Tia Bow marks a new chapter for Irish songwriter Fionnuala Fagan-Thiébot, shifting from oral histories to deeply personal storytelling. Her upcoming album, Blackberry Path, due for release on 15 November 2026 within the Sound of Belfast Festival, blends acoustic and electronic textures with transcendent vocals, synths, strings, guitars and beats, creating compelling soundscapes that explore the space between shadows and sunlight through story-driven lyrics and a fresh take on contemporary folk.
Produced by Michael Mormecha of Tree Song Studios and featuring Irish-Filipino musician Clare Galway, singles from the album have already received support from Chordblossom, GoldenPlec, BBC Radio Ulster, RTÉ’s Folk on One and Hot Press, who described the sound as one that “bridges folk, rock and electronica.”
The critically acclaimed Blackberry Path live performance has featured at National Heritage Week, EastSide Arts, Sound of Belfast and Leid and Lairn Festivals, and the Lisburn Fleadh Fringe.
“Blackberry Path is richer for weaving personal story with universal experiences. It is inspired by specific places and human connection, and speaks to everyone on its journey.”
— Allan Leonard, Slugger O'Toole
Blackberry Path Album Launch, 15 November 2026, 8pm!
Support by Clare Galway
Oh Yeah Centre, Sound of Belfast Festival
“A unique artist, deeply in touch with the landscape around her.”
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, RTÉ Folk on One
Upcoming Live Performances
2026
Sound of Belfast, 15 Nov. 2026, 8pm, Blackberry Path Album Launch (Tickets)
Past Performances
Live at La Minotais, 2 August 2025, Plouër-sur-Rance, France
The Unsung, 17 September, The Sunflower Bar
Leid & Lairn Festival, 5 November, Bangor Castle
Sound of Belfast, 16 November, The Sunflower Bar
Fealty’s Back Bar Sessions, 14 March, Bangor, 9pm
CA Music Club, 25 March, Island Arts Centre, Lisburn
The Ticket, 20 March, BBC Radio Ulster, Belfast
Support to NOIR, 10 April, Sunflower Bar, Belfast
Aberrant Tiny Desk Presents, 25 April, The A Centre, Belfast
Monday Night Sessions, 11 May 2026, Highland Radio, Donegal
The Lir Sessions, 21 May, The Boyd Arms, Ballycastle
Regard, 26 July, Foxglove Alley, Belfast, 4:30pm
Eastside Arts Festival, 30 July, Sanctuary Theatre, Belfast, 7pm
Supporting TRÚ, 5 August, Lisburn Cathedral, Belfast, 8pm
Lisburn Fleadh Fringe, 8 August, Lisburn Marquee, 4pm (Sold Out)
National Heritage Week, 21 August, Bishopstown Library, Cork, 11am
National Heritage Week, 21 August, Torytop Library, Cork, 3pm
National Heritage Week, 22 August, Hollyhill Library, Cork, 11am
National Heritage Week, 22 August, Cork City Library, Grand Parade, 3pm
Teach Ceoil MacGiobuin, 10 October 2026, 7pm
BBC Radio Ulster’s The Ticket, 23 October 2026, 6-7pm
Laurelbank Farm, 25 October 2026, 7pm, Blackberry Path Single Launch (Duo)
Electronic Press Kit available HERE
SINGLE RELEASES 2026
“Blackberry Path reflects upon my childhood and teenage years growing up in Craigavon in the North of Ireland, during the 1980s & 90s.”
Tia Bow
“Donegal Dreams is a song that evokes the North West Coastline with delicate layered strings, pipes and vocals beautifully evoking a childhood memory and experience.”
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, RTE Folk on One
SINGLE RELEASES 2025
“La Fosse, is a tribute to the Breton Manor where I worked during summers as a teenager. This place and the people were like nothing I had ever experienced before - accepting, inclusive, uninhibited. In every sense, the experience was life changing.”
Tia Bow
“Taken, is for those who care; the healers, the listeners, the quiet ones.”
Tia Bow
“Beloved, is for all those passed, and for those of us still trying to find a way without them.”
Tia Bow
