Rónán Ó Snodaigh

Rónán Ó Snodaigh

Rónán Ó Snodaigh is an Irish musician and poet from Dublin, known as a founder member and lead vocalist of Kíla. He is also associated with the bodhrán, which he takes as his first musical instrument and a central part of his work. He grows up in an Irish-speaking home, and his playing on the bodhrán becomes closely linked with Dublin’s street and busking scene.

Early work and the bodhrán

Ó Snodaigh is widely regarded as having transformed bodhrán playing. As a street musician in Dublin, he becomes part of a wave of Irish musicians rooted in the city’s busking culture. His playing leads to work beyond Ireland when Dead Can Dance hear him and invite him to tour with them as percussionist for two years. He features on their live concert recording Towards the Within.

Kíla

Alongside his solo work, Ó Snodaigh’s main band, Kíla, develops into an established presence on the world music touring circuit. By 1993, the group releases Tóg é go bog é. Kíla goes on to release nine albums and a concert DVD, Once Upon A Time. Ó Snodaigh remains a key figure in the group as lead singer and founder member.

Solo recordings

Ó Snodaigh also releases several solo albums. Among them is Water off a Duck's Back, issued in 2010. The album consists of songs written by Ó Snodaigh and includes contributions from Liam Ó Maonlaí on keyboards, Steve Cooney on guitar, Martin Brunsden on double bass, Conor Murray on drums and Simon O Reilly on electric guitar.