Video by: React Productions
Donegal artist ADGY (aka Andrew Carr) and his sister Jennie are tuning into their Gaeltacht heritage with a Eurosong they hope to bring all the way to Basel.
ADGY is one of six finalists competing on The Late Late Eurosong Special on Friday 7th February.
It’s not his first Eurosong rodeo, having competed in 2023.
This time he’s delved deeper into his roots to write a pulsating dance track with rousing Celtic melodies called ‘Run Into the Night’.
“My sister Jennie and I wrote the track together,” ADGY tells Donegal Daily.
“We were jamming at home in Bunbeg and Jennie put the fiddle over it. The next day, we listened back and thought that it would be great for Eurovision.”
The track was further polished by Ivan Klymenko, a co-writer of Ukraine’s 2022 winning entry “Stefania” and their 2024 entry “Teresa & Maria”.
It’s a track that he and Jennie are fiercely proud to bring to the stage.
“2023 was great but this song felt more authentic to me,” he said.
“Being brought up in the Gaeltacht, the Celtic influence is in the blood and part of me wanted to show that culture and tradition. The fiddle carries that tone and the rest is electronic pop so there are all flavours.”
The music video, filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of Crohy Head, captures more of that Wild Atlantic energy.
For the past year, ADGY has been based in London and immersed in songwriting. His upbringing in Donegal, his world travels and love of chart music all combine into his current sound.
“Growing up in Donegal, you are surrounded by influences like Enya, Clannad and Altan. Hiudái Beag always had live music that was so energetic. I don’t think that I appreciated it as much until I moved away and lived abroad. Somehow it catches up with you, the sound starts to resonate more as part of who you are.”
It’s been 22 years since Donegal had a Eurovision performer – not since Lifford’s Mickey Joe Harte and his emerald guitar in Riga – but Andrew is hoping to break that drought.
The contenders of Ireland’s Eurosong next Friday will face a tough combination of the National Jury, International Jury, and public vote.
“Representing Ireland at Eurovision would be a dream come true,” ADGY said. “We are so excited for the performance and we hope to bring something exciting to the stage for people at home to enjoy. It would be great if everyone could tune in, watch, and give us their vote!”
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