Stephen O'Dowd
Musician and Songwriter
Stephen O'Dowd Musician and Songwriter
BIO
Born and raised on the West Coast of Ireland in County Sligo, Stephen O’Dowd is of the fourth generation of a renowned musical family with deep roots in Irish traditional music. Drawing inspiration from folk legends like Thom Moore, Planxty, his father Seamie and John Martyn, Stephen weaves mythical stories, vivid landscapes, and evocative characters into his music. Stephen's multi-instrumental performances combine Irish traditional heritage with contemporary folk influences, taking listeners on immersive journeys through songs that feel both timeless and fresh. His performances offer a unique blend of storytelling, instrumentation, and deep-rooted musicality.
A fixture of the Sligo music community, Stephen joined forces with Hugh Joseph Feely last October for a special Lillies Live Lounge performance for his first home headline/double bill show which Sold Out and featured in the “Top Ten Things to do in Sligo” in The Independent. In spring 2025, Stephen embarked on a tour across Ireland with Feely selling out multiple shows, including the Cobblestone Dublin, leaving audiences with a memorable evening of music bridging contemporary and traditional folk.
In spring 2025, Stephen embarked on a tour across Ireland with Feely selling out multiple shows, including the Cobblestone Dublin, leaving audiences with a memorable evening of music bridging contemporary and traditional folk. Having also performed solo at venues across Ireland and the UK—from London to Kerry, Derry, and even islands off Ireland's rugged west coast, Stephen is gaining recognition as an artist in the Irish folk music scene having also featured main stage at Galway Folk Festival 2025, opening for Dee Armstrong (Kíla) and DUG, and selling out some of his own shows. He is also due to perform at Boyle Arts Festival, Sligo Live, Cleggan Fringe and Sligo Live as well as booking his own shows this Autumn/Winter.
In late December 2024, Stephen released his second folk single "Johnny Whelan" following the release of his debut folk single "The Galleass Girona" which had radio play. He is due to release more music this year.
