Orlaith’s a country girl again!

It’s true what they say: You can take a girl out of the country… but you can’t take the ‘country’ out of a girl!

And this is exactly why Plumbridge singing star, Orlaith Furey can’t wait to share her brand new single – a spirited and refreshed version of a quaint Buffy Sainte-Marie number – with her fans, followers, friends and family around the globe.

Titled ‘I’m Gonna Be A Country Girl Again’, the song – released today (Thursday) – is embellished with fiddles and was recorded at ‘Harmony Recording Studios’ in Letterkenny,

Speaking to the Chronicle, Orlaith, who has just turned 27, recalled feeling an ‘instant connection’ with the song, first released by Buffy in the summer of ‘68.

“I came across the song during one of my many nights scrolling through YouTube, and I just know it was perfect for me,” she explained. “It tells a similar story to what I have experienced in my life: I’ve gone to university, and I’ve had different jobs etc. However, I always find myself drawn back to country music.

“Having a connection with any song is important,” Orlaith, who proudly holds a BSc in Music, added. “And I do enjoy songs that tell stories… Perhaps that is the ‘folk’ in my roots coming out!”

And even though Orlaith, who quipped that she was a ‘busy mother by day, struggling musician by night’, says she ‘hasn’t recorded too many songs to-date’, her producer, Brian Kerrigan of Harmony Recording Studios, is adamant that this single is her ‘best one yet’.

“I really did have a brilliant time working with Brian in the studio,” Orlaith said. “We had an enjoyable few sessions.

“He thinks it’s the best yet, so I’ll go with his opinion… We’re all our own worst critics.

“I was also honoured to have such wonderful musicians featuring on the track,” Orlaith continued. “It really does have an impressive line-up, again, facilitated by Brian.

“What stood out for me was the track’s fiddle, played by Mike Cleveland. As a fiddle player myself, I have to say that he can certainly make a fiddle talk!”

Having received fantastic encouragement during lockdown, Orlaith was keen to thank everyone who has supported their local musicians in the high times – and the low.

“I decided to enter into the recording market during a really challenging time, and I was overwhelmed with the response I got when I released my first single, ‘Remember Me,’” she said.

“With such uncertainty among us, it’s nice to still see familiar faces at gigs, or hear that someone has requested my song on a local radio station. Even a like on Facebook means the world.”

She added, “Recognition of the hard work that goes into putting out a single is all a singer really wants.

“I would also like to thank my family: They have been a constant support since I ventured into the country music scene in 2018.

“They’ve come along with me to gigs, and have even asked dancers to give me feedback on song choice and sound each night.

“And every night, before any gig, there’s a message into the family WhatsApp group wishing me luck – and it’s lovely to know I can rely on that support. I’d also like to give a special mention to the people who have followed me since my debut on Glór Tíre,” she detailed. “It has been a pleasure growing as a singer and musician alongside you all.”

And what does the future hold for you, Orlaith?

“This will be my second release to-date, and currently I’m building towards an album, including a self-penned number… So there are exciting times ahead!” she said. “Furthermore, I can’t wait to work with other musicians and great producers in the near future.”

And with that, we’ll conclude with a few fun facts about Orlaith: “I am a Plumbridge girl, through-and-though,” she said. “Generations of our family have lived here – and our house happens to be the oldest in our townland. It is lovely to have that little piece of history in our lives.”

• Orlaith’s new single, ‘I’m Gonna Be a Country Girl Again’ is available to download from all major download platforms from today (Thursday, December 9). Hard copies are also available from Orlaith directly.