The All-Female Ensemble That’s Toured Globally Without a Debut Album

The girl group who ve sold – In the spring of 2024, eleven Irish traditional musicians stepped onto a stage in Trafalgar Square, confronting a crowd of over ten thousand people. The group, known as BIIRD, had never performed together before, with many members meeting for the first time mere hours prior. Despite the chaos of last-minute coordination, the performance was a resounding success, capturing the attention of audiences and setting the stage for an unprecedented rise. Two years later, the ensemble has become a household name, filling venues across the UK and Ireland, sharing stages with global icons like Ed Sheeran, and cultivating a following that extends far beyond their homeland. Remarkably, none of them have released a debut album—a fact that underscores the power of their live presence and the buzz generated by their unique approach to traditional music.

A Vision Beyond the Stage

Founded by Lisa Canny, a seven-time All Ireland harp and banjo champion from County Mayo, BIIRD was not born from a premeditated plan but from a desire to challenge conventions. For over a decade, Canny had been envisioning a project that would redefine the image of women in traditional Irish music. “Our main goal, aside from making beautiful music, is to shift perceptions about women in folk and trad,” she explained. “Shows like Riverdance and Celtic Woman have global appeal, but they still often feature a male-dominated lineup.” Canny’s reputation as “the baddie of trad” stemmed from her willingness to break rules and embrace unconventional styles, a trait she now channels into BIIRD’s bold identity.

When the group first came together, the dynamics were as fluid as the music itself. “We didn’t know where it was going to go from there,” recalled Miadhachlughain O’Donnell, a singer and flautist from County Down. “It was mental, honestly—like something out of a dream.” The initial performance in Trafalgar Square was a test of nerve, but it proved to be a catalyst for their rapid ascent. O’Donnell’s trackies and the group’s casual setup contrasted sharply with the polished, theatrical costumes that would later become their hallmark, yet the energy they unleashed was undeniable.

From Relationships to a Global Stage

BIIRD’s formation was not the result of auditions or rigid casting. Instead, it emerged from a network of relationships Canny had cultivated in the traditional music scene. “It was all about connecting people who already knew each other’s work,” said Zoran Donohoe, a concertina player from County Cavan. “We had a shared passion, but we were also different in our own ways. She just brought us all together, and it kind of grew from there.” The group’s size fluctuated, ranging between eight and eleven members, depending on the production’s needs. “Yeah, it’s a big show,” Donohoe admitted. “She handpicked all of us, and before we knew it, we were at 11. She was like, ‘well, we’re going with this now.’”

Their collective approach to performance has been a key driver of their success. “There needs to be a stage and a place for all these women,” Donohoe added. “It wasn’t just about the music—it was about creating something that felt inclusive and dynamic.” This philosophy has resonated with audiences, who have embraced their eclectic blend of traditional sounds and contemporary flair. “We were all a bit shocked at first,” Donohoe said. “Wearing glitter and heavy eyeliner in a trad outfit? It felt like a stretch. But now we’re used to it—and we love it.”

Styling the Tradition

BIIRD’s aesthetic is as striking as their music. The ensemble collaborates with Irish designers such as Simone Rocha, Paul Costelloe, and Sara O’Neill, creating sustainable, theatrical costumes that blend the old with the new. Corsets, dark tones, and glittering accessories replace the more subdued attire typical of traditional folk musicians, offering a fresh visual narrative for their art. “Our first photo shoot—well, it didn’t just break the internet,” Donohoe joked. “Everyone in the trad world was like, ‘what the hell is going on here?’”

O’Donnell echoed this sentiment, noting the adjustment required to perform in more restrictive outfits. “I’m used to wearing trackies, so that was an experience,” she said. “It took some time to get used to the layers and the movement, but it’s become part of our routine now.” While their look may seem modern, the musicians insist it’s not a departure from tradition. “Our sound is rooted in Irish culture,” O’Donnell emphasized. “It’s just how we present it that’s different.” The instruments—fiddles, flutes, harps, banjos, and cello—remain central to their performances, but the rhythms and arrangements have evolved to suit their larger-than-life stage presence.

The Power of Intimate Performances

Despite their meteoric rise, BIIRD still holds a deep respect for the small, intimate gigs that laid the foundation for their success. “There’s a lot to be said for those quiet nights in pubs or at festivals,” said Sal Heneghan, a fiddle player and harpist. “They can really get the crowd going. You can feel the connection, and it’s that kind of energy that carries over into bigger shows.” These grassroots performances allowed the group to refine their craft and build a loyal fanbase, proving that traditional music could thrive without relying on mass media or polished productions.

Their journey took a significant turn when they crossed paths with Ed Sheeran during last year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in County Wexford. The encounter was impromptu, occurring in a local pub where BIIRD was performing. “He was just instantly like, ‘you guys are great, come on tour, what do you need?’” Donohoe remembered. “It was amazing.” Sheeran’s endorsement has since propelled the group into the spotlight, opening doors to international stages and cementing their reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

BIIRD’s story is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to defy expectations. Without a formal album, they have managed to captivate audiences worldwide, proving that tradition and modernity can coexist in the same performance. As they continue to grow, the group remains focused on their mission: to showcase the versatility and strength of Irish traditional music, while giving women a platform to shine in a genre often dominated by male figures. Their journey, still in its early chapters, suggests that the future of folk might be more vibrant—and more inclusive—than ever before.