A Wolfmoon rising

The first Full Moon of the year is thought to signify new beginnings, inspire hope in those who wish to have it and give solace to those who need it. It’s a time when old and new meet, when an unwritten future lies ahead. It is called the ‘Wolf Moon’.

Having performed together for 20 years,  Omagh-based duo Niall Donnelly and Matt McGlinn have decided that 2020 was the year to find the “courage and comfort” in their own sound to release their debut album entitled, ‘From The Mountain To The Wave’.

Their new project – under the name ‘Wolfmoon’ – will be officially revealed to the public on Friday, May 1, when the album goes live on all online platforms.

Niall said, “Matt and I have been playing music together and writing songs since our teens, but have never really committed anything to a proper record.

“In September last year we decided to start the process, writing the music as it came to us. It became a cathartic and homely experience for us both, we were under no pressure to create to a deadline or fit into any specific genre but just to write what we felt.

“I really love the songs and how they fit together. Our dream was to create an album that you could press play at the beginning and not skip a song, enjoying the music as it ebbed and flowed. Hopefully we have achieved that.”

Within a few months the duo had written and arranged 12 original songs, inviting talented musician friends such as Eamon McElholm (piano and cello), Colm Campbell (harmonica) and Gareth Lowry (drums) to be part of the recording before sending the record to Pete Maher in London to be mastered.

Matt said, “The timing has been poignant in a way… the current circumstances brought their own set of challenges to the finalising of the album, but we got there and somehow it feels like it has worked out well.

“We think there are messages in our music that will bring comfort to people, which they may need at the minute, so now feels like the perfect time to get it out there.”

“Writing songs is something we’ve always enjoyed and this has been a great avenue to direct that energy.

“We are very happy with the outcome and hope everyone else enjoys it come May 1.”

• Keep an eye on all music download platforms for the release of ‘From The Mountain To The Wave’ on May 1. Their website will be launched on May 1 with details on the band’s facebook page. With the current lockdown, Niall and Matt don’t have any live gigs booked, but keep an eye on the Wolfmoon Facebook page for a live performance.