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SJ McArdle

@sjmcardle.bsky.social

Irish songwriter, musician, curator and very occasional actor • Ex-Kern • Dad to 3 girls, one with #T21 • One third of Long Woman's Grave. Info: linktr.ee/sjmcardle

created November 13, 2024

205 followers 147 following 70 posts

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Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Superb night! Hope you enjoyed Dublin Bertis.

30/8/2025, 2:47:04 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Uncle Don. Love it.

30/8/2025, 2:44:02 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

"Countervail"! 🔥

30/8/2025, 5:07:58 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Tá fáilte romhat! Can't wait for the new album.

29/8/2025, 6:41:16 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Gorgeous Ron! Beir bua as we say in Ireland!

29/8/2025, 6:35:04 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Really looking forward to this year's Drogheda Songwriting Festival! I'll be presenting a workshop on good work practise, resilience and recognising your worth as a songwriter. Build your confidence up! Absolutely brill lineup again this year. Tickets here: www.droichead.com/show-detail/...

28/8/2025, 1:59:41 PM | 5 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

@liliansmith.bsky.social Don't think I've ever heard @katebushmusic.bsky.social's Sunset on radio! Superb Sunday wake up.

10/8/2025, 6:51:04 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

I was there!!

22/7/2025, 2:19:10 PM | 2 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Well at least you got @grantleephillips.bsky.social

16/7/2025, 6:02:33 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Well, yes, it's very scary. Just such a brilliant movie though. Toni C is outrageously good. I'd watch her in anything.

16/7/2025, 6:01:56 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Yes, it's brilliant! Did you watch Hereditary?

15/7/2025, 11:51:14 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Thank you @markradcliffe.bsky.social for spinning "Hesperus" on the always brilliant Folk Show on BBC Radio 2! Running it into Anais Mitchell's "Venus" was a very clever segue! www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... @bringyourownhammer.bsky.social

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11/7/2025, 6:06:51 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Delighted to be the special guest at this month's online iteration of the legendary Clé Club! fb.me/e/3xOGQNSty

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2/7/2025, 4:15:15 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Delighted to kick off proceedings this Saturday for the gorgeous Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre's Gig In The Garden and to support such a wonderful cause. Onstage at 1pm.

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25/6/2025, 5:38:20 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

How lovely to hear "Hesperus" on Radcliffe & Maconie on @bbcsounds.bsky.social Music this morning! Savage playlist as always. Thanks gents! www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

21/6/2025, 1:14:31 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

How lucky am I? Happy Fathers Day everyone. And thank you @andreamcardle.bsky.social for giving me the best job in the world. ❤️❤️❤️

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15/6/2025, 6:29:43 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

A night of real magic and a huge privilege to perform the songs from PORT in the unique and beautiful setting of Drogheda Port itself, under the Viaduct Full of gratitude to these amazing musicians, to the gorgeous audience who shared it with us and to Collette and all at @droicheadarts.bsky.social

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9/6/2025, 10:52:44 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Thanks so much!

15/5/2025, 5:37:39 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture Alice Peters-Burns (@aliceonthewaves.bsky.social) reposted reply parent

Davey MacManus self-released @beastpruk.bsky.social | Brian Bilston & The Catenary Wires via @skepwax.bsky.social | @deathandvanilla.bsky.social | Màiri Morrison & Alasdair Roberts | @sjmcardle.bsky.social via @bringyourownhammer.bsky.social @dimplediscs.bsky.social @dannydeathdisco.bsky.social |

15/5/2025, 5:30:15 PM | 6 3 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Lovely piece on LMFM this morning about this Saturday's songwriting workshop. Not too many spots left! Link for booking in bio. shows.acast.com/be69d1a2-be1...

12/5/2025, 8:28:10 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Lovely review of "Hesperus" from Real Gone. Cheers all! "As good as the music is, it’s McArdle’s voice that really shines, with an almost chocolatey warmth, selling a lyric regarding true love under the moonlight without it sounding like a tired cliché." www.realgonerocks.com/2025/05/the-...

9/5/2025, 10:39:35 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Cheers to maximumvolumemusic.com for this nice piece on Hesperus! maximumvolumemusic.com/artist-of-th... @bringyourownhammer.bsky.social

4/5/2025, 6:20:50 AM | 2 1 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

What a start to Night Moves at @droicheadarts.bsky.social last night! @oisinleech.bsky.social and Dotts O' Connor in sublime form. And such brilliant support from our wonderful audience. How lucky am I to get to curate on these things?? Huge gratitude to @collettefarrell__ Photos Michelle Hall

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3/5/2025, 8:57:49 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

It's #BandcampFriday - a perfect day to pick up the new single, Hesperus. Also feel free to browse around! My store Bandcamp link in bio. x bringyourownhammerpresents.bandcamp.com/track/hesperus

2/5/2025, 2:53:09 PM | 2 2 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

I am honoured to facilitate this workshop for Drogheda Songwriting Festival on May 17th. Come talk to me about the only thing I’m any good at and I’ll see if I can help you be good at it too. Turns out it’s not that hard : ) Only 20 spots! www.droichead.com/show-detail/...

