Edel Murphy

Ireland

Edel Murphy is a modern day talented vocalist, gazing warmly back at generations of creative, pioneering women that have gone before." - IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE

EDEL MURPHY is an Irish singer, actor and musician. May 2025 saw the release of Edel’s debut album ‘Motherland Songs’ following the release of the singles ‘Motherland’ in late 2024, ‘Jolene’ in February 2025 and Edel's self-penned 'Careless Hands' in March 2025, a country-jazz ballad which combines a bittersweet and resigned vocal with rolling banjo and brushed drums.

Featuring original songs by Edel and new songwriters alongside songs written or made famous by great female artists, ‘Motherland Songs’ is a historical jukebox of folk-pop anthems of struggle & celebration.

Starring in her live show ‘Motherland Songs’ since its debut in Dublin in 2019, Edel has toured Ireland several times to wide acclaim and been described as having "a voice that would silence angels". (artsreview.com)

Edel and music producer Ewan Cowley began their collaboration when they were touring the world in the hit show ‘Celtic Woman’. During jam sessions on long tourbus journeys across the US, with ukuleles and guitars being passed around, the pair found they shared a love of American songwriters like Nanci Griffith and Natalie Merchant, Nina Simone and Paul Simon.

When the pair both came ‘off the road’ to continue their solo careers, the idea was born for an album and live show to showcase Edel’s unique voice. Irish Music Magazine said of the live show - “socially, culturally, historically appropriate, a celebration of woman.”

Early in her career Edel toured the world backing up Emmy-nominated Irish music group Celtic Woman and starred as Soprano Soloist with the world renowned Riverdance - The Show at The Gaiety Theatre, Dublin and at Hammersmith Apollo, London. She featured at 3Arena Dublin in early 2020 at that show's 25th anniversary run and appears on its 25th Anniversary filmed special.

In 2016 Edel released her first EP, 'Bluebonnet Spring' which has enjoyed both UK and Irish radio play (BBC, RTÉ) followed by the single 'Atlantic Sky' (2018).

MOTHERLAND SONGS is the debut album from Dublin born actor and musician Edel Murphy. Described as having "a voice that would silence angels" (artsreview.com), the Irish singer/songwriter brings a heartfelt intensity and serenity in equal measure to new songs and to memorable female characters in songs by The Beatles, Dolly Parton, Kate Bush and Judy Collins. Produced by Irish musician Ewan Cowley, this new release is a compelling collection of contemporary Irish and North American folk anthems and protest songs from great female artists such as Joan Baez, Natalie Merchant, Mary Black and Carsie Blanton, evoking the universal experiences of working life, independence, love, inequality, and the search for social justice.