Sarah McCreedy – Why am I still here? (2024)
Sarah McCreedy’s debut album, Why am I still here?, delivers a deeply personal and reflective journey through her twenties blending indie-folk melodies with heartfelt introspection. Garnering support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, McCreedy has positioned herself as a rising voice in the indie-folk scene, and this album makes a lasting impression.
The album shines not only through McCreedy’s tender vocal delivery but also in its collaborative spirit. The presence of Northern Ireland artists such as King Cedar, AOINHA, and Don Maple brings richness and variety to the project, while seasoned contributors like Owen Denvir, Simon Harte, and Joel Harkin add their distinct touches. The album’s sound is clean and precise, with Matt McIvor and Philip Marsden’s mastering offering a balance between emotional intimacy and lush production. McCreedy co-produced the album alongside McIvor at Gatehouse Studios in Belfast, and their shared synergy is evident throughout.
Lyrically, Why am I still here? reads like an existential love letter. McCreedy reflects on the weight of doubt and the importance of relationships in shaping her identity. Tracks like ‘airplane mode’ and ‘Courage can be Quiet’ capture this delicate dance between vulnerability and strength, and her vocal delivery remains gorgeously gentle, carrying the listener through the peaks and valleys of each song’s emotional landscape.
There are a lot of philosophical questions in there: how do we find beauty in a world that so often appears to be devoid of it? What makes us want to go on? Yet, McCreedy is still learning how to overcome the doubts explored in this album but has a more hopeful mindset. The production enhances these themes, with minimalistic arrangements that allow McCreedy’s vocals to shine while weaving in subtle instrumentation that feels comforting and familiar. The album’s sound is authentic, a warmth that invites the listener into McCreedy’s inner world without overwhelming them.
“I hope the listener can take some solace in this album, and that the album can provide an artistic outlet for meaningful and challenging self-reflection” – Sarah MCreedy on Why am I still here?
As a debut, Why am I still here? sets a high bar for what’s to come. It’s a standout, not only for its beautiful songwriting and production but for the emotional depth McCreedy brings to each track.
Find out more about Sarah McCreedy on her Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
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