SexyTadhg’s High-Camp Irish Trad and Genre-Fluid Sound
The Irish fiddler SexyTadhg, whose real name is Tadhg Griffin, brings a vibrant pop exuberance to traditional Irish songs, seamlessly blending genres from disco to haunting a cappella. Known for their fearless genre fluidity, Griffin’s music reflects a unique fusion of heritage and contemporary styles.
Hailing from Carlow, Ireland, SexyTadhg’s music is recommended for fans of The Mary Wallopers, Chappell Roan, and Anohni. Their latest EP, SlutTrad, is currently available, and they have a UK and Ireland tour scheduled to begin in October.
At a recent performance in London, SexyTadhg appeared in a glittering pink corset, embodying a high-camp cabaret style before launching into their fiddle performance. This theatrical presentation complements the spirit of their latest EP, which merges pop energy with Irish traditional music through vocals, piano, and fiddle.
Griffin’s musical journey began with fiddle playing and Sean-nós (old-style Irish) singing during their youth. However, during their teenage years, they distanced themselves from traditional music due to a feeling that the scene lacked inclusivity, especially as they explored their own queerness.
The ongoing folk revival and the emergence of inclusive groups like Biird and The Mary Wallopers inspired Griffin to re-engage with Irish trad music, seeing it as a broad and welcoming space. This renewed connection is exemplified in their recording of Róisín Dubh, a staple of Ireland’s political music tradition, performed in a haunting a cappella style that marks Griffin’s compelling return to Sean-nós singing.
The SlutTrad EP spans a wide range of styles including rollicking folk-rock, disco, burlesque-inspired big-band jazz, and blues. It showcases the realization of SexyTadhg’s artistic vision: the playful energy of "Townie Girl," which nods to upbeat, alcopop-fueled 2000s Euro house with rapid lilting lyrics; the Corrs-style harmonies on the melancholic "Therapist’s Knife"; and the delicate synth and vocal layers on "Lavender Corcra," reminiscent of Anohni.
Despite the eclectic mix of genres, the unifying element throughout SlutTrad is SexyTadhg’s complete sense of artistic freedom. Their work queers traditional music, blending heartfelt emotion and cultural heritage with a limitless vocal expression, leaving open the possibilities of future musical directions.
"Queering trad, marrying heart and heritage in a boundless voice, no telling where it might venture yet." – Tara Joshi
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