About

RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards multi-nominee Noriana Kennedy is a founding member of critically acclaimed trio The Whileaways. She has recorded four albums with the group whose engaging lyrics and melodies have seen them garner legions of fans both in Ireland and abroad. Alongside revered Galway singers Noelie McDonnell and Nicola Joyce, Noriana’s trio is known for its beguiling tapestry of harmonies and beautifully crafted original songs.

Former lead singer with phenomenal Irish traditional band Solas, Noriana possesses an engaging and unique songbook that crosses oceans from Waterford to America, Scotland and a thousand heart-worn places in between. With a voice that The Irish Times described as "a knockout: translucent and tenacious in equal measure", she has earned a prominent place in Ireland's rich roots and folk music scene.

Noriana performs compelling and stunning versions of old-time songs, folk ballads and original compositions, creating a sound that is truly her own. Her debut album Ebb n Flow was noted for its “exquisite phrasing” (The Irish Times) and since then she has honed her considerable artistic skills with The Whileaways, prompting Irish Music Magazine to describe their music as “profound and insightful, tightly woven, experimental, fresh and energetic”.

Press Quotes

 "Kennedy’s vocals lure an American old timey mood from the band, full of layered textures that promise to lodge deep within an audience’s subconscious for later savouring." The Irish Times 

"highly engaging with her audience.... without doubt one of the highlights of the entire night" Aidan Butler, Producer of Big Music Week Country Time Radio, RTE 1

"a knockout and one of the best acts at the festival" - Sandy Brady, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Australia

"...an exceptional young artist with a rare ability..." - Martin Buzacock, ABC Australia

"really a terrific CD, reflective of the new reality that is young Irish roots music today..." Brian O'Donovan, WGHB Radio, Boston