Irish music new and old: Fontaines D.C. and Daoirí Farrell

The bouzouki has been a feature of Irish folk music since the mid-1960s, and one of the instrument’s finest modern exponents is Daoirí Farrell. He’s also a singer and a song collector, and he's brought his instrument into our studio to demonstrate how the three things fit together. 

Daoirí Farrell is currently on his fourth tour of Australia, playing the National Folk Festival this weekend, and then dates in Sydney, Avoca, St Kilda, Bendigo, Upwey, Adelaide and Perth. 

Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C. have had a huge year: they’re currently in the midst of a world tour, with their album Romance topping 2024 best of lists all over the place. Carlos O’Connell talks to Andy about the ten years since they formed in the city of Dublin (the D.C. in their name), and the way that the band’s collaborative approach helps them keep pushing the boundaries of their sound.