Interview: How McNeela Music is Empowering Indie Artists This St Patrick's Day

With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, I’m thrilled to share my interview with Dublin based instrument company McNeela Music, who has been a staple of the Irish music community for four decades.

In this interview we talk about their commitment to preserving Ireland’s musical heritage as well as redefining it for a global audience, and making it accessible to all through community initiatives and classes.

Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

To start, can you tell me about the journey of McNeela Music and how it has become synonymous with Irish tradition?

McNeela Music’s journey began in 1978 with Paraic McNeela crafting a bodhrán, blending his woodworking skills and love for Irish traditional music. This moment marked the start of a passionate endeavor that grew into a family business dedicated to preserving and innovating Irish musical traditions. Through years of hard work, the company expanded its offerings to include a wide range of traditional Irish instruments, becoming a recognized brand for enthusiasts worldwide. McNeela Music is now celebrated for its commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation, embodying the spirit of Irish music.

As we approach St. Patrick’s Day, and being a Dublin based company, how does McNeela Music celebrate and contribute to the rich cultural heritage of Ireland?

This St. Patrick’s Day, we’re taking McNeela Music to Cooley, Roscommon, for a traditional session that captures the essence of Irish culture. With friends, campervans, and instruments in tow, we’re celebrating the holiday where Ireland’s music thrives—in the heart of its communities. It’s these experiences, surrounded by the beauty of Ireland and the sounds of our heritage, that fuel my passion for crafting instruments.

For those of us in the US, can you tell me a bit about the differences between how we celebrate St Patrick’s Day here vs say, Dublin?

In the US, St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated with parades, wearing green, and enjoying Irish food and drinks, emphasizing the fun and festive aspects of the day. It’s a celebration of Irish heritage on a grand scale, often incorporating elements like green rivers, extensive parades, and public festivities. In Dublin, while there’s plenty of festivity, the day also holds a deeper cultural significance, with more focus on Irish traditional music, dance, and the Gaelic language. Celebrations include parades and cultural events that showcase Ireland’s rich history and traditions, making it a more immersive experience in Irish culture.

Collaboration and community seem to be important to McNeela Music, which I absolutely love. Can you tell us about some partnerships or initiatives the company has been involved in? Even better if it’s related to the holiday!

We place a high value on collaboration and community, partnering with local music schools and cultural organizations to promote traditional Irish music education. Through these partnerships, we support initiatives to teach music to children, fostering a new generation of musicians. These efforts, especially relevant around St. Patrick’s Day, highlight the company’s commitment to preserving Irish music and culture, ensuring it remains vibrant and accessible for future generations.

Another thing I love about what you do is how innovative you are with your instruments and the way you approach your community involvement. Was that always part of the ideal when you started the company?

Innovation and community have been central to McNeela Music from the start. Paraic McNeela’s initial venture into instrument making combined his craftsmanship skills with a love for traditional Irish music. This blend of tradition and innovation grew into a business philosophy that emphasizes quality, accessibility, and community engagement. McNeela Music’s continuous pursuit of innovation, seen in their instrument designs like the Phoenix Concertina and the Wild Irish Whistle, reflects their commitment to enhancing the musical experience while fostering a sense of community among musicians.

For those unfamiliar, can you talk about some of the groundbreaking instruments or products you’ve introduced to the market and tell me a little about how that came to be?

McNeela Music has introduced innovative instruments like the Phoenix Concertina and the Wild Irish Whistle, which reflect a commitment to enhancing traditional Irish music with modern craftsmanship. The Phoenix Concertina, in particular, became a game-changer in the market, showcasing McNeela’s dedication to quality, playability, and affordability. These innovations stem from a deep understanding of musicians’ needs and a desire to keep the tradition alive while making it accessible to a broader audience.

What do you hope people take away from learning about McNeela, and Ireland as a whole after reading this?

I hope people recognize McNeela Music as a symbol of Ireland’s vibrant culture, showcasing dedication to preserving and innovating traditional Irish music. Through our instruments and community efforts, McNeela embodies the spirit of Ireland: rich in history, passionate about its heritage, and forward-looking in its creativity. It’s a reminder of the depth, beauty, and resilience of Irish culture and its universal appeal, encouraging a deeper appreciation and understanding of what Ireland offers to the world, musically and culturally.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Paraic McNeela passionately urges the younger generation to embrace traditional Irish instruments, seeing them as a vital link to their heritage amid the hustle of modern life. He believes in the power of music to connect us to our roots, offering a sense of community. By picking up an instrument, young people not only keep the rich traditions of Ireland alive but also contribute to its evolving musical landscape, ensuring that the vibrant spirit of Irish culture continues to flourish.