Singer/songwriter and Achill native Graham Sweeney is set to release his third single and title track from his debut album ‘I Am’ on May 15 2020. The release of ‘I Am’ will be followed by an appearance on TG4’s Sli Na mBeaglaoich Mayo special on Sunday May 17 at 9:30PM.
Graham has had a hectic start to 2020 attracting attention from the music industry and national press coverage thanks to his previous single ‘The Quiet Man’ which received airplay on RTE Radio 1, RTE Culture, WLR FM, 98FM, RTE2XM, Flirt FM, PlayIrish, Dublin City Fm, Galway Bay FM and 8 Radio plus various local radio stations around the country.
Graham featured in Hot Press’ ‘Hot for 2020’ list and was selected to perform at Culture Ireland’s Tradfest this January. Graham was also invited to perform by 98FM’s Totally Irish at Teelings Distillery alongside The Mary Wallopers and appeared on The Music Trail at Other Voices, Ballina, capping off a busy start to the year.
Hot on the heels of this success, Graham is launching his new single ‘I Am’ on May 15th 2020.
‘I Am’ was inspired by Graham’s mentor, Martin Molloy, with whom he shared a love of classic cars. Generously, Martin invited him into the family business restoring cars to help him finish his apprenticeship as a panel beater. Graham admired Martin’s strong work ethic, dedication and kindness. He was a friend, a teacher and an inspiration.
On the way to Cork to open for Declan O’Rourke, Graham received word that Martin had died after a short illness. “After the call, I took out my notebook and the lyrics for I Am flowed out as if I was just a vessel for the message. I never changed a word after that.”
There is a dreamy quality to the song, although the subject matter is sombre the mood is upbeat, ‘I Am’ is a hymn to the departed where those left behind are urged to look to nature for healing and reassurance with a promise of better times ahead.
“’I Am’ has become my personal tribute to all of those who have left us in the past years. I sing this song for all of my friends and life teachers who have brought me here and it keeps them alive for me, through music.”
“Of all my songs, this one really strikes a chord with people as I have yet to meet a person who hasn’t lost someone special. In the past, I have played this song for people sitting in front of me, as comfort. Some of those faces are no longer here so they are added to the guest list, to the gig in the sky. We carry on this road together.”
“Graham is a wonderful story-teller whose songs feel instantly relatable and universal, his words and melodies are full of charm and warmth.”– John Barker 98FM Totally Irish
‘I Am’ will be released on May 15th 2020.
