ANSEO: Redefining Irishness Through Music

10/05/2025 22 min

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Episode Synopsis

From rebel ballads to queer anthems, Irish folk and protest music are being reborn for a new generation. In this episode, we explore how artists like Lankum, Lisa O’Neill, Pillow Queens, the Mary Wallopers, Kneecap, Bambi Thug, and more are reclaiming Irish identity from right-wing ideology, rewriting what Irishness sounds and looks like. ANSEO, here, in the present tense.We trace the roots of modern protest music, look at the immigrant and LGBTQ+ voices redefining tradition, and ask: in an age of rising fascism, who gets to call themselves Irish?00:00 Intro00:25 Seamus Heaney 01:16 ANSEO 02:32 Fighting the Far-Right03:10 New Voices 04:18 Skinty Fia 05:06 All Voices 06:30 Why?13:01 Defining Modern Ireland14:16 The Count of Monte Playlisto’s Irish Music Picks21:37 Outro