Once-in-a-generation teenage folk guitarist and singer Muireann Bradley is today releasing her version of the enduring classic ‘These Days’. Though it was brought into the wider public’s consciousness by Nico in 1967 as part of her celebrated Chelsea Girls album, the song was originally penned by a teenage Jackson Browne. Muireann’s version nods to the track’s folky roots, while putting her own youthful stamp on the classic, complete with lush strings and her signature bright vocals.
Muireann says, “I’ve always loved ‘These Days’, I first heard it in the Wes Anderson movie ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ and really fell for it. I started playing it at home and then recently started to play it in my live shows. The audiences really liked it, so it was a natural step to record it. I love the lyrics, and the finger-picked guitar part that the 16-year-old Jackson Browne (who wrote the song) played on the original Nico recording. I had to change the melody to make it work for my voice which is always a bit of a worry with such a beloved and iconic song, but I hope everyone enjoys listening to it as much as I love playing it.”
18-year-old Muireann is rapidly garnering a devout fanbase, thanks to her unique style which blends traditional guitar playing with personal and mature interpretations of classic songs that belie her years. She recently covered Bob Dylan’s classic ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ for Mahogany Sessions, watch here. Muireann is bringing folk and blues and their story-rich songs to a whole new generation; after enchanting a huge crowd at last summer’s Green Man Festival on the main stage, this year has seen her play at Hackney’s EartH, The Great Escape, Bearded Theory festival, End Of The Road and many more, including a run of dates in the US, taking in Washington DC, Brooklyn, Nashville and Chicago.
Today’s release also heralds the announcement of her debut UK headline tour: kicking off in Dublin on the 9th November, the 8-date run takes in iconic venues such as The Lexington in London, Komedia in Brighton and Bristol’s Louisiana. Full tour routing is below, tickets are available here. On the 20th September, Muireann will perform and be in conversation with the iconic folk revival figure Peggy Seeger as part of Subterranean, a new festival at the Southbank Centre. Programmed by Broadside Hacks, Bird on the Wire, Rough Trade Records and Skinty Records, the festival champions the subterranean music and traditions of today.
Upcoming UK/EU Live Dates:
18th September – Clonakilty International Guitar Festival, IRE
20th September – Subterranean Festival (with Peggy Seeger), London, UK (SOLD OUT)
20th September – An Evening With Dermot O’Leary & Friends at Camden Irish Centre, London, UK (SOLD OUT)
7th October – 30CC / Predikherenkerk, Leuven, BE
8th October – Arenberg, Antwerp, BE
18th October – Ramblin Roots Festival, Utrecht, NL
Irish / UK Headline Tour Dates
09th November – Dublin, Sugar Club
17th November – London, The Lexington
18th November – Glasgow, Saint Luke’s
20th November – Newcastle, The Cumberland Arms
22nd November – Manchester, Rat & Pigeon
23rd November – Brighton, Komedia
24th November – Bristol, Louisiana
26th November – Belfast, Oh Yeah Music Centre