The Whileaways prove three-into-one works

Groove Tube with Jimi McDonnell – tribunegroove@live.ie

Celebrating the launch of their second album Saltwater Kisses, folk trio The Whileaways open for Rufus Wainwright at Sligo’s Knocknarea Arena on Friday next, October 23, before playing their own headline show in Monroe’s Live on Thursday, October 29.

Part of The Whileaways appeal lies in the fact that they have three leadsingers, with Noelie McDonnell, Nicola Joyce and Noriana Kennedy all having led bands before they joined forces.

Keith Richards describes what he does with Rolling Stones’ guitarist Ronnie Wood as “the ancient art of weaving”, and that’s an apt description of The Whileaways’ sound, with their three voices coming together to create something singular.

For an album that features three different writers, Saltwater Kisses is remarkably cohesive. It’s a record that has strong folk roots, but is vital in its newness and melody.

“You know when a song sits right, when it’s played you enjoy it, or when you lose yourself singing it,” Noriana says.

“We’re always happy to give each other compliments; if I love either Nic or Noelie’s stuff I’ll always come out and say it. Noelie’s always very good to give credit where it’s due, that’s great given he’s the most experienced writer in the band.”

The Whileaways are a beguiling live act, but capturing that in the studio can be tricky. Fortunately, producers Liam Caffrey and Eamon Brady were able to capture the nuance needed to make a solid folk record.

“Liam’s amazing,” Noriana enthuses. “All of us are musicians, and just about able to string our guitars! Caff is like the technology geek. He spends all his money on good mics, and he reads specific magazines. Himself and Eamon produced the album, along with us, and they just work really well together.

“They’re really particular on getting certain sounds,” she explains. “I know they listened to The Harrow and The Harvest, the Dave Rawlings and Gillian Welch album. They tried to mimic some of their sounds, like the banjo sound.  We don’t question anything Caff or Eamon do, we just trust them 100%.”

Saltwater Kisses was recorded in a lakeside house in Glencorrib, not far from Headford, where The Whileaways are based. Noriana feels that working outside the confines and costly time constraints of a regular studio worked in the band’s favour.

“Noelie was more experienced, and he likes setting up an environment that’s relaxed, and where better to do that than at home, or in one of our homes? Recording before, you’d be sitting in a cold room and eating out of lunchboxes, or Centra sandwiches. A quick break, and then you’re back in.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.