Ways of Seeing

Kerry musician James O'Donnell creates under the moniker Ways of Seeing, developing songs from the idea that music can reveal parts of the self that might otherwise never have surfaced.

Influenced by Irish rock bands of the past such as Microdisney, Whipping Boy and Rollerskate Skinny, the project’s alt-rock sound blends elements of shoegaze and post-punk to create a brooding, intellectual edge.

Ways of Seeing released the debut album End Comes To Light in October 2022 to critical praise and growing attention. Singles from the album received national radio airplay on shows such as The Alternative with Dan Hegarty on RTÉ 2fm and Tom Dunne’s show on Newstalk.

A sellout performance at Whelan's in 2024 built on a headline show at Mike The Pies and support slots with The Frank and Walters. This momentum continued in 2025 with an Irish tour that included renowned venues such as The Loft, Cleere's and Coughlan's, where the show sold out.

On October 10th, 2025, Ways of Seeing released the sophomore album The Inheritance of Fear, produced by Christian Best (Susan O'Neill, Mick Flannery, O Emperor), with additional production and mixing by Daniel Fox of Gilla Band (Sprints, Lambrini Girls, Silverbacks) and mastering by Jamie Hyland (Mhaol).

Coverage of the album included Hot Press, Clash Magazine, Dork, RTÉ, Nialler9 and the Cork Echo among many other publications, playlists and radio stations. Ways of Seeing will perform at venues including Dali, The Róisín Dubh, Whelan's and The Greyhound Bar in 2026 as the project continues to reach wider audiences.