Deirdre Murphy

Interdisciplinary artist and musician Deirdre Murphy is releasing her fifth single and music video Million Sins on March 24th. Million Sins is a sea shanty loosely based on the story of sea captain Carola Rackete. In 2019, as captain of the Sea Watch 3, Rackete rescued 53 people who were in danger in the Mediterranean. She was denied port along the coast of Italy for more than two weeks, and eventually made port illegally, whereupon she was then arrested and detained for four months. Eventually she was cleared of all charges. 

The song highlights the refugee crisis and possible responses and responsibilities. The video features dancer SuMaira Chady and is created by Annette Barnaville. The track was produced by Oli Ryan and features Denis McAuliffe on fiddle. 

Deirdre’s music has been featured on RTE Radio One’s playlists, and has been described as “quirky and lovely” by DJ Ronan Collins. She played an electrifying set at the 2022 Electric Picnic and was featured in October 2022 on RTE's program Nationwide. Her music has been featured on the Ronan Collins and John Creedon Shows, on Late Date with Cathal Murray, and on more than 65 radio stations worldwide. Deirdre's first album Matriotism, available on Bandcamp, will be brought into broad digital distribution in the spring of 2023. 

Deirdre Murphy has counted herself as a songwriter, singer, choreographer, dancer, playwright, circus artist, designer, and sartorial adventurer. Originally from Alaska, she travelled through the US for years before moving to Ireland. Deirdre is the writer and creator of “Capitalism: The Musical” (2017) which toured Ireland and Italy to sold out houses and has been translated into Italian. She is the creator/collaborator of many original works of music, dance, theatre, circus, and performance art.

Deirdre’s songs have been compared to Ali Farka Toure in their sparingness. They are slightly cinematic and generally fall in the realm of alt/singer-songwriter/folk. The songs combine a peaceful dream like quality with a sharper edge of darkness or even menace. Lyrical influences include Leonard Cohen and The White Stripes. 

“You have a fairy-in-the-woods voice.” Justine, 2am Fibber McGees

“When you speak, it’s like your voice isn’t really there.” Susan, artist, in a gallery

“Your voice is like a transmission from the planets.” Fergal, a few months ago.