Prine time provides singers with musical common ground

American singer-songwriter Carsie Blanton has built her career on rich melodies, sharp politics and persistence. With eight studio albums to her name, the Virginia native boasts a formidable catalogue of rich folk, pop and americana music that has relied largely on crowdfunding and touring to develop.

And on October 6, Carsie released After the Revolution – an optimistic ode to political change and the title track from album number nine which is expected next year.

Then on Saturday, November 4, Carsie is supporting Declan O’Rourke in Galway’s Town Hall Theatre, as she joins him for the entirety of his Irish tour which includes dates in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. The pair met earlier this year and bonded over a love of John Prine and Joni Mitchell.

“It’s a new relationship but I would say it’s special,” she explains. “We met last April at the Vicar St celebration of John Prine. It felt like an easy musical connection.

“We sat backstage with Jack O’Rourke as well, sang a bunch of Joni Mitchell songs and talked about our love of John Prine and of performing. It just felt like we got along.

“We didn’t spend much time together and then, as I was about to board my plane home, I got a text from Declan asking me to open his tour. I keep saying I feel at home [in Ireland], but I do feel very welcomed.

“I made these songs and I’ve been over here touring for fifteen years, beating my head against the wall of the American music industry, and when I’ve gone over there it feels much easier – easier to play and easier to connect with other musicians. Declan’s a prime example of that. I love his work and I feel like we can put on a really good show together.”

Pictured: Carsie Blanton...Galway support slot with Declan O’Rourke.