Emma Langford

Emma Langford is at home in Limerick City in the South-West of Ireland, where she was raised by two visual artists, and watched her older sister acting on stage for much of her childhood. Growing up in a house full of music, paint, and poetry meant that storytelling would always sit at the heart of everything this artist does; interweaving her live performances, and shining through her works. An award-winning songwriter, Emma Langford’s work pivots on an axis of myth, history, identity and femininity. Her songs are inspired by a homeland where storytelling is king, her lyrics imbued with humour, vibrant imagery and all the drama of the rugged West coast of Ireland. Hers is an inimitable, powerful voice at the frontline of a new wave of Irish folk.

Since 2017 Emma has written and independently released two highly acclaimed albums, Quiet Giant & Sowing Acorns, laying the groundwork for a bright and busy career – one she is thoroughly enjoying. She recorded and released Quiet Giant while completing an MA in community music at the University of Limerick, and subsequently toured the record throughout Germany and Switzerland as part of a month-long showcase, The Irish Folk Festival. She has since returned annually to Germany for extensive and growing tours. Langford was awarded the RTÉ Folk Award for Best Emerging Artist in 2018, and in following years was twice nominated by the national broadcaster for Best Folk Singer. She received the inaugural Dolores O’Riordan Bursary in 2019, and in 2021 was granted the Music Network RESONATE residency, and an Arts Council of Ireland Agility Award to support continuing musical explorations of women in Irish history. As part of an international tour, in 2019 Langford made her US debut at the world’s largest celebration of Irish music, Milwaukee Irish Fest – she made her triumphant return to the USA for a two-week tour in August 2022, culminating once again in a show-stopping performance at Milwaukee Irish Fest.