- Culture
- 21 Jun 20
Dublin alternative folk artist Ailbhe Reddy tells us why she wanted to be a part of a single that aided a charity like Safe Ireland.
“It’s such a rare and lovely thing to be able to work with so many Irish women from the music industry for a cause that is important to all of us,” Dublin-based singer-songwriter Ailbhe Reddy has spent the last few years collaborating with various Irish artists, but the Irish Women in Harmony single is the largest collaboration to date.
“Dolores had such an incredible vocal style,” she says, “and when I listen back to the songs I grew up listening to in the 90’s, hearing her sing in her own accent is so amazing to hear still. As someone who was aspiring to be a musician it was incredible to have a trailblazer like her lead the way. I didn’t realise how lucky I was to be able to look up to The Corrs, Sinead O’Connor and Dolores O’Riordan.”
For Reddy, it was also an immediate nod of the head when she was approached by RuthAnne. “We’ve heard plenty of news reports detailing how calls to domestic abuse helplines have gone up,” she notes. “These people need support all the time, nobody should feel unable to leave an abusive relationship. Charities like Safe Ireland are providing these vulnerable people the services they need. We also need to raise awareness in the community that there are people in abusive relationships, and we should be vigilant and open to helping those around us.”
While Reddy – like so many of the women on this remarkable song – hopes it will alert the music industry to the possibilities of increased representation for women, she is also hopeful it will do wonders for Safe Ireland. “Please look out for those around you,” she implores. “If you have a friend, colleague or family member who you think is struggling, be there for them as much as possible.”
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Text SAFE to 50300 to donate €4 to Safe Ireland.
Watch 'Dreams' below.