Interview: Leahy

Renowned Canadian Celtic music group, Leahy, is pleased to announce the release of “Joie de vivre,” the first single from their upcoming new album LEAHY Live In Concert (out October 25th, 2024).

The spirited accordion-led instrumental track is a medley of two original pieces composed by multi-instrumentalist Xavier Leahy, inspired by his exploration of jazz through his guitar. “I deliberately tried to write tunes outside the Irish or French boxes,” recounts the young musician, “basically trying to translate ‘jazz’ into ‘Irish.'”

Xavier‘s aunt, Erin Leahy, influenced by pianists in the Montreal jazz scene, adds rich and intricate layers underneath Xavier‘s accordion, igniting the feel with her Latin and jazz piano arrangement. In typical Leahy form, the band’s approach takes the track in unexpected directions melodically and rhythmically, leaving the listener exhilarated and satisfied.

“Joie de vivre” was recorded during a regular live performance, filmed for a video series on which the band was working. When they listened back to the music from the show, the vibe was so dynamic that the band decided to release several tracks on an album. It’s the subject of the second episode in the video series, LEAHY: From the Inside.

What can you share with readers about your new project?

Xavier –

It’s a piece of music based around Celtic but goes into different styles, the main one being jazz – “jazz-Celtic fusion”.

Maria –

Joie de vivre is from a live album that includes a wide variety of musical offerings and styles – many of which have informed/influenced our sound over the years.

How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

Xavier –

First time releasing something with jazz treatment

First time releasing something live

Maria –

This track is from a project that is actually quite unique because we didn’t record it thinking we’d release it. It was part of a Music Series we were making and after listening to the tracks, it was suggested that we release it as a live album. All the music came from one performance we had done for the Music Series. The tracks include music from our past, but new and unreleased music as well. The other interesting detail is that many of our grown children are also on this recording. They were involved with this performance, so they are on this recording as well. It was all very unplanned and unexpected, but we’re really happy that it all worked out as well as it did! It also includes some musical friends from Quebec, Cecilia.

What about this single makes you most proud?

Xavier – I like the arrangement, it goes where you don’t expect it to go, but it’s still a tune; we pushed the borders a little bit, but it’s still faithful to the trad/Celtic tradition.

Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

Maria –

Whenever we release music or a new project, it’s because we have new offerings that have somehow inspired us. Our hope is that this music adds to the life/enjoyment of others and somehow, uplifts and inspires them. Music is a shared experience for us, so after creating it, and playing it, it’s natural for us to want to share it….and hope that it can offer listeners a new and/or valuable experience.

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

Maria –

Life – and its multifaceted experiences inspires. Music is the vehicle used to communicate ideas and emotions.

A melody or lyrical idea that presents itself. You have to follow and develop it to know or understand it…which leads the creation of a tune or song, leads to the voicing of tune or song. Life inspires creativity…music is the voice of emotions and realizations.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

Xavier –

Cody Johnson – Country – USA – because he’s a great writer, love his songs, amazing singer, has the type of song I personally like

Jacob Collier – multi-genre fusion – Jazz – UK – craziness – because you can expect it will blow your mind – anything he will do, his arrangements go way outside the box but musically it will be really neat

Michael Biggins – Celtic/Classical – UK/Scotland – because a crazy piano player and anything I do, he’ll make it sound 10 times better

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

Xavier –

Last songs I listened to just now –

Missing You in San Antone – Brett Kissel – Canadian Country Artist – mixing a cover of this song by participants at Leahy Music Camp from summer 2024

Post Malone – new country album

Favorite all-time bands/artists – too many to pick even a few!!!

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahymusicofficial

X: https://x.com/LeahyMusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahymusicofficial/

TikTok: n/a