In a newly published interview, the Galway trio The Whileaways have released their latest studio album, When You Are Falling, alongside a national tour to support the project. Comprising Noelie McDonnell, Noriana Kennedy, and Nicola Joyce, the group explores themes of resilience and collective support on the new record.
Carrying the Weight of Life Experiences
Reflecting on the title of the album, the band members stated that they are "all a bit older now, carrying the weight of different life experiences."
They described the creative process as a response to personal challenges. The members noted that while they have "been through the wars a bit" and understand the feeling of having the "rug pulled out," the music aims to provide "collective hope" that listeners will "ultimately hold each other up."
A Decade of Collaboration and Solo Ventures
The trio have performed together since 2012. Alongside their work as The Whileaways, they maintain active individual careers.
Noelie McDonnell has toured as a member of The Saw Doctors. Nicola Joyce has recorded with her traditional project, The Half Room, alongside her brother and Pauline Scanlon. Meanwhile, Noriana Kennedy has performed in Ireland, London, and Paris, collaborating with musicians including fiddler Kevin Burke.
The Leonard Cohen Connection
The three musicians also participate in the collaborative project Bird on the Wire. The venture performs the songs of Leonard Cohen with Pauline Scanlon.
Noelie McDonnell notes their musical influences range from Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell to John Prine and The Staves. They identify "Shelter From The Storm" by Bob Dylan as a favorite, specifically citing the lyric: "Beauty walks on a razor’s edge, Someday I’ll make her mine."
Mid-1980s Roots in Galway and Dublin
Discussing their musical development, Noelie McDonnell recalled their first live concert experience as seeing Mary Coughlan at Leisureland in Galway during the mid-1980s. The band recently performed with Coughlan during the 30th-anniversary celebrations at Galway’s Town Hall Theatre.
Their first record purchase was the debut album by A-ha in 1985, bought with personal savings at HMV on Grafton Street. They expressed a newfound appreciation for the band’s hit single "Take On Me" after viewing a documentary about the group’s persistence in getting the track released.
Straightforward Stories on Tour
The Whileaways describe their songwriting approach as an effort to tell "straightforward stories." They state that while the songs may evoke laughter or tears, their primary aspiration is for the music to remain "hopeful and uplifting."
The music is available for purchase and streaming through standard digital platforms. Further information and tour updates are available on the band’s official website.
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