Strawboy releases “Lady Lucia”

Strawboy is the moniker of songwriter and producer Ciarán O’Rourke who hails from the small tidal Omey Island off the west coast of Ireland. Creating music that reflects the mystical and enchanting landscape from where he lives, his sound offers an esoteric and spellbinding exploration of folktronica.

With each new composition he plans each aspect in meticulous detail, thoroughly researching the music’s context while tapping into the collective unconscious via readings of mystical religions, legends and myths. Capturing the compelling nature of ancient folklores, he crafts a sonic realisation wrapped up in a positive outlook to give meaning to a sometimes meaningless world.

First making his introduction in 2014 with his debut record, the aptly titled Tidal Islands, most recently he’s been working on the follow up with his upcoming sophomore album Ithaca Regained loosely based on Homer’s Odyssey. Bringing us his most recent work, he shares his new release with the lead single from Ithaca Regained, “Lady Lucia”.

A song written about Lucia Joyce, daughter of the famous Irish wordsmith James Joyce, on “Lady Lucia” Strawboy puts the listener in the position of the audience at an art deco theatre as Lucia takes to the stage to perform a modernist dance. As the dance progresses, the intensity builds as the theatre collapses around her before she finally finds inner peace and rises up from the crumbled structure.

Weaving a metaphorical reflection of the real life of Lucia Joyce, who herself was a successful dancer in the 1920s before being overcome by mental illness and being committed after being diagnosed with schizophrenia, with his new single, the artist showcases his extraordinary talent for spinning a meaningful and analogous recount of stories through song.

Contrasting the ill-fated tale in the music with a subtly grooving and airy indie folk sound, his delicate vocal work carries his vivid storytelling lyricism on a gripping new song that helps to build excitement for his forthcoming second album.

Listen to Lady Lucia below