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30/4/2025, 7:31:53 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

GRMMA @muireannnic.bsky.social for including Hesperus among a typically stunning bunch of songs on @rteradio1.bsky.social Folk On One! Listen back: www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...

28/4/2025, 5:52:34 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Thank you so much @eveblair.bsky.social for the play on the superb Late Show on BBC Radio Ulster and for the kind words about Hesperus! @bringyourownhammer.bsky.social

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27/4/2025, 1:50:13 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture Bring Your Own Hammer (@bringyourownhammer.bsky.social) reposted

Fantastic to hear 'Hesperus' by @sjmcardle.bsky.social on @rteradio1.bsky.social show - Folk on One with @muireannnic.bsky.social last night. The whole show is great and worth a listen. www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...

27/4/2025, 7:10:21 AM | 2 2 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Very cool for the new single HESPERUS to hit @hotpress.com's Irish songs of the week list! Listen here: orcd.co/byohhesperus

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25/4/2025, 6:35:56 PM | 3 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

It's here! New single - HESPERUS Presented by @bringyourownhammer.bsky.social in partnership with Dimple Discs/the Irish Women’s Writing (1880-1920) Network as part of their Music and History series ‘Hesperus’ is inspired by the Irish poet Ella Young (1867–1956) www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4_8...

25/4/2025, 6:02:12 AM | 1 1 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

PORT is back for one night only, right on Drogheda Port at the foot of the Viaduct. "An impressive song-cycle, rooted in folk but coloured by expansive and imaginative arrangements" (The Irish Times) Band includes Carol Keogh (Plague Monkeys), Graham Henderson (Fairground Attraction). Tix in bio!

24/4/2025, 3:58:37 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

New single - PRESAVE links orcd.co/byohhesperus Very excited to be launching NEW music this Friday (April 25th) with Bring Your Own Hammer, Dimple Discs and the Irish Women’s Writing (1880-1920) Network. More info soon ...

23/4/2025, 8:39:53 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

This Friday!

22/4/2025, 10:23:11 PM | 2 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

@adriantaaffe.bsky.social Good job we got our Manchester tix!

20/4/2025, 5:03:14 PM | 2 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

NEW MUSIC ALERT! New single - HESPERUS - out April 25th on Dimple Discs Presented by Bring Your Own Hammer in partnership with the Irish Women’s Writing (1880-1920) Network. Part of BYOH's Music & History series and inspired by the work of Irish poet Ella Young. More info soon. Watch this space!

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18/4/2025, 7:33:25 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

It's so great Jess!

9/4/2025, 10:42:11 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

So a friend put me on to Frank Skinner's Poetry Podcast: imagine my delight to see an episode about @jesstraynor.bsky.social, who I got to collaborate with on the Lighthouse Project (link in bio). Jess was amazing to work with, and FS does her real justice here. podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/f...

9/4/2025, 5:36:22 AM | 8 3 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

😱

5/4/2025, 5:14:18 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Happy Mother's Day to my best friend and the love of my life, the incomparable @andreamcardle.bsky.social!

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30/3/2025, 7:10:29 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Poor little fella. My friend @greagmacatsaoir.bsky.social has done a series of the most beautiful, compassionate paintings of departed wildlife. Have to be seen to be believed.

12/3/2025, 5:05:58 PM | 2 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Lovely haul as usual from the brilliant Bigmoon Records here in Drogheda - first three @rodneycrowell.bsky.social albums in immaculate condition! Off to make coffee and get stuck into this lot. Had the honour of having Rodney sing some harmonies on my Blood and Bones album in Nashville. A gent!

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8/3/2025, 10:51:14 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

COVID hair throwback. Bloody hell lads.

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7/3/2025, 6:22:51 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Thank you so much to everyone who came to our show at the Crescent Concert Hall on Friday and to Jake and all the crew for looking after us so well. We had an absolute ball! (Pics by Jake McGuinness and Dominic Mulvaney)

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11/2/2025, 8:45:36 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Great show!

9/2/2025, 7:28:07 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Mr Graham Henderson (Fairground Attraction, Moving Hearts, etc etc etc) and I are hard at it, polishing up a lovely collection of songs for you all! Crescent Concert Hall, Drogheda, this Saturday Feb 8th: www.universe.com/events/sj-mc...

