Tallaght Producer Dan Ryan Releases EDM-Folk Single “Lagan Love”, Inspired by Lemoncello
Mystery, innovation and exceptional artistry: Tallaght producer and artist Dan Ryan meticulously intertwines EDM with Irish Folk to carve a soaring new release that bridges old and new.
“Lagan Love” is a traditional Irish air first collected in the early 1900s, later translated to English by Irish poet and lyricist Joseph Cambpell. Notably performed by Dusty Springfield, Kate Bush, Sinéad Ó’Connor, Anúna, Lisa Hannigan and Hozier, Dan Ryan gifts the song a new lease of life, in what is arguably one of the most original renditions of the century-old tune.
Inspired by the acclaimed Claddagh Records-signed folk duo Lemoncello (Laura Quirke and Claire Kinsella), Ryan’s version was influenced by the group’s own earthy rendition, which was included on their debut self-titled album.
Ryan’s “Lagan Love” begins with a compelling solo vocal passage, narrating the first two verses of the tune before the song takes full flight - its drums swelling with energy, teasing highs and lows and weaving between folk, traditional, classical, EDM and acoustic pop styles.
On the unique combination of styles, Ryan explains, “I'm a big fan of all types of music. I love Irish traditional music and classical music and I’ve always felt that strings can really give a track great emotion. Being able to blend both of those elements with a thick breakbeat created something that I think feels unique and uplifting”
Channeling his background in dance music, he continues, “Drums always play a major role in anything I make. This track leans away from my usual electronic sound and moves more into an analog vibe, with guitar and strings. It’s also the first time I’ve had a live musician play on one of my tracks — in this case, a string player which really elevates the that element of the track”
Ryan captures the haunting beauty of Irish folk, the powerful yearning quality of the song’s lyrics, and the essence of his electronic-based style, transforming the track into a rousing, tangible sensation that transcends the ear.
