Madra Salach

The past couple of years have seen Madra Salach become one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary folk, creating music that is both deeply rooted in Irish tradition and strikingly modern. Emerging from Dublin's vibrant independent music scene, the six-piece first came together through informal pub sessions in 2023, united by a shared love of traditional Irish song. What began as musicians from different bands getting together to perform traditional standards has evolved into original compositions that seamlessly blends folk, experimental textures and raw, poetic storytelling. Their songs draw equally from the centuries-old Irish traditional canon and the restless energy of today's alternative music, combining harmonium, mandolin, tin whistle, percussion, guitar and electronics with powerful vocals and striking arrangements. The result is a sound that has earned widespread acclaim, with The Guardian describing the band as "an unexpected and beguiling alloy of purity, poison and potency." Much of Madra Salach's reputation has been built on their rousing live performances. The summer of 2025 saw the band debut on the Irish festival circuit, finding fans through word-of-mouth. With every performance drew a bigger audience, captivated by their ability to move effortlessly between intimate, spellbinding moments and exhilarating crescendos.