Susan McKeown is another musician who's found her feet in the city that never sleeps. And like most migr s, McKeown has availed of the rich tapestry of job opportunities that NY offers the budding musician. McKeown worked her way up the ladder and eventually headlined at the famed Bottom Line in 1997. She's now a firmly established musician, working steadily with her band, The Chanting House. I've headlined at The Bowery Ballroom, The Mercury Lounge and Fez, which is sort of my 'home' gig.
Radio is very different over here.
The big commercial radio stations would never play an artist like me who has never been on a major label. But there are hundreds of other stations that play all sorts of music and most of these are public radio stations, which depend on public funding and are very supportive of independent music. The Irish Empire and a track from 'Bushes and Briars' is currently airing nationwide in the US on an Audi car commercial. I had been a fan of hers since I saw her on TV with 10,000 Maniacs when I was about 18. At the Fleadh I gave her a copy of Bones.