Much of America’s traditional music landscape is deeply rooted in Celtic heritage. When settlers from Britain and Ireland arrived in the United States during the 1700s and 1800s, they brought their cherished folk tunes with them. Over time, these melodies were handed down and transformed, eventually becoming part of the musical identity of the Appalachian region. For instance, the Irish ballad “The Wexford Girl” evolved into the American version known as “The Knoxville Girl,” reflecting the artists’ adaptation to their new cultural environment.
However, Celtic music is far from a relic of the past. A wave of younger performers—many of them hailing from the U.S.—is breathing new life into this genre. These musicians are not only preserving time-honored songs but also crafting original pieces to revitalize and expand the Celtic sound. This month, we turn the spotlight on two exciting album releases from young American Celtic groups and a Patreon initiative led by a seasoned artist dedicated to amplifying these fresh voices.
The Carroll Sisters Trio – Second Album in the Works
Originally formed as a duo, sisters Emilie and Nora Carroll transformed their shared passion for Celtic fiddle into their debut record, Daybreak, which debuted in 2021. The ensemble evolved into a trio in 2020 when cellist and friend Sammy Wetstein joined the sisters for a series of livestream concerts during the pandemic. Now in their late teens and early twenties, the trio has already achieved significant recognition, performing at major events like The Boston Celtic Music Festival and Sober St. Patrick’s Day in New York City. They were also named among the Top 10 Celtic Bands of 2022 by the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. Currently, they are in the process of recording their second studio album and have launched a Kickstarter campaign with a $6,000 goal. Preorder options include digital and CD versions. Supporters can also claim unique rewards such as a signed copy of Daybreak, online music lessons in fiddle, cello, or piano, a private livestream performance, or a custom song composed by the trio.
Scottish Fish – Fourth Album on the Horizon
Hailing from Boston, Scottish Fish is a five-member ensemble comprising four fiddlers and one cellist. Though still in their early twenties, the band boasts more than ten years of shared musical experience and three full-length albums. Their sound merges traditional Scottish and Cape Breton influences, offering both classic and innovative compositions. They’ve toured widely across the U.S. and Europe, appearing at notable festivals like the Boston Celtic Music Festival, Bellingham Celtic Festival, and Spain’s Ortigueira’s Festival of Celtic World. Currently, they are back in the studio with producer Neil Perlman, who worked on their previous album, to create their fourth release. Their Kickstarter campaign initially aimed for $18,000 and has already surpassed that target, unlocking stretch goals. Backers can expect digital, CD, and vinyl editions of the album. Additional perks include an artist’s journal detailing the inspiration and recording process, the chance to lend vocals to a track, a personalized cover song, or an original composition crafted by the band.
Marc Gunn’s Patreon for Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
Unlike the emerging talents highlighted above, Marc Gunn is a veteran of the Celtic music scene. Performing solo and as part of The Brobdingnagian Bards, he has independently produced Celtic music since 1999. Gunn was also one of the early adopters of podcasting, launching the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast in 2005. Over the years, he has become a staunch advocate for independent Celtic musicians, often focusing on those without major label backing. To support the continued growth of his podcast and help promote grassroots Celtic music, Gunn operates a Patreon page offering three monthly membership levels: $4, $15, and $25. Each tier comes with increasing benefits, such as ad-free episodes, the ability to vote in the annual Celtic Top 20, access to a private Discord community, and exclusive digital compilations of music featured on the podcast.