John Spillane is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet and dreamer. Rooted

in people, place and story, his music transports the listener and his live performances captivate

audiences around the world.

As an artist his music appeals to listeners across many genres and generations. His vocal style has a

unique almost sean-nós like quality and his performances shimmer with the magic realism that

permeates many of his songs as he effortlessly flits between beautiful poetry tinged with melancholy to

roguish, irreverent humour. John has the ability to charm, mesmerise and entertain in equal measure.

A native of Cork, the County he lovingly describes as “the centre of the universe” and a source of huge

creative influence throughout his career. John’s music is inspired by and encapsulates Irish traditional

music in its contemporary form – a reflection of Ireland today.

A two-time Meteor Award winner for Best Folk/Trad act John is one of the most accomplished

songwriters in Ireland. With an extensive back catalogue beginning with the 1997 album The Wells of the

World, his songs have been covered by Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, Sean Keane and many others.

Twelve albums later in April 2021, John released his first independent album in 20 years, 100 Snow

White Horses.

In October 2022, John released ‘In Another Light’ a career spanning album recorded live at the Right Here Right Now Festival recorded at Cork Opera House in November 2021.

“... glorious technicolour hues that transcend linguistic boundaries; world music for a new world.”

- Irish Times

“John Spillane, startlingly alive to the breath of nature, is among the last of the great bards. 100 Snow White Horses is a balm to soothe sore souls…” 9/10 - Hot Press

“John writes catchy, heartfelt folk-pop songs with the bonus of actually meaning something.”- The

Sunday Business Post “John's songs are the heart and soul of our island and they'll be sung around the world for as long as there is song.” - Damien Dempsey