Ballybofey musician to release new album in one month
Ballybofey’s renowned alt-rock musician StrawMan is preparing to make a comeback to the music scene with the release of his fourth studio album next month. The album, titled ‘Victory Has A Hundred Fathers,’ is scheduled to debut on Saturday, March 28, at the historic Lifford Old Courthouse.
This 11-track album is a powerful and emotionally charged addition to StrawMan’s musical repertoire, touching on topics such as defiance, loss, animal rights, the prevalence of gun violence in America, the unbreakable bond within the music community, and the importance of seizing life’s fleeting moments. The album presents a unique blend of raw, energetic rock elements and moments of quiet contemplation, inviting listeners to both engage with the music and reflect on the realities of the contemporary world.
The production of ‘Victory Has A Hundred Fathers’ extended over a year and was a collaborative effort with producers Terry McGinty and Kevin Halpin, whose creative influence is evident in the album’s rich and refined sound. StrawMan expressed his confidence in the final product, emphasizing the importance of creating music that is distinct from his previous releases.
“I shy away from using words like ‘better’ or ‘the best,'” StrawMan stated. “Our goal with this record was simply to create something new and different. With globally-themed, outward-looking tracks and Kevin’s contributions, I believe we’ve achieved that, and I am incredibly proud of the outcome.”
The production of the album faced a brief pause last summer as StrawMan dealt with the devastating loss of his father, a period that profoundly impacted the emotional landscape of the music. Reflecting on this experience, he shared, “It was something I avoided confronting for a long time, and when I finally had to accept it, the impact was profound.” This personal journey found poignant expression in the track ’83, 25,’ a poignant tribute to his father and a standout moment on the album.
For the upcoming launch event, scheduled for 2026, StrawMan will be joined by a talented and experienced band, including Kevin Halpin on lead guitar and keys, Sean Brogan on drums and percussion, and Rory Halpin on bass and vocals. The addition of Rory Halpin promises to enhance the depth and richness of the performance lineup for the night.
Promising an expansive and dynamic live set, drawing from his extensive discography, StrawMan’s upcoming performance is anticipated to feature fan-favorite tracks such as ‘Cycle the Volcano,’ ‘Wither,’ ‘Krakatoa,’ and ‘My Capital,’ along with new singles ‘Capo Happy’ and ‘The Final Arrow in Your Quiver.’ The setlist will offer a mix of high-energy rock anthems and intimate, reflective moments, creating a captivating musical experience for the audience.
With limited tickets still available, fans are encouraged to secure early bookings for what guarantees to be an unforgettable night of original music at one of Donegal’s most atmospheric venues.