Deirdre Murphy aka Queen Dragon is a force to be reckoned with in the world of music and performance. Her unique form of gig theatre - a rich tapestry of songs, contemporary movement improvisation and choreography, and sci-fi spoken word - has been featured on RTE Radio One’s playlists and showcased on notable shows such as Ronan Collins, John Creedon, and Late Date with Cathal Murray. With more than 65 radio stations worldwide playing her music, Deirdre's eclectic style - physical, spiritual, and musical - is leaving a indelible mark on the global music scene. She has just finished recording her second album Closer with producer Dario Rodighiero. Closer is seven vocal compositions that together form a unique and very original sonic world, somewhat comparable to both Juana Molina and Laurie Anderson. Two of the tracks are sci-fi spoken word, an intriguing future vision, and all feature nuanced lyrics and striking harmonies. Closer is also unusual in that several of the pieces have been developed and are performed with choreographic scores, using the body and movement to deepen layers of meaning and connection.
photos: Fabio Grassi
As an artist who seamlessly integrates music, dance, and theatre with off-the-cuff social commentary, Deirdre's signature form of gig theatre comes with a burst of joy and heart. Her work is a journey through the beauty and terrors of human nature, delivered with a light touch and respect for the soul. Her past achievements include writing, composing and choreographing the award winning circus musical Capitalism: The Musical, a witty, catchy, and profound commentary on the most important issue of our times. The musical featured in the Electric Picnic and Culture Night 2025, and sold out eight shows, with standing ovations, in the Wilde Stages Queer Theatre Festival in May of 2026 where it received Best Ensemble Award. Deirdre released her debut album Matriotism in 2024.
Deirdre grew up in rural Alaska with a profound connection to nature, and lived and travelled throughout the US before moving to Ireland. Her first passion lies in performance and the body, and she has performed and taught of many forms of movement including social and contemporary dance, improvisation, ballet, yoga, acroyoga, handstanding, etc. She composes on guitar, ukulele, and loop station, and writes and performs spoken word vignettes. She has written more than 70 songs, and is known for the poetry and wordplay of her lyrics. She has devised numerous works of dance and theatre, both solo and in collaboration, and her work has been featured in the Electric Picnic 2022, 2023, and 2025; Dublin Fringe Festival; Wilde Stages Queer Theatre Festival; Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Festival, Limerick Fringe Festival; Galway Dance Days, etc. Deirdre has worked as an aerialist and acrobat with Guerilla Aerial and Chroi Glan Integrative Dance Company, has taught acrobatics internationally at circus festivals and workshops, and has designed costumes and sound for theatre. She makes her own merchandise, including an original silver necklace - an interpretation of the sile na gig icon found carved into stone all over Ireland.
Deirdre’s work has toured and performed in Canada, Germany, Italy, the UK and throughout 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.
Connect with Deirdre Murphy:
- Soundcloud: Listen to "Matriotism"
- Spotify: Deirdre Murphy
- Facebook: Deirdre Murphy Music
- Instagram: @deirdremurphymusic
- Patreon: Deirdre Murphy on Patreon
Queen Dragon is available for festivals, solo, and full band bookings. Press inquiries, interviews, or promotional materials, please contact:
Press / Reviews
INDEPENDENT ARTIST BUZZ:
“Matriotism” explores Murphy’s commitment to championing human rights and challenging norms, all the while infusing her music with a certain humor and energy that both inspires and is captivating audiences worldwide.
The album is a results of more than two years of dedicated work in its production, as well as 10+ years of songwriting. From the beautiful opening track “Hands Down,” about connection to each other and the natural world, to the delicate “Sweet and Strong,” with its lulling melodies, flirting guitar, cello and percussion, and the gentle “Haunting You,” this album is versatile in both vocals and instrumentation.
The album seems to advocate for embracing authenticity and fostering meaningful connections within our communities, acknowledging the inherent vulnerability of such a journey.
Deirdre shares:
“Each song on the album is an opinion I guess: a statement of how my world seems; a leg of the framework of how I see the world, or what the world has taught me. A lot of it is about love in various contexts - love for self, romantic love, platonic love, love in the bigger picture - for community, for humanity, for nature. Mostly we seem to think about love in a romantic or familial context, but there are so many other ways that love is present in our lives. The story behind Million Sins stands out to me as an example of what bigger picture love looks like - the song is inspired by sea captain Carola Rackete who rescued 53 people from the Mediterranean in 2019. They were denied safe port for more than two weeks, and eventually made port illegally in Italy. She was arrested and detained but eventually got off on all charges. That was someone who looked at a situation and said I’m going to right this wrong, no matter the cost. That is what passionate creative care looks like in community. That is love. That’s a strong example, but there are other examples of this all around us, every volunteer position, anything anyone you know does just to be helpful or kind. There is a lot about the album that suggests moving into community and creating the life that feels most true to you. That can be a vulnerable path because it requires a learning curve; a practice of uncovering new ground, and the songs reflect this. Like each of us need to decide, as a spiritual practice, how to celebrate our own lives. I think there is something of that celebration in this album.”
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.
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'."
indie music discovery:
Murphy’s artistic prowess lies in her adept fusion of various genres, pioneering a distinctive form of gig theatre that seamlessly intertwines songs, contemporary movement improvisation, and sci-fi spoken word. This innovative blend serves as a vibrant conduit for her creative expression, captivating audiences with its eclectic charm.
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/
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/
