Adrian Crowley

Early life Crowley is from a multicultural background, (his father is Irish and mother is Maltese) He was born in Sliema in Malta but reared in Galway.

Career Before his life as a musician, Crowley originally spent time on other pursuits, such as studying architecture, illustration, painting and photography.

Crowley released his debut album A Strange Kind independently in 1999. When You Are Here You Are Family followed in 2002, being recorded at the Electrical Audio studios of one of his heroes, Steve Albini, in Chicago. though was delayed before appearing on a smaller label with little publicity.

Long Distance Swimmer was released as soon as it was recorded as, according to Crowley, he became "fed up waiting". It was around this time that Crowley began working with The Fence Collective and members of Halfset. Also that month, he performed a residency at Whelan's. It was generally well received by critics in both and Ireland and the UK, He was also one of the first acts to be announced for Electric Picnic 2010.

Adrian Crowley's eighth album, Dark Eyed Messenger, was recorded in New York and was produced by and features Thomas Bartlett who has also worked with Sufjan Stevens, Anna Calvi, Sam Amidon and Laurie Anderson.

Other work

James Yorkston and Dubliner Adrian Crowley opened with a special performance of the songs of American lo-fi legend Daniel Johnston, an artist whose battle with mental health demons has been well documented. They gave his tunes delicate and sparse arrangements, even singing some a cappella. The pair have recorded an eight track mini-album as a tribute to Daniel Johnston.

He is also interested in film and has composed a number of scores. He is responsible for scoring the Irish feature film, Where The Sea Used To Be (2012), directed by Paul Farren. His song, 'The Wishing Seat' prominently features in the award-winning feature film, Love Eternal (2014), directed by Brendan Muldowney and stars Pollyanna Mackintosh and Robert de Hoog.

Adrian Crowley appears in a feature-length alternative documentary entitled The Science Of Ghosts (2018), directed by Niall McCann, which premiered at Dublin International Film Festival at the IFI, February 26, 2018. The plot involves Crowley being interrupted during an interview, causing Adrian to ponder what would a film about his life be like? would it reflect who he is? His imagination takes us on a journey, as a ghost, visiting his own life, past and future.

Style

Crowley's style has been compared to that of Bill Callahan, Nick Drake and Tim Buckley, while Irish Independent reviewer Eamon Sweeney has said the singer is "a master of understatement". As well as singing Crowley plays the electric guitar and the Rhodes piano; he never plays the acoustic guitar. He experiences music while he sleeps:

Discography Adrian Crowley has released nine albums.

A Strange Kind (1999) When You Are Here You Are Family (2002) A Northern Country (2004) Long Distance Swimmer (2007) Season of the Sparks (2009) I See Three Birds Flying (2012) Some Blue Morning (2014) Dark Eyed Messenger (2017) The Watchful Eye Of The Stars (2021) Measure Of Joy (2025)

Band members The following have performed with Crowley. Mary Barnecutt -Cello Katie Kim – vocals Jeff Martin – Guitar Steven Shannon – Bass guitar Cillian Mc Donnell – Drums Kevin Murphy – Cello Marja Tuhkanen Gaynor – Viola, violin, viola de gamba, viol Adem Ilhan – Harmonium, vocals, percussion Kate Ellis – Cello Thomas Haugh – Drums, zither Andrew Bushe – Drums Sarah Fox – Bass guitar, double bass, vocals Emma Smith – Violin, vocals Vince Sipprell – Viola Cameron Miller – Bass guitar, double bass, vocals Sarah Jones – Drums Christopher Mayo – Bass guitar James Yorkston – Concertina, guitar, vocals Alex Neilson – Drums Otto Hauser – Drums Jesse Sparhawk – Bass guitar Viking Moses Dave Hingerty – drums Bill Blackmore – flugelhorn, trumpet

Awards The Irish Times placed Crowley at number eight in a list of "The 50 Best Irish Acts Right Now" published in April 2009, noting his "majestic songs, rich voice and subtle blend of atmospherics and master-level wordplay".

In a 2005 Rolling Stone interview, Ryan Adams cited Crowley when asked "Who's the best songwriter that no one's heard of".

Choice Music Prize Long Distance Swimmer was nominated for the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year 2007 but lost to Super Extra Bonus Party's Super Extra Bonus Party LP.

Season of the Sparks won the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year 2009. Crowley received a prize of €10,000 cheque. He described himself as "totally flabbergasted", adding "I didn't really think it was the sort of record that was going to win awards". Crowley promised to use the money to fund his music. He was one of eight nominees who performed at the awards ceremony. He is a friend of fellow nominee Valerie Francis.