3 November 2025
Every Monday I will be bringing you an interview with an independent band, duo or music artist. This week, I caught up with Belfast based band Connor McCann & The Heroine Choir to find out more…
Who is in the band, how did you meet, where are you from and how did you come up with the name?
I am originally from Glenravel, and began by playing in bars that I was too young to be in. I was then in a rock band called Stonemasons, which allowed me to cut my songwriting teeth, making lots of mistakes and learning from them, which is crucial.
I met my band in the Monday session of Madden’s Bar, Belfast. We were all singing 4 part harmonies before a man asked so you’re a band? I said no, he asked, ‘What are you doing?’ It was then that we became Connor McCann and The Heroine Choir.
I had written Without Wax already, however, I began writing with my folk band and many harmonies in mind, which is where our EP After The End and the single Cold Letters came from. We are a walking advertisement for going to your local sessions and jamming with strangers, especially if you are new in a city.
Heroine Choir:
Kira Topalian – Bass vocals
Kristen Hansen – Vocals
Sol Ribienskey Bihler – Fiddle
Neil Og Martin – Cello
Mark Hamilton – Guitar
Guy Heatherington – Drums
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Growing up Grunge changed everything about my music tastes, and from that, I got really into songwriting. I then made the classic journey of learning who inspired Cobain and Vedder, then wondering who inspired Dylan and Young, and so on until you get into really old folk and blues music, which I am still obsessed with to this day. I’m fully behind teaching music history in school à la School of Rock.
How would you describe your sound?
A reformed rock music turned folk singer who found a band of incredibly talented musicians and harmony singers. The sound has transformed from Without Wax to a new thing with the Heroine Choir and will continue to evolve, which I am excited about, the last thing I’d ever want from a new release is more of the same.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
The new release is called Banshee, it’s a folk horror song about a child believing his house to be haunted. Inspired by so much great Irish Folklore from Banshees to Aos Sí (fairies) and so much great Halloween material.
I hope we will now release a Halloween track every year based on the mountain of Irish folklore.
What’s your local music scene like?
There are so many fantastic bands to go and see, so many amazing trad and folk sessions that have created so many friendships for me personally. The local scene is stronger that it’s ever been and I hope to see them all touring outside Ireland as soon as we possible.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
After we release Banshee, we are now going back to the lab to work on an album for 2026, which has been simmering in the background for a while now. We released an EP and 2 singles in 2025 and are excited we get to release even more material in the new year.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
I already had that chance this year; this record was produced by my friend Joshua Burnside, an incredible songwriter who also plays banjo on the record. We also have Mark Hamilton, an excellent songwriter in his own right, playing guitar and keys with us. Jorge Sloan of No Oil Paintings produced our EP and plays drums with us.
However, if Adrienne Lenker, James Mercer, or Hozier have a free week, I’d love to collaborate.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
Review from Joshua Burnside – “Getting to work with your pals is always class craic, but when they happen to be super talented that is even better! Love this song, and loved producing it with Connor and the guys.”
Upcoming live dates and performances
Saturday 6th December 2025 – O’Learys, Cavan
Saturday 31st January 2026 – Curfew Tower, Cushendall
You can find out more about Connor McCann & The Heroine Choir via Apple Music, Bandcamp, Instagram, Spotify or YouTube.
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