Omagh musician ‘delighted’ to release first EP

A talented Omagh musician whose growling vocals and poignant lyricism have been lauded by listeners in every corner of the globe will soon be launching his very first solo EP, filled with original songs that play homage to his favourite artists.

Now based in London, Caolan McCarthy is a multi-faceted artist who has made a name for himself in both music and acting. He is a Grammy-nominated musician, composer, arranger, and music coach for theatre and film.

He is also a trained actor who graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2015, appearing in numerous theatre productions from the West End to the National Theatre.

He can most recently be seen as Uncle Sammie in Kenneth Branagh’s Oscar-nominated film, ‘Belfast’.

‘Oregon’, McCarthy’s first single, was released on August 18 to widespread acclaim. Consistently being played on local and national radio stations in the UK and Ireland, the critics have praised the record as a ‘bold and impressive debut’.

‘Paper and Stone’ is Caolan McCarthy’s first solo music project, and showcases his talent as a singer-songwriter and pianist.

The EP features six tracks: ‘Oregon’; ‘Three Men Were Walkin’’; ‘Selma McGlone’; ‘The Day’; ‘Tell Me Why’; and ‘The Show’.

Each song reflects a different aspect of Caolan McCarthy’s musical influences, with songs ranging from stomping pop-rock ballads, like ‘Selma McGlone’, to introspective and melancholic country ballads, like ‘The Day’.

A gigging musician since he was 15-years-old, ‘Paper and Stone’ is the culmination of years of honing his craft and finding his voice as an artist.

Caolan will be launching the album at George IV, Chiswick, London, alongside a lively five-piece band.

“It is such a joy finally to release my own original songs and launch my debut EP at one of my favourite venues in the UK,” Caolan said. “None of the six tracks are alike: Each pays homage to so many of my diverse musical influences.

“This record is the culmination of years of playing other people’s music and finally getting the courage to share my own.

“I am delighted to be joined onstage by the stellar musicians who played on the record, and I am thrilled to have the great Americana singer-songwriter and hometown hero, Karen Turley, playing a set to kick off the night.”

If you happen to be in London on November 1, don’t miss the chance to hear all six original tunes in their world premiere, alongside covers of songs by bands that have greatly influenced Caolan, from Ray Charles and Van Morrison to Springsteen and The Band.

Doors open at George IV at 7pm, with music starting at 7.30 pm.

Tickets are priced at £12 – including booking fee – and can be purchased at www.eventbrite.co.uk by searching ‘Caolan McCarthy Paper and Stone’. Early booking is advised.