Cian Sweeney (1000 Beast) – unveils new project As If I Always Knew, announces album + launch of first single

Acclaimed music producer & session pianist Cian Sweeney is excited to announce the launch of his latest artistic endeavor, “As If I Always Knew.” This project marks a return to his roots as a pianist, presenting raw, live improvisations captured in their purest form, with no editing or production enhancements.

The project is a culmination of Cian’s long-standing relationship with the piano, an instrument he has played since childhood. For years, Cian felt the pressure to adapt his playing to keep up with trends or in order to “get the gig”. But As If I Always Knew represents a deliberate departure from this mindset.

As Cian explains, “This project is my attempt to capture my true voice—unapologetically live, unedited, and raw.” The music draws from the unfiltered expression found in the late-night improvisations that have been part of Cian’s creative practice for years.

Improvisations 1 is a collection of solo piano works recorded live in a single afternoon at Birds of Paradise Studio in Cork, Ireland. Each piece was captured in one take, without edits, and built entirely from spontaneous composition.

Sleep, the first single from the forthcoming album, was recorded and filmed live at Birds of Paradise Studio. Built around a theme first composed as a teenager, the piece centres on an eight-note melodic ostinato in the left hand, gently paired with a descending motif in the right. This simple, almost lullaby-like structure acts as both anchor and springboard, allowing space for free-flowing improvisation to emerge. The result is meditative and unforced – music that feels remembered as much as composed, like a half-recalled dream returning to the surface.

With As If I Always Knew, Cian seeks to reconnect with his audience on a more intimate level. While his successful work as a producer has garnered over 130 million streams, this project shifts focus back to his roots as a pianist and artist in his own right. Fans will have exclusive access to new music through the project’s YouTube channel and Bandcamp, as well as early announcements for upcoming live performances throughout 2025, for which subscribers to the project’s mailing list will receive priority access.

The project’s unique title reflects the organic nature of its creation. As Cian notes, “There’s a certain flow to it—like these pieces were always there, waiting to be shared. It’s As If I Always Knew.” Filmed by the talented Zé Bateria, this live, unfiltered project promises to deliver something rare in today’s music landscape—authenticity. 

Sign up to As If I Always Knew mailing list: https://subscribepage.io/asifialwaysknew

LIVE DATES:

19th June – CORK, Cork Midsummer Festival, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral