INTERVIEW: New album from Robin James Hurt

Robin James Hurt is a singer-songwriter who carries the heart and heritage of Irish and Scottish folk music. Born in Belfast, raised in Scotland and now based in Wexford, he’s spent more than three decades journeying through the worlds of traditional and modern folk. His decorated career has seen him play alongside the likes of Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners, Sinéad O’Connor and Finbar Furey, earning his place within the sphere of Irish music. But while his collaborations are impressive, it’s his solo work that continues to shine, presenting an ever-developing output of storytelling, emotion and talent.

Renowned for his spellbinding live performances, Robin has taken his music from the fireside to the festival stage, playing everywhere from Glastonbury and Electric Picnic to Celtic Connections. His shows capture his steadfast respect for folk tradition combined with a forward-looking energy that breathes new life into the genre. That same vitality runs through his studio recordings, which have charted his adventure as both a songwriter and musician.

Beginning with his 2008 debut The Tallyman’s Lament, his discography reveals a steady progression towards a more personal and intimate sound. His latest album titled A Song, A Story Told, takes the snapshot of his musical vision, offering a record that filters folk spirit through a rock-tinged lens, captured with analogue recording techniques. Produced at home on four and eight-track cassette machines, it’s a deliberate move away from clinical studio perfection in favour of something warmer and more timeless.

The project was co-written with Dublin poet and songwriter Tony Floyd Kenna, whose lyrical writing forms the emotional backbone of the album. “Tony writes loud rock’n’roll and I write folky instrumentals,” Robin shares. “We met in the middle with a song called Take Me Home.” That meeting point sparked a creative partnership that led to an entire record, a series of songs that explore the themes of love, belonging and remembrance. The duo stitch their strengths together, crafting music that feels at once enduring and current, based in tradition yet alive with experimentation.

Set up by the playful energy of “Hey Mary (Play A Song For Me),” the crash of bright guitar tones and lively percussion sets up a catchy pop-focused folk rock jam. “When The Happiness Is There” slows things down with a hazy soundscape of twanging guitars, laid back drums and emotive vocal performance, casting a smokey alternative folk rock outing that rolls with marching rhythmic sway and engaging melodic writing.

“Where Are They Now” follows with the misty jangle of melancholic guitar notes, ushering in a jumpy scene of bouncy vocal leads, crafting an atmospheric and wholly absorbing listening experience. Other highlights on the record include songs like “Room Full Of Music” with its spirited flicker of guitar layers and grooving percussive hop while Robin’s compelling voice spins infectious melodic hooks above as the arrangement glides with subtly psych-tinged vibes.

Lead single “Take Me Home” delivers an epic folk rock anthem brimming with pattering drums, intricate instrumentation and instantly memorable vocal lines. Closing the record with title track “A Song, A Story Told,” the crisp taps of percussion and warm strums of acoustic guitar forms an intimate backing for Robin’s smooth vocals to offer a charming finale to his sensational new album.

We caught up with Robin James Hurt to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new album A Song, A Story Told and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Robin James Hurt below.

Hey Robin, how’s things?

Hiya! The weather outside is frightful but in my house it’s delightful (because the kettle is on)!

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

Violin lessons, started age 9 (gave up age 12 because it was too much like homework)

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

Old school – Guided By Voices, Richard & Linda Thompson, Ewan MacColl, Blue Nile
New(er) school – Alastair Roberts, Pearse McGloughlin, Liam McCay

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Long walks with my dog Dougal help me take inspiration from the world around me; they also help me clear my head and focus on ideas and tunes.

What’s been your highlight of 2025?

Realising and releasing my new album, A Song, A Story Told. It’s a joy and an honour to have it out in the world!

What do you love about the Irish music scene?

There is a great balance between talent and informality. Ireland has for so long produced so much incredible music and it punches above its weight in every genre, not just trad and folk. But also, music is such a big part of Irish culture that people identify with it personally and to be a musician is not a rare or precious thing. This means that the music ‘scene’ is not out of reach and I have found it to be friendlier than some other places. This makes it easier to meet great people and create great art!

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Oh, just wherever the songs strike you. Especially with this new album; the songs are to be taken with you on your own journey and played as part of your own soundtrack.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I started as a lead guitarist, playing in bands and as a session player. Guitar was always my core thing, I was into playing in many diverse styles, but I always had a strong background love for folk music. After a few years I focussed on that, and it sent me on a bit of a journey where I found my singing voice and a passion for writing my own songs and tunes.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

That is a great question. As a co-writer, I loved working with Tony Floyd Kenna who penned the lyrics for the new album and I hope that we do more together.
I’d love to be part of something bigger, one prevailing pipe dream is a more left-field and less old-school version of a concept like the High Kings with several singers

How did you find making your new album ‘A Song, A Story Told’?

Well, it was a huge challenge but it was also a bunch of fun! I had never brought an entire album to fruition like this before, from co-writing all the songs to arranging, singing, playing and recording them.
But I learnt so much figuring out how to get the sounds out of my head and on to tape.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

It is an album of songs about people and human emotions, love and loss, family and friendship and the warmth that connection brings.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Stella Donnelly from Melbourne is a favourite singer songwriter of mine and her new album is just brilliant, also been loving the fresh sound and groove of Bab L’Bluz.
From Ireland Cormac Begley and Jinx Lennon and from the US of A Jesse Welles.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I get so much from listening to music, but one thing is being able to lose myself in it and feel like I am brought to another place, a special place. To give other people that feeling with my music is my biggest ambition.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Mmmm I’ve done quite a few and it’s impossible to pick a fave!!??
Playing Glastonbury was a highlight for sure.
Also an incredible folk festival in Germany called Eurofolk, it has been running as long as Glastonbury but it is more fun! I have never played anywhere like it in my life.
But the best thing about playing live is when someone comes to a show feeling low or sad and you are able to move them to feel better or happier. That to me is genuinely the best thing about music and it means more than the biggest cheering crowd.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Fela Kuti, Bob Dylan with the Band, Sinead O’Connor, on the beach, Courtown, County Wexford, Ireland

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Don’t be afraid to get out and try to meet other musicians and people on the scene, it can be challenging but music is always changing and evolving, you are part of it just by showing up!

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

A full diary of shows for 2026!
First highlight is a showcase concert at Your Roots Are Showing international folk music conference in Belfast in January! Also for St Patrick’s week in March I am playing some concerts in the North Cape of Norway, right up at the very top! I’ll bring a scarf.

Listen to A Song, A Story Told below