QRTR presents Róis [live]

Fermanagh artist RÓIS (Irish for Rose, pronounced RAW-sh) is set to release a concept keening EP ‘MO LÉAN’, celebrating Ireland's ancient traditions around death on 4th October.

Self-released, written and produced by RÓIS with additional production from John Spud Murphy (OXN/Lankum), 'MO LÉAN' is a concept EP, taking the listener through the grieving process from start to finish, from the chaos that loss brings, to the intense emotional outpourings and finally, a cathartic release.

‘MO LÉAN' features several new original recordings and reworks of songs and hymns based around the concept of death, life, mourning and catharsis. RÓIS re-imagines the tradition of 'keening' in Ireland that goes back to pre-christian times, a practice in which women would 'keen' a lamenting wail at the side of a coffin during a wake. After discovering the last two recordings of keening songs, RÓIS was inspired by their ethereal melodies to give them a modern reworking yet honouring the original women by sampling them in her adaption. 'Keeners' through their voices, movements and laments, conveyed the communal expression of grief and allowed those suffering a way to release their sorrow and loss. RÓIS aspires to do the same with the album and her live tour, by expressing the power of the voice to transcend death and help us relinquish our fear of it.

The Irish Wake Tour reimagines the wake in contemporary times. The period between death and burial, this cultural tradition is a core part of Irish life, bringing the community together to deal with the grief of loss. Yet, it is declining and many wake traditions are almost lost.

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