Galbally songstress talks country, competitions and a new single

Following the release of her newest single, ‘Next To You, Next To Me’, 27-year-old Galbally-based singer, Lauren McCrory, sat down with the Tyrone Herald this week to talk tunes, and reflect on her life in music.

Her newest single, which is due to appear on her forthcoming album, was written by Robert Ellis Orrall and Curtis Wright, and was originally performed by the American country group, Shenandoah, in 1990.

Lauren’s take on the song was recorded in Spout Studios in Granard, County Longford and produced by Jonathan Owens.

In recent years, the Galbally singer has been making a name for herself in the Irish country music scene, having recently support such artists as Mike Denver, Derek Ryan and The Whistlin’ Donkeys.

Speaking with the Tyrone Herald this week, Lauren said that whilst she appreciates all musical genres, country music had a huge impact on her from a young age.

“I was reared with country music,” she said. “Growing up, my mum and dad were heavily involved in the music scene and would DJ at local events.

“I would always go along with them so I was always surrounded by music.

“As a child, I started taking part in talent shows and competitions.

“One thing lead to another and at the age of 13, I entered a competition called ‘Tyrone’s Got Talent’ which I was delighted to win.”

Following her success in Tyrone’s Got Talent, Lauren was offered the opportunity to record a 13-track album by local country music and showband legend, Gene Stuart, at his recording studio.

Promoting her debut album opened many doors for Lauren as a young artist, and provided her with the opportunity to perform at a wide range of country showcases all over the country.

Throughout her teens, she also delved into musical theatre, and has since taken part in many productions in the Bardic Theatre in Donaghmore.

At the age of 18, Lauren won the ‘Sounds Like Country’ competition in Bundoran, and recorded a version of ‘Wrong Night’ by Reba McEntire, as well as a music video for the song.

At the age of 19, she took part of the prestigious TG4 programme, ‘Glór Tíre’, which brought further success for the ambitious singer.

“I was 19 when I applied for Glór Tíre,” she explained. “It was Barry Kirwan who chose me as his contestant, and he ended up being my mentor.

“Throughout the competition, I went on the road with Barry to campaign for the show and following the live final at Easter, I was delighted to have won.

“Things really took off from there.”

Following her Glór Tíre success, Lauren released her next single, ‘The Time Has Come’.

In August 2017, she won ‘Best Female Newcomer’ at the TG4 Irish Country music awards.

“It was a good year all-round for everybody,” she said. “I wont ‘Best Female Newcomer’, Barry Kirwan won ‘Best Male Newcomer’, and Glór Tíre won ‘Best TV Show’, so it was a very wholesome and rewarding experience.”

Following such overwhelming success at a young age, Lauren decided to then take a short break from music and started working with the Beam Creative Network in Donaghmore, but when Covid-19 hit, she decided to go a different route and went back to university to study Social Work.

Since graduating, she is now working with the Children’s Disability Team in the Southern Trust.

In October 2022, she released her comeback single, ‘Whole Lotta Little’, and made her return to the stage at the Fintona Jamboree that same year.

“It was a great gig to get for coming back onto the scene,” she said.

“Throughout 2023, I played a range of support slots with the likes of Mike Denver, Derek Ryan and Johnny Brady, and played a lot of summer festivals.

“I also released two more singles ‘You Can Have Him Jolene’ and ‘Like A Rose’.”

Following her comeback to music, Lauren has since spend a month travelling around Australia ahead of the release of her latest single.

‘Next To You, Next To Me’ is available now on all major streaming platforms with a music video on YouTube.

To keep up-to-date with Lauren’s musical journey, you can also follow her on social media by searching ‘Lauren McCrory’.