Michael Banahan
MICHAEL BANAHAN
With thirty plus years working in the music sector helping the
careers for other artists, together with releasing collaborative work;
Michael has now released his own album of original work, and it is
being received with compliments from both industry and peers.
MICHAEL BANAHAN is an Irish singer, songwriter and musician whose work reflects a lifetime immersed in music; shaped by his life’s experiences and Michael’s ambition to explore his own creative story. A very respected figure within Irish traditional and folk circles, Michael’s emergence as a songwriter has been marked by a depth and assurance rarely found in debut releases, earning him critical recognition across Irish and UK folk media.
What music media are saying:
"Polished and beautifully performed, Broken Heart is resonant with that curiously comforting, ...a warm sound that will put its arm round your shoulder when the cold wind’s too sharp".
R&R Magazine UK - Oz Hardwick, 4/5****
"Broken Heart is a gentle album, mostly of reminiscences turned into songs – some wistful, some joyful but always listenable". Folking . Com UK - Dai Jeffries
"Soul-baring melodic voice is bolstered by mighty musical and production support from the revered Bill Shanley. Together, they’ve created a work of conviction that doesn’t shirk the dark side.
Hot Press - Jackie Hayden 8/10*******
"Vocal style has echoes of some of our great Irish male singers, and he colours his delivery with some tasteful harmonica work. It's hardly a surprise that this album has been feted by such luminaries as Charlie McGettigan, Mick Hanly, Mike Hanrahan and Eleanor Shanley".
Irish Music Magazine - Mark Lysaght
Michael’s musical roots lie firmly in Irish tradition, where the song is valued, and not limited as a performance piece solely, but living the tradition of story recording and storytelling; one of the purest and most organic facilitators of filing and carrying history, emotion and place. From an early stage, Michael developed a strong affinity for narrative-driven music, absorbing the rhythms and phrasing of traditional song that would later inform his own writing. Michael’s early performance career leaned into live performance; both as a solo singer and within group settings; most notably as a founding member of Rig The Jig, a band which became well-known for its energetic and authentic approach to Irish
traditional music. Yet, alongside this public musical life, another body of work was quietly taking shape. Away from the expectations that accompany traditional performance, Michael began writing songs of his own. Songs rooted not in folklore, but in personal observation and lived experience. These early compositions explored themes of love, loss, memory, humour and resilience, often reflecting the emotional complexity of adult life rather than the certainties of youth. Importantly, these songs were not rushed toward release. Instead, they were allowed to develop slowly, refined over years rather than months. This initial body of work became, “Broken Heart”.
What Michael’s peers are saying:
“Congratulations on your new album, Michael. “Broken Heart” is a wonderful collection of soul-baring songs sung with honesty and deep feeling by you and beautifully produced by Bill Shanley.” -
Eleanor Shanley
"This is a beautiful collection of songs from Mike, the songwriter who weaves through the lived experience of love, loss, uncertainty and yearning, anchored always by an undercurrent of hope. With sublime production from Bill Shanley this is a gorgeous album that lingers long after the final note." -
Mike Hanrahan Dublin 2025
“Eleven songs from a Broken heart, bravely addressed and tenderly told." - Mick Hanly
"It's rare and refreshing to hear original and timeless songs recorded to a high quality in this day and age. Michael has managed both on his debut album." - Ultan Conlon
"Outstanding tracks for me are, Winter in the city and & The Busker has lovely pictures in it; also Finding My Own Way back." Great songs. - Charlie McGettigan
“Down to earth & honest to god songs and performances” – Frankie Gavin
When Michael committed to recording his first full album of original material, the decision was approached with care and clarity. Rather than attempting reinvention, Michael sought to present the songs as they were; understated, honest and grounded. The resulting album, “Broken Heart”, was produced by Bill Shanley, whose sensitive and uncluttered production style proved a natural fit. Also being a musician of note; Bill, has also joined Michael for some live performances since the album’s release, just months ago. Released independently in October 2025, and distributed through Copperplate, “Broken Heart” was met with a strong, measured and positive response. The album reached No.1 on the R&R Magazine; Copperplate Distribution Chart, received a 4****
review from R&R; Magazine, accompanied by a full-length feature tracing Michael’s musical journey. In addition, Hot Press rated the album 8/10, and Folking . com praised its timeless quality and maturity of song writing, while also being applauded in the April 2026 issue of Irish Music Magazine. Across the reviews and comments since its release, “Broken Heart” has been framed not as a tentative debut, but
rather as a fully realised artistic statement; the work of an artist who had taken the long road, and whose songs carried the weight of experience rather than urgency. Critics noted the album’s balance of intimacy and restraint, and the way its songs invite the listener in without demanding attention.
Michael’s song writing is marked by clarity. Some have also offered, Michael’s lyrics favour observation over confession, allowing space for the listener to inhabit the songs themselves. Musically, his traditional background is evident not through imitation, but through an instinctive understanding of pacing and narrative arc. His voice, often described as warm and expressive, carries the songs with quiet authority.
Today, Michael Banahan occupies a distinctive place within the contemporary folk landscape. Neither
emerging or nostalgic, his work reflects a musician who has allowed his creative life to unfold at its own
pace. With decades of experience behind him and a renewed focus on song writing, Michael continues to write and perform with honesty, restraint and a deep respect for the power of the song. To say Michael is proud is an understatement; this album of original work represents a deeply meaningful milestone in his musical journey. With a number of live shows having taken place in November and December around the record’s release; Michael looks forward to bringing this album, its songs and their stories to folk stages across Ireland and elsewhere during 2026.
