- Film And TV
- 20 Mar 24
As part of Hot Press' groundbreaking new TV series Uprising, musician David Keenan shares his artist manifesto, in a compelling spoken word performance...
Produced by Animo Productions and presented by Virgin Media's Katja Mia, with Hot Press deputy editor Stuart Clark taking on the role of roving interviewer, Uprising is a showcase some of the finest talents on the Irish music scene right now.
One such extraordinary talent is Dundalk singer songwriter David Keenan who created a compelling spoken word piece about the importance of the creative industries in Ireland.
The potent performance opens with Keenan's simple but impassioned mission statement: "Minding our heads, our hearts, the arts, the anam".
A piece that traverses issues such as the housing crisis, rising levels of loneliness and AI, Keenan shares the vitality and importance of the power of music and the creative arts.
The manifesto marks Keenan's own world view – but also the ethos of Uprising, a joyous celebration of the immense talent emerging from this island.
Over the course of the series there were appearances from Hozier, Imelda May, Denise Chaila, Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová, Nell Mescal, Pillow Queens, The Coronas, Villagers, Picture This, Lyra, Mik Pyro, Susan O'Neill, HamsandwicH, Tolü Makay, Junior Brother, Shobsy, Celaviedmai, and more...
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Uprising was described by oresenter Katja Mia as a show where, "You get the intensity of an incredible concert and then at the same time you feel like you’re backstage with the artists asking these intimate questions."
You can stream Uprising on the Virgin Media player here.
Check out David Keenan's powerful performance below: