About Michael Banahan
Over the last thirty-plus-years, Michael is possibly best known as a manager and promoter and in doing so bringing some amazing music to the live scene of the North Midlands and on the opposite fence being the facilitator for attracting attention to the music of this Irish region also. Over the years Michael has worked with many greats, including Eleanor Shanley, Sharon Shannon, Charlie McGettigan, Mick Hanley, Paul Brady, Christy Moore, Sean Keane, Luka Bloom, Ultan Conlon and Ralph McTell, amongst many, many others.
Meet the Manager and Promoter
The album; Broken Heart, has been in Michael’s mind over the last couple of years and in 2024 the songs came and the production soon followed. Michael says; “The process was healing in many ways and as always it was such a gentle and positive process to work with Bill on the album’s production.”
We reference this record as being the debut album of original music for Michael; as this Roscommon based multi-instrumentalist with experience on both sides of the stage, has released other work; including Live in the Piesting Valley (Austria), The Baileys, (Irish Ballads); and indeed gigged across Europe and North America both as a solo artist and with Rig the Jig, a traditional / folk collective with whom Michael recorded five albums;
Yet, proud does not reach far enough when it comes to describing Michael’s sense of pride with this new album of original material; Broken Heart
His Upcoming Album: Broken Heart
Meet the Musician
What some may not know is that Michael is a particularly accomplished musician, and lyricist also. For Michael, part of his 2025 mission and aspirations is about commencing new chapters, having new experiences. Therefore, this year Michael will release his debut album of original music. Broken Heart, written entirely by himself and co-produced with Bill Shanley, one of the greats from the production end of our sector guiding the recording process path seamlessly and with a confidence and reassurance that can be the envy of many; it was clear Michael and almost more importantly Broken Heart, was in safe hands.
The Tango, In Michael’s own words, "The Tango, was written against the backdrop of my own life experience; that of the one-sided love and what this feels like and indeed the acceptance that it is not possible for one person to tango on their own. It can be difficult talking about this song as indeed is the case for many songs on the album. I guess there is a lesson too; the rawness or vulnerability witnessed can be experienced as a result of many of life's challenges; not just love! And in an ironic twist, as heart breaking as this track might appear, there is a lovely irony in that it also gives me (and it seems others!) a sense of hope; there is good therapy in both writing and listening. An acceptance by us all for what is, also allows us to heal, and this allows us to hope and hold a full ambition for the future, a collectively good, full-filling future, which is what all of us deserve"
Michael continues; “I have shared this music with a few close friends and contacts. Some, who I know so well, they don’t feel the need to reply to work I share; yet on The Tango, the response has been both speedy and enthusiastic. Two people in particular have told me how this record puts words to how they are feeling, or have felt and listening to my words has helped, greatly”. “This is not what I set out to do, yet I find this feedback hugely empowering. If, telling my stories from different perspectives of my life in recent years can help other men start to speak about theirs; and to their emotions felt as a result, this is a wonderful bonus and overwhelming to hear.” None of us are on our own, even with a broken heart, whatever the cause or anguish.”
We are thrilled to introduce you to this record and to its lead single, track; The Tango. For many the clue might be in its title; Broken Heart is indeed an album of heartbreak, yet it is one which also offers hope.
Listen to The Tango
