James Keegan – Feeling Grey: Breakout Cork singer-songwriter James Keegan announces the debut EP Teaching Our Teachers (June 27th) and shares the radiant new single ‘Feeling Grey (Teaching Our Teachers)’ (June 6th).
At 21 years-old, the solo artist has played shows across the UK, Ireland, Europe and America, playing in 10 different countries since January 2025 on tour with frontman of Queensryce, Geoff Tate, Keegan is already firmly established as one to watch. With 4 iTunes Number 1s to his name already, the upcoming EP continues to showcase Keegan’s radiant indie-folk-pop style.
Recorded with Christian Best at Monique Recording Studios, the first single ‘Feeling Grey’ brings a vibrant blend of driving indie instrumentation with an undercurrent of folk. Topped with Keegan’s emotive, melodic and infectiously catchy lead vocals, the track is given an accessible central hook, which pulls the track forward with a sense of purpose and highlights the track’s mainstream potential.
Speaking about the track, James explains: “Feeling grey is about me growing up and reflecting on my youth as I grew to the mature age of 19! I recorded the album in Monique Recording Studios in Cork with producer Christian Best. We worked on most of the tracks ourselves and later got musicians in to share the work load. It was definitely different from my previous time in the studio, I felt more comfortable and willing to actually make things sound different to what I’m used to.”
Featuring the band of fellow Irish artist Mick Flannery (Oh Boy Records / John Prine’s Record Label) across the Teaching Our Teachers EP, the project blends atmospheric folk/pop with raw emotion, a touch of angst, and a longing for freedom—reflecting his journey as an independent full-time musician.
Raised in Cork, Ireland, James Keegan is a rising folk/pop-rock artist captivating audiences across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. His journey began in 2023 when he was featured in Whelan’s Ones to Watch, and since then, he has built a loyal following through relentless gigging. His dedication has paid off, with three of his four singles reaching No. 1 on the Irish iTunes Charts.
At just 21 years of age, James has embarked on tours across Europe and America. From The House of Blues in New Orleans to the Aztec Theatre in San Antonio, James has played in some of the best venues in the world. Alongside his solo career, he is also a member of the Cork-based band Fire and Water. This year, he is set to embark on an ambitious 97-date U.S. tour that started in mid-March.
James ended 2024 on a high note with headline performances at DeBarras Folk Club and Cyprus Avenue—his biggest shows to date. He has also headlined at Little Whelan’s in Dublin and Mascara Bar in North London, a venue known for hosting Fontaines D.C. As he steps into 2025, James continues to refine his style and showcases his strongest work to date on the new EP.
The new single ‘Feeling Grey (Teaching Our Teachers)’ is released June 6th.
Upcoming Live Dates:
6th June – Sirius Arts Centre, Cork, Ireland
22nd June – Little Whelans, Dublin, Ireland
29th June – Night and Day Festival, Roscommon, Ireland
11th July – DeBarras Folk Club, Cork, Ireland
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