Irish folk and blues talent Muireann Bradley has released her highly anticipated new EP, Blackwood Pew, marking a significant step forward in her development as both a performer and songwriter. Following her acclaimed 2024 debut album, I Kept These Old Blues, the six-track collection sees Bradley introduce more of her own compositions alongside fresh interpretations of songs rooted in the musical traditions that have shaped her sound.
Muireann Bradley
Blending ragtime blues, American old-time music and country with the Irish traditional music she grew up with, Blackwood Pew finds Bradley exploring new creative territory while remaining deeply connected to the influences that first inspired her. The result is a collection that bridges generations of folk and blues, bringing a distinctive perspective to familiar musical foundations.
Among its highlights is Clementine, an evocative original composition drawing inspiration from the sound and atmosphere of The Velvet Underground. The track offers a glimpse of Bradley’s growing confidence as a songwriter, complementing the themes of longing and reflection explored elsewhere on the EP, particularly on Not Going Back.
The new release also features Dancing On My Grave, Bradley’s interpretation of Daniel Johnston’s much-loved True Love Will Find You In The End, and a further selection of material that showcases her ability to approach classic songs with sensitivity while allowing her own musical identity to emerge.
The EP takes its name from the guitar at the heart of every recording. Crafted by hand from Australian blackwood reclaimed from a 200-year-old church pew in Tasmania, the instrument was gifted to Bradley by a fan who was inspired to build her a bespoke guitar after seeing her perform. The story behind the instrument reflects the personal connection between Bradley and her growing audience, while giving the record a title that speaks directly to its musical roots.
Alongside the digital release of Blackwood Pew, Bradley is also sharing the physical double EP Rose Dogs & Blackwood Pew, bringing together the new six-track collection and all five songs from her acclaimed 2025 EP, Rose Dogs. The release offers listeners the opportunity to explore two stages of her artistic journey side by side.
To celebrate the physical release, Bradley will visit independent record shops across the UK for a series of in-store performances, beginning at Rough Trade East in London on Sunday 25th October. Further appearances follow in Oxford, Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Southampton.
Bradley will also headline London’s Stone Nest on Friday 13th November as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, with a further London appearance scheduled at The Devonshire in Soho on 16 November.
Muireann Bradley @ The Long Road Festival 2026
Her reputation as a live performer continues to grow, with headline shows selling out on both sides of the Atlantic. Last month, Bradley was selected by Fontaines D.C. drummer Tom Coll and folk collective Broadside Hacks to top the bill at Féile Moth, an Irish cultural festival held at London’s MOTH Club. Her recent appearances have also included supporting Brooke Combe at KOKO, joining Jeff Goldblum on selected live dates and performing at California’s Harvest Moon Gathering alongside Neil Young, Lana Del Rey and Beck.
With Blackwood Pew, Bradley moves beyond interpreting the songs of others to establish herself as a compelling songwriter in her own right. The collection retains the timeless qualities of the folk and blues traditions that have informed her music, while offering a clearer sense of the artist she is becoming.
Upcoming UK live dates:
NOVEMBER
13th – Stone Nest, London (EFG London Jazz Festival)
16th – The Devonshire, Soho, London
In-Store Tour:
OCTOBER
25th – Rough Trade East, London
26th – Truck Store, Oxford
26th – Rough Trade, Bristol
27th – Jacaranda, Liverpool
28th – Wax & Bean, Manchester
28th – Crash Records, Leeds
29th – Vinilo, Southampton
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