From the Strand to the Stage: New Music, Milestones, and What’s Ahead
There are times when you get to step back for a moment, take a breath, and appreciate the road you’ve been traveling. This feels like one of those times.
Over the past year, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition from the Global Music Awards, including multiple honors for songs like I Can Tell, How I Make It Through, Carrownisky Strand, and most recently That’s No Way To Treat A Lady. Awards are never the reason you write songs, but they’re a meaningful reminder that the stories you’re trying to tell are finding their way to people — and that’s something I don’t take lightly.
At the same time, I’ve been excited to share new music, including the release of my latest EP, Carrownisky Strand. These songs continue to reflect the themes that have always guided my writing — lessons passed down from my father, a sense of social awareness, and the complicated, beautiful business of being human. There’s also a strong thread of place running through this EP — particularly the pull of the Atlantic and the connection between Ireland and the New England coast that I call home.
Of course, songs are meant to be played, not just recorded.
This winter and early spring have been filled with some wonderful live moments. I’ve had the chance to return to familiar rooms like The Blue Mermaid and Clay Hill Farm, where the combination of great food, warm hospitality, and attentive audiences makes for something really special. Most recently, I had the pleasure of performing a set of Irish tunes at Clay Hill Farm alongside Curt Bessette and Jenn Kurtz — a rousing and memorable night that captured the spirit of the season perfectly.
And now, the road continues.
I’m looking forward to heading down to New Jersey for the Cape May Singer-Songwriter Conference & Showcase, where I’ll be performing at Elaine’s Deck and Delaney’s. It’s always a privilege to share songs in a new setting, meet fellow writers and listeners, and continue building connections through music.
As always, I’m grateful for everyone who has come out to a show, listened to a song, shared a kind word, or simply taken the time to follow along. This journey is built on those connections.
There’s more music ahead, more stories to tell, and more miles to travel.
Hope to see you out there somewhere down the road.
— Rob
🎧 Stream Global Music Awards winner “That's No Way To Treat A Lady” on your favorite platform or head over to the music page to download for free
📺 Watch the video on YouTube: