SexyTadhg, the Irish fiddler known for high-camp performances, has released a new EP titled 'SlutTrad' that fuses pop exuberance with Irish traditional music. The artist, real name Tadhg Griffin, appeared at a recent London show in a glittering pink corset, channelling cabaret while playing the fiddle.
From Sean-Nós to SlutTrad
Griffin grew up playing fiddle and singing Sean-nós (old-style Irish) vocals but pulled away in their teen years due to an uneasy sense that the trad scene lacked space for queer individuals. The continuing folk revival and groups such as Biird and the Mary Wallopers showed Griffin that Irish trad could be a broad church, fostering inclusivity. This inspired their recording of Róisín Dubh, a standard of Ireland's political music sung in haunting a cappella, marking Griffin's homecoming to Sean-nós singing.
The SlutTrad EP: Genre Fluidity and Freedom
The EP spans rollicking folk-rock, disco, burlesque-y big-band jazz, and blues. Tracks include Townie Girl, a nod to upbeat alcopop-fuelled 00s Euro house with quickfire lilting lyrics; Therapist’s Knife, featuring Corrs-style harmonies; and Lavender Corcra, with delicate layers of synth and vocals reminiscent of Anohni. According to Tara Joshi, the unifying element is SexyTadhg's total sense of freedom, queering trad and marrying heart and heritage in a boundless voice.
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Marina Herlop – Jaque
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Ma Sha – Spinmachine
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