5/2/2025, 4:47:19 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Just over a week to go to my hometown return at the gorgeous Purple Room at the Crescent Concert Hall! This was such a lovely gig last year. Graham Henderson will join on accordion and whatever else he feels like. This was such a lovely gig last year. Can't wait! www.universe.com/events/sj-mc...

31/1/2025, 7:13:50 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

More coffee I suppose. Hope you're safe out there everyone. x

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24/1/2025, 11:31:07 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Safe travels!

18/1/2025, 2:37:14 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Brilliant job Fiachna!

17/1/2025, 8:15:09 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

😂

17/1/2025, 3:12:29 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Hometown show alert! February 8th sees me back at the gorgeous Purple Room at Crescent Concert Hall with ol pal Graham Henderson (Fairground Attraction) for a lovely duo night of songs and stories. Tickets at link in bio. S x

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17/1/2025, 1:53:57 PM | 2 1 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Picking my way home from rehearsals for our February Crescent Concert Hall show with my great friend Graham Henderson, slowly through the freezing fog. Something is right with the world when @fiachnaobraonain.bsky.social is back on @rteradio1.bsky.social Transported safely home on the music.

9/1/2025, 9:58:45 PM | 2 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

A red Cadillac and a black moustache/Rings on my fingers that sparkle and flash

7/1/2025, 5:56:10 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Traditional Nollaig na mBan birthday post in honour of my amazing partner, best friend and wife, @andreamcardle.bsky.social!

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6/1/2025, 10:09:19 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

So sorry for your loss Col. ❤️

4/1/2025, 8:17:09 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Janey ye scrub up lovely! Happy new year you two. x

31/12/2024, 4:14:22 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Happy new year everyone! This time last year we had a super hometown show at the Purple Room (at the Crescent Concert Hall, Drogheda) and I’m delighted to say we’re coming back on February 8th for a a lovely evening of songs and stories. Graham Henderson will accompany on accordion etc Link in bio

31/12/2024, 4:13:34 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

That haircut's amazing. He looks like he means serious business, no fucking around. Work to do.

21/12/2024, 2:23:42 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Tonight's office! All set for this gorgeous carols gig in Drogheda's gorgeous Church of St Augustine with the choir and orchestra of Our Lady's College Greenhills with special guests Dónal Lunny and Andy Irvine.

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18/12/2024, 7:07:48 PM | 2 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Looking forward to contributing to this lovely event tonight with some guitar and some singing. A wonderful school, and Dónal Lunny and Andy Irvine along for the spin!

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18/12/2024, 11:59:59 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Gig announcement! Can't wait to get back to the Purple Room at the Crescent Concert Hall in February. Love an aul hometown show. The great Graham Henderson (Fairground Attraction) will join on accordion, keys, mandolin, whatever. See what he feels like! Tix: www.universe.com/events/sj-mc...

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17/12/2024, 8:35:05 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

What a beaut Mike. 💔

16/12/2024, 6:28:24 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Legend!

7/12/2024, 12:30:25 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

One somehow assumes these people will always be here. Legend.

7/12/2024, 8:12:38 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

All part of the journey! ❤️

6/12/2024, 6:37:11 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Got royally suckered into this whole thing at the time as a very much "up and coming" act with no sense. Massive "talent competition", basically lots of less established acts playing for free, no money to pay my band, no one listening, big ol' swindle. Got a great kick out of your song at the time!

6/12/2024, 5:34:45 PM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

Thanks so much!

6/12/2024, 2:56:13 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social) reply parent

sjmcardle.bandcamp.com

6/12/2024, 6:44:09 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

It's #BandCampFriday, when all revenue from sales goes directly to artists! Bandcamp is full of great independent music: I guarantee you'll find something to whet your appetite. And there's my stuff of course! All the albums, plus some singles to download which haven't made it to an album as yet.

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6/12/2024, 6:41:58 AM | 3 3 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Thanks for listening everyone! #SpotifyWrapped

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5/12/2024, 5:53:01 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Imagine being a guest on your favourite podcast!! Episode 70 of The Kate Bush Fan Podcast is now live, and it's a deep dive into the influence of Irish music on Kate's career. The episode is brilliantly put together, and it's a huge honour to have been involved. Listen here or wherever you do x

16/11/2024, 11:46:18 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture SJ McArdle (@sjmcardle.bsky.social)

Thanks so much to everyone who came to see All My Dream Companions Gone at Droichead Arts Centre on Sunday! This whole thing was a leap of faith, not just by me, but by Lisa, Trevor, Graham and of course Collette and all at Droichead. Watch this space! More info: sjmcardle.com/2024/10/20/a...

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15/11/2024, 6:36:31 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view