Groove Tube with Cian O’Connell

Eoin Dolan has long been one of the key figures on Galway’s music scene. A celebrated singer-songwriter and producer, his work often draws comparisons with the Beach Boys for its warm, fuzzy recording style, bright melodies, and highly creative use of harmony.

He has worked as a sound engineer for original showcases like Eclectics and Live Feed, and he was a founding member of Citóg Records, though he has recently founded a new label – Rón Records.

This Friday, Eoin is set to release The Most Important Thing is Peace Within Yourself – his sixth full-length studio album.

It is an LP laced with positive affirmations. Following a difficult period in his personal life, this record celebrates resilience and the comfort of a normal life.

“Like a lot of albums, it kind of just revealed itself over time,” he explains.

“I didn’t have a conscious thing in my head when I was starting off that the series of songs would be like that. I had a few tough things [happen]. I had an auntie and an uncle that passed away and then I had a close friend of mine that died suddenly in a kayaking accident when I was writing and recording.

“That was obviously very tough. [I was] looking at life and making sure that I value being alive. And value all the good things in my life with friends and family and everything – cherishing every day.

“Nobody knows when their time is, and you just have to live for the moment and try and be present… If you’re happy in yourself, you can share that happiness with other people.”

Eoin described the album as an exploration of faith, devotion and spirituality, though that does not present the full story of the piece. It is not a religious album so much as a collection of songs that explores different routes to contentment.

“It was very cathartic I suppose, writing and recording and just being creative,” Eoin explains.

“Finding some kind of positivity because I think that’s the best way of honouring people that pass on – living your life well and valuing the people around you.

Pictured: Eoin Dolan….new album.