Some sheer unabashed emotional manipulation coming your way this week ;-p Yep - if you’re tired of your apartment’s four walls, let alone your roommate (or child’s) disinclination to shower - then I have a treat for you!
This week we’re leaving all that behind and heading off to Ireland - and not just any old part of Ireland - no - we’re off to the west coast! Think the River Shannon, think Galway Bay - imagine standing up on the Cliffs of Moher and looking out over the Atlantic ocean as you breathe in the view.
I’ve spent the last few hours here - made possible by the magic of Essay list favorite - Fiona Joy Hawkins. Piano driven with subtle Bodhran and what could be a uilleann pipe but is probably a flute - Fiona manages to create a perfect authentic soundscape. There’s a gentle positivity to the track and I really appreciate that right now.
If you like this track and are in the mood for more uplifting pieces, check back in a few weeks. Fiona has a new album coming out and she’s in the process of pulling together a playlist that will act as a great introduction as well as putting you in good spirits.
Update: You can check out the marvelous Music to Smile To playlist here - it’s awesome.
I can’t wait. In the meantime - I’m heading back - Johnny Burke’s pub at Spanish Point is calling my name!
You can learn more about Fiona Joy (Hawkins) here:
About the Curator: Andrew McCluskey
The first visual memory I have is that of the white upright piano in Singapore, Hell and the Dark Forces lived at the bottom, Heaven and the Angels at the top, they would play battles through my fingers and I was hooked.
As a psychology graduate I studied how sound affects human performance.
As a musician I compose instrumental music that stimulates your brain but doesn't mess with your language centers, leaving you free to be creative and brilliant without distraction.
As a curator I research how music can improve your life and create flow - I can tell you what music to listen to when studying for a test and why listening to sad music can make you feel better.
As the founder of musicto I’m on a mission to inspire a global audience of music lovers and artists through the development of people powered playlists.