John Spillane is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet and dreamer. Rooted
in people, place and story, his music transports the listener and his live performances captivate
audiences around the world.

As an artist his music appeals to listeners across many genres and generations. His vocal style has a
unique almost sean-nós like quality and his performances shimmer with the magic realism that
permeates many of his songs as he effortlessly flits between beautiful poetry tinged with melancholy to
roguish, irreverent humour.

John has the ability to charm, mesmerise and entertain in equal measure. A native of Cork, the County he lovingly describes as “the centre of the universe” and a source of huge creative influence throughout his career. John’s music is inspired by and encapsulates Irish traditional music in its contemporary form – a reflection of Ireland today.

A two-time Meteor Award winner for Best Folk/Trad act John is one of the most accomplished
songwriters in Ireland. With an extensive back catalogue beginning with the 1997 album The Wells of the
World, his songs have been covered by Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, Sean Keane and many others.
Twelve albums later in April 2021, John released his first independent album in 20 years, 100 Snow
White Horses.

In October 2022, John released ‘In Another Light’ a career spanning album recorded live at the Right
Here Right Now Festival recorded at Cork Opera House in November 2021.

Press Quotes
… glorious technicolour hues that transcend linguistic boundaries; world music for a new world. Irish Times

John Spillane, startlingly alive to the breath of nature, is among the last of the great bards. 100 Snow
White Horses is a balm to soothe sore souls… 9/10. Hot Press

John writes catchy, heartfelt folk-pop songs with the bonus of actually meaning something. The Sunday Business Post

John’s songs are the heart and soul of our island and they’ll be sung around the world for as long as
there is song. Damien Dempsey

Well-structured, melodious folk songs that resonate with specific, acutely observed Irish storylines. (100
Snow White Horses, 2021). Tony Clayton Lea, Sunday Business Post

I sing John Spillane songs everywhere I go. John has been my favourite songwriter for the past ten years. Christy Moore

The talented and inspired Cork singer songwriter John Spillane is a much loved musician whom the
people of Cork have taken to their hearts. Mícheál ÓSúilleabháin

John Spillane is a Singer Songwriter from Cork, but he is a fellow who has touched my heart big time with his music. PáidíÓSé

The real bard of Cork. Patrick Galvin

Inspired by the bardic tradition, Spillane penned his 12th album in gratitude to patronage found on the
road…this is perhaps Spillane’s best set of songs since Will We Be brilliant or What? In 2001. (100 Snow
White Horses, 2021). Steve Cummins, Sunday Times

100 Snow White Horses is a rich, molten cauldron of emotional blissed-out balladry blessed with poetic
intimacy and a collection of story-songs that begs immediate listening. A masterclass of eloquent
romanticism delivered by a poet of song. Folk Radio UK

Add to Google Calendar

Add to iCalendar