Local songstress Áine Tyrrell is one hard-working, hard-playing, hard-touring machine who has spent the summer in venues and festivals from Tassie to Torquay and right up the east coast to Brissy – in between virtual cups of tea on Instagram – to the delight of her fans.
Born in Ireland, Tyrrell had moved to Victoria then came up for Mullum Music Fest two years ago and never left. Since then she has finished an album and wants to get it on the road.
‘I did a crowdfund to finish my album that had been two years in the making,’ says Áine. ‘That has got me so much farther down the track to getting it released. But as releasing anything independent goes, you gather some money and then spend everything you have on the best quality product and then hope to save more to do the same to get it out on time.’
Tyrrell has already released two songs, which she says have had a massive response. ‘My publicist here and in Ireland had me take my time with getting the album out there, but it has also extended the budget. After a conversation with Mandy before Christmas when I told her that I was having to postpone the release of the album again for a third time, Mandy did what Mandy does and quietly took it upon herself to put on one hell of a show in order to get the album out there.’
Áine says that at this stage every fundraised dollar counts. ‘I have fought so hard to keep control over my creative output so that I can make music and say the things I want to say. This comes at a great price though because, when you don’t have a machine behind you, you have to pay for the machine. The recording, mixing, and mastering is all done and I am so proud of what we have made, but to get this album actually in anyone’s hand there is still graphic design, printing of CDs, and pressing of vinyl to happen.
‘There are still publicity costs and touring costs to get us on the road with is as well. Honestly, any drop in the ocean of huge costs is amazing and I am so grateful for.’
Mandy Nolan will host a sensational summer Sunday soiree for Áine Tyrrell this weekend when she presents A Few Good Women, an afternoon of dance by Delta Kay and the Bunyarra Dancers, comedy, conversation with Áine, followed by a solo set from 3pm at the Federal Hall. Find tickets at: www.mandynolan.com.au.