The 'Clear, Soaring Voice' of Róisín Dempsey

We at "The Lark" are proud to introduce everyone to an artist whose music is bound to touch the heart and soul of every listener.

Róisín Dempsey's new CD entitled "Surrounded" is likely to appeal to Irish and contemporary music lovers alike. Róisín's background in music stems from a classical training and a love of traditional and spiritual music. Her extensive musical achiements include touring and recording with several international acts over the years, including "Riverdance – The Show," Anúna, Fr. Liam Lawton, Red Hurley, Hayley Westenra, and Celtic Woman, as well as numerous other freelance projects, recordings, and film scores.

"I have always been aware of the power of music on the spirit and how it often heals and inspires in a way words can't. When I left high school it seemed a natural progression to study both," Róisín told "The Lark" in our exclusive interview. "Even now, my performances and recordings are always very much about connecting with people on both levels. This is very important to me," she explained.

We asked her what that title truly meant to her. "Surrounded - well, I have always felt from a very early age that I am somehow 'surrounded,' by the protection of my God and my family, and in later life, my husband and my close friends.

"I have always felt a very strong sense of being "looked after" or "taken care of" and I am delighted to be able to say that I was always encouraged in anything I pursued, whether it be music, adventure, or whim."

Róisín has planted her roots firmly in Wexford, Ireland, along with her talented percussionist husband Nicky Bailey, whom she met while touring with Fr. Liam Lawton. She describes to us their little piece of Irish heaven:

"I love living in Wexford, although I grew up 20 minutes away in a neighbouring town. But Wexford is my home now, and I am very happy and settled here.

"Wexford had a Viking and a Norman settlement, so there has been a town of sorts here for many hundreds of years. I love the little narrow streets, the sea front and the constant buzz of a small Irish town. We have beautiful churches, and a state-of-the-art Opera House, with a great festival every October, and lots of little dress shops for something different."

Music had always been a part of Róisín's life while growing up. Infused with a diversity of musical influences from both her hometown and her family, her natural talents bubbled to the surface. She recounted for us her first memory of singing as a child, and how singing had been one of her true callings in life:

"I grew up in Enniscorthy and was 'surrounded' with singing from a very early age thanks to my Dad and Uncle who sang in the local musical society and the church choirs. I can remember being asked to sing at a birthday party when I was about 6, and singing 'The Policeman's Song' from The Pirates Of Penzance because Daddy had been learning it at home.

"I progressed to the Church Choir at the age of nine or ten, and years later, when I had completed my degree, ended up as musical director of that same Cathedral for ten years which I found immensely satisfying.

"I view my singing as a special gift that really only makes sense if shared. I adore singing and performing when I feel it's worthwhile, when people are listening to the message of the text and the calming or passionate nature of the musical line. This is why I could never sing in a bar or a band, because I personally would feel my contribution was worthless. It is always a very humbling experience to know that your music has really helped someone. It is deeply satisifying to soothe a family when someone close has died, or uplift friends or an audience with the joy of Christmas or memories rekindled from times past in the shape of a song.

"I listen to a lot of music, but not regularly. There can be days, even weeks without listening, and then I will switch back on and listen to anything from Diana Krall to Elgar's Enigma Variations. I have a broad range that I enjoy listening to, but like anything, it is always more pleasurable after a few days of silence. I often find silence as soothing as any music in the world we live in today."

Ireland has produced countless artists, but Róisín Dempsey is a standout -- one of the golden voices that will capture your heart from the first time you hear her sing. We highly recommend her wonderful CD, and look forward to learning more about her in the future!

Thank you so much for your time, Róisín! It was a pleasure.

Róisín is planning a few concerts for the Fall.

For more information on Róisín Dempsey please go to her official website: www.roisindempsey.com and www.myspace.com/roisindempsey

Her CD "Surrounded" can be purchased from: www.cdbaby.com/roisindempsey