Stephen O'Dowd

Born and bred on the west coast of Ireland in the County of Sligo, Stephen has been brought up and encompassed with music. He is among the 4th generation of a musical family known for it’s roots in Irish traditional music, notably his grandparents Joe and Sheila, father Seamie and brother Rory. Learning guitar in childhood to graduating from BIMM Dublin in 2021, Stephen has been immersed in a wide variety of music drawing inspiration namely from listening to Folk artists such as Thom Moore, Planxty, Ye Vagabonds etc. Mythicising stories, encapsulating landscapes and depicting and creating characters his music leads you on a journey with 12/6 string guitar, vocals, harmonica, concertina and Irish traditional flair.

Stephen self-released three singles the latest of which, "Lo Sun", featuring on the air both national and local stations including Radio 1 and Ocean FM. He has performed across the country at festivals such as Sligo Live, Ballyshannon Folk Festival, Doolin Folk Festival, Cairde Arts Festival as well as travelling the length and breadth of Ireland perform at a number of reputable Irish venues. He has supported significant artists such as David Keenan, DUG, Frazey Ford and Seán Keane.

After a successful 2025 including a successful tour with sold out show, this year Stephen is taking steps forward in his solo project having attended Your Roots Are Showing and now embarking on an Irish tour this Spring featuring venues such as the Cobblestone, Dublin, The Richmond Revival, Cork and Monroe's, Galway.