Clare Fm - Podcasts

The 24-year-old Slieverue native cites his musical influences as including Dermot Kennedy and Kingfishr, with a sprinkling of R&B and pop. However, it was through his fascination with Ed Sheeran, and Sheeran’s ability to create new sounds with the guitar, Dowling’s real journey in music began. The then 15-year-old bought a Martin LX1-E – Sheeran’s famous guitar model – and set off on a journey busking around Ireland. This was a formative experience for Dowling, who despite graduating from University of Galway with a BSc in Science, has tenaciously pursued a career in music since. It is Dowling’s unique commitment to Irish music storytelling that has propelled him to perform in venues such as Galway’s famous ‘Róisín Dubh’ and ‘Uisce Beatha’ in Waterford City. Through his songwriting, he’s developed an introspective meditation on love, longing, and the importance of remembering where you come from. With his heartfelt lyrics, Dowling injects a unique and vivacious energy from Ireland’s South East region.