TEMPLEBAR TRADFEST WINNERS
“INCREDIBLY innovative
and energetic”
“Truly a force of
a tribal nature”
CUPPA TEA TV
In the heart of Irish music, where tradition meets innovation, you'll find megaTRAD—a dynamic trio forging a new path in the world of Irish Traditional Music.
The story of megaTRAD began when the brothers and Denis, all graduates of the esteemed University of Limerick's BA Irish Music and Dance program, decided to blend tradition with contemporary flair. What started as an experiment for a local gig at The Glen Tavern in Limerick quickly evolved into a sonic revolution. Drawing inspiration from mainstream music, the trio incorporated modern bass, beats, and a variety of effects, creating a fusion that transcends boundaries.
Cillian, the audacious pioneer of megaTRAD, has a musical journey that spans continents. From his early days playing with the esteemed O'Dálaigh family in their band Trazz to touring the world with award-winning Celtic Folk band “The Outside Track”, Cillian's cinematic, unorthodox guitar style adds a unique dimension to megaTRAD's sound. His adventurous spirit and knack for breaking musical rules are a big driving force behind the band's improvisational ethos.
Seán, the youngest and most handsome member (according to reliable sources), brings a love for the fiddle cultivated under the guidance of Paula O'Regan in his early days and honed through years of boundless musical exploration & studies. Founding Seán’s Walk and being a pivotal member of the folk trio Hoodman Blind, Seán's musical stylings are shaped by a diverse range of influences - from Old Time American to Indian classical— he infuses megaTRAD's music with a rich and eclectic flavor. His journey with the fiddle has been one of constant evolution, adding depth and soul to the band's performances.
Denis, the quiet lad with a knack for mandolin magic, defies tradition with his unconventional journey into music. Born in Australia to Irish parents, Denis shares a remarkable coincidence with Cillian—both born on the exact same day, only hours apart on different sides of the world. Initially introduced to Irish music through dance and the tin whistle, Denis jokes that he was hindered by knobbly knees and a reduced lung capacity and questioned his place in Irish tradition before destiny unfolded on his 8th birthday when a banjo-mandolin entered his life as a gift. Embracing the instrument with an unwavering spirit, Denis evolved into a master of the craft. His uninhibited interpretations of traditional tunes inject an irresistible energy into megaTRAD's performances adding a layer of infectious enthusiasm, contributing to the band's distinctive and captivating sound.
A sound best described as an exalted manifestation of Irish Trad, melding their cultural musical heritage with diverse individual musical experiences, bolstered by the contemporary nuances of stomp, bass, and pedal FX boards. The outcome is an innovative and exhilarating auditory journey, affectionately termed "Tradscendental" by their enthusiastic fanbase.
Comprising of the O'Dálaigh brothers, Cillian and Seán, along with the mandolin maestro Denis McAuliffe, megaTRAD is not your typical trad band. With roots deep in East Clare, the trio has grown up surrounded by the rich tapestry of Irish music, song, and dance.
In 2020, megaTRAD captured the spotlight by winning the Best Performance at Temple Bar Trad Fest’s "Live at the Hub," earning a coveted slot at Milwaukee Irish Fest. They've graced the stages of Electric Picnic, All Together Now, The All Ireland Fleadh, Bloom Festival, and Shannonside Folk Festival among many others. Their groundbreaking approach to Irish Traditional Music promises audiences a once-in-a-lifetime experience at every performance.