
Known for her disarming lyricism and ability to transform everyday moments into deeply moving songs, Keane has spent the past year performing the album and has previously supported acclaimed artists including CMAT, Jack L, Hothouse Flowers, Junior Brother, and Aimee Carty. Her live performances, from Cork Opera House to London’s Water Rats, have solidified her reputation as a captivating storyteller with a quietly powerful stage presence.The acoustic anniversary edition of Something Bigger arrives as Keane continues to champion authentic, human creativity in an evolving musical landscape.