A LOCAL singer has had a busy summer and is looking ahead to new adventures in the autumn.
Gavin Gribben (22), of Mayobridge, released a new single called ‘Waxies Dargle’, a cover of the traditional song, at the end of July and has been performing at a variety of events.
These included opening for Derek Ryan on 3 August at the Leitrim Festival, playing at the Warrenpoint Loughside Festival on 15 August and appearing on the Hugo Duncan Show during its outdoor broadcast in Armagh on 21 August.
Over the past weekend, he performed at the Inchigeelagh Festival in County Cork on Friday, at the Carlingford Cruise on Saturday and at the Charlie’s Bar Summerfest in Enniskillen on Sunday.
In coming weeks, he’ll be performing at events in counties Wexford, Donegal, Galway and Derry.
“I love performing at festivals and dances as there are always people dancing and jumping to the beat of the music,” Gavin said.
“When performing at these events, I feel my energy reflects on the audience and their encouraging response spurs me on. That’s what keeps me focused and that’s why I enjoy it so much!
“This is also apparent at concerts, however in a slightly different manner, with many feet tapping and hands clapping.”
Gavin sings and plays guitar, banjo, piano and mandolin. He said he decided to record his own version of the traditional ‘Waxies Dargle’ song because it is an upbeat song that he enjoys performing.
“‘Waxies Dargle’ is a fun song that conjures up positive memories of last-minute nights out with my friends. The lyrics tell a great and simple story that people can relate to,” he said.
“I first heard the song on the internet performed by The Pogues. I thought the song had an uplifting, energetic sound that I could adapt to incorporate my musical style.
“Thankfully, it is being incredibly well-received, with many of the younger generation sending videos of themselves jiving or learning to jive to the song. With the current revival of folk music, I thought it was highly suitable to release this traditional song now.”
Gavin describes his music as a combination of both country and traditional.
“I enjoy putting my own stamp on both, songs from the past, and new songs.
“As a child, I performed in folk and traditional competitions, but as time moved on, I became more involved in country music as it was always played in my house growing up. Therefore, I find my musical style reflects both genres with a modern twist,” he said.
Gavin started singing as a young child, winning a singing competition when he was just four years old and making his first appearance on radio when he was seven.
He continued to be involved in music while he was a pupil at St Patrick’s Primary School in Mayobridge and while attending Abbey Grammar School in Newry. He was also very involved in Comhaltas and feiseanna.
“In 2016 he was selected to represent his county in Croke Park as part of Laochra, to a crowd of almost 90,000 and a similar number watching from home on TV. In 2018 Gavin released his debut studio album called ‘Living the Dream’, aptly named as he was by now, in truth ‘living the dream’”, a spokesperson for Gavin said.
Gavin’s music videos have appeared on Hot Country TV as well as Spotlight TV and online on YouTube and social media. He recently filmed an episode of the Irish country music show ‘Opry Le Daniel’.
Earlier this year, Gavin received the Gene Stuart Inspiration Award at the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards in January and won the Country and Folk Artist of the Year Award at the Hot Country TV Awards in Donegal in March.
He has also taken part in a variety of charity events to support worthy causes.
He said he has been embraced by local people so far in his music career and in performing at various venues in County Down.
“I have been very fortunate to have received so much local support, which I will be forever grateful for,” Gavin said.
“In recent years, I have run a couple of events in my local club and a night on the Carlingford Cruise, which have all sold out in short periods of time. I performed at the Leitrim Festival for the first time this year. Wow! It was an absolutely amazing experience,” he said.
As for the future, he is also looking forward to releasing a music video for his new song and doing some travelling.
“I am excited to return to Spain and Scotland later in the year for music trips. People can also expect to see me in many venues across the country over the next few months,” he said.
Gavin wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been listening to his music and coming out to see him perform live.
“I’d like to say a massive thanks to everyone who has supported me on my musical journey so far. I have enjoyed every moment of it!”
For more information about Gavin’s music and upcoming performances, you can visit gavingribbenmusic.com or visit Gavin Gribben Music on social media.
