Stonemason turned songwriter for Swan Lane

Mick Flannery plays Swan Lane this Saturday night, 13th August. In the last couple of years, Flannery has gone from part time stonemason to one of Ireland's most sought after musicians. Currently writing his third album, a follow up to the hugely praised 'White Lies' he has played a string of sold out shows all over Ireland, one of the most notable being a double headline show at the Marquee Cork with John Spillane. Last year he was nominated for the Choice album awards, was cited as 'Most Promising Newcomer' by Hotpress readers (also making it into their 250 best Irish albums) and won 'Best Male' at the Meteor Awards. Flannery is a refreshingly unassuming artist whose sole focus seems to be on his craft, song-writing. A Mick Flannery gig has a feeling of intimacy to it, Flannery's stage presence exudes no superficial gimmicks, just a man sharing his songs in an understated but powerful manner. But if asked, Mick adamantly refuses to talk about himself or his achievements; he shies away from these things. Though it's hard to get this talented musician to open up about himself in a conversation, the heartfelt honesty in his lyrics speak in reams. That's why he has so far been compared to such great songwriters as Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits. The year 2009 was more than a successful year for Flannery with two sold out Vicar Street shows, a re-release of his platinum selling critically acclaimed album White Lies and collaborations with Kate Walsh, John Spillane and more. Last year saw Mick returning to the studio to record his third album.