Press / Reviews
modern mystery blog:
"Deirdre Murphy’s “Sweet and Strong” is a neo-folk gem that captures the magic and exhilaration of falling in love. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and warm, summery vibes create a sense of expansiveness and wonder, akin to the feeling of the golden hour when everything appears vibrant and full of possibility.
But the real standout centerpiece of the song is Deirdre Murphy’s vocals. Her voice is light and carries a warmth similar to that of Moriarty meets Ani DiFranco. Her poetic and wordplay-filled lyrics add to the song’s charm and authenticity, making it easy for listeners to connect with the emotions she conveys."
https://modernmysteryblog.com/2023/08/04/were-falling-in-love-with-deirdre-murphys-sweet-and-strong/
TOTALLY dUBLIN:
"Hot off the back of a breathtaking appearance at last weekend’s Electric Picnic, singer and multi-disciplinary artist Deirdre Murphy takes to the stage at the Cobblestone this Saturday September 10th to launch her new album, Matriotism."
https://www.totallydublin.ie/event/deirdre-murphy-matriotism-album-launch/
Hot Press Magazine:
"Over four decades years after Dr. Maya Angelou's iconic poem 'Phenomenal Woman' was first published, multi-disciplinary artist Deirdre Murphy has breathed powerful new life into the piece, with a brilliant neo-folk arrangement released as a new single, 'Phenomenally Women'."
independent artist buzz:
"In her new song, “Sweet and Strong,” Deidre Murphy takes listeners on a captivating journey through the enchanting world of Neo-folk, indie, and alt fusion. With her soft and comforting voice, she paints a beautiful portrait of peace and strength. The song opens with delicate acoustic guitar strums, setting the perfect backdrop for her poignant lyrics to unfold. From the first note, it becomes apparent that Deidre possesses a rare ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability, making “Sweet and Strong” an unforgettable musical experience.
Deirdre’s vocal performance in “Sweet and Strong” is nothing short of mesmerizing. She showcases the captivating nature of what is softly spoken or sung. The lyrics speak of the beauty of the world around us and appreciating life’s simplicity, delivering a message of hope that is both empowering and uplifting. The artist’s mastery of poetic language and the nature in which it is sung enhances the emotional depth of the song, leaving a lasting impact on listeners long after the final note fades away."
Kate Brayden at Hot Press says:
"If there was ever an ideal time and place to release a single about solidarity, it's Ireland in 2021. Musician, choreographer, and theatre maker, Deirdre Murphy, has debuted her new track 'Phenomenally Women'; breathing new life into the ever-uplifting 1978 poem by Dr Maya Angelou; 'Phenomenal Woman'."
pinocchio magazine:
Video Interview
https://www.pinocchiomagazine.com/video/deirdre-murphy-an-alaskan-acrobatic-songwriter/
Deirdre’s music has been featured on RTE Radio One’s playlists, has been played on the Ronan Collins and John Creedon shows, Late Date with Cathal Murray, and more than 65 radio stations worldwide. Her work was recently featured on RTE’s Nationwide, and she and her band delivered an electrifying performance at the 2022 Electric Picnic and more recently in the Irish Museum of Modern Art (July 2023). She released her debut album Matriotism on Bandcamp in September 2022, and will bring it to streaming services in September 2023. The album has been described as “Moriarity meets Ani DiFranco.”
Deirdre Murphy is a musician and interdisciplinary artist. She grew up in rural Alaska with a profound connection to nature, and lived and travelled throughout the US before moving to Ireland. She is the creator of many original works of music, dance, theatre, circus, and performance art, including the circus musical “Capitalism: The Musical” (2017) which toured Ireland and Italy to sold out houses and has been translated into Italian.
Deirdre comes to music after a lifetime of making and studying performance in multiple genres, originating from her first passion in dance and the body. She plays guitar and ukulele and uses a loop station and DAW, and writes and performs spoken word vignettes integrating loop station and live music. She is known for the poetry and wordplay of her lyrics.
Deirdre wrote the circus musical Capitalism: The Musical, a synthesis of work in theatre, circus, dance, music and activism. It has been translated into Italian and toured Italy and Ireland and has recently been invited back into production. She has a long history of being involved in activist social centres, the abortion rights movement, and climate activism. She is in Praxis the artist’s union and CATU, the tenants union, and has been part of many direct actions.
Deirdre has a daily practice which includes handstands, vocal training, physical training, stretching, and running. She has taught yoga for 18 years and acroyoga for 12 years and trained since childhood in many dance and movement techniques, giving her an extensive knowledge of anatomy and love for movement. She teaches handstands, yoga, ballet, voice, and is a somatic coach and Integrative Change Worker. She has worked as an aerialist, taught acrobatics internationally at circus festivals and workshops, and has worked in costume design, sound design, and jewelry design. She makes her own merchandise. Her work in dance has toured and performed in Canada, Germany, Italy, the UK and the USA.
Through her creative practice, Deirdre aspires to present the ideal of each individual’s right to the very highest level of human rights - while engaging in comical mishaps, awkward timing etc.