Michael Brunnock

Michael Brunnock possesses an extraordinary voice, and his song writing profound. So it’s no surprise that David Byrne (Talking Head’s) cast him to sing the role of an Irish musician on the brink of success whose voice guides Sean Penn through an emotional journey of self-discovery in the film ’This Must Be the Place’ (2012). The score by Byrne with lyrics by Will Oldham (Bonnie Prince Billy) called for a distinctive vocalist, which Brunnock is and the song ‘If it falls, it falls’ won a David di Donatello award, equivalent to the Italian Oscars!
Brunnock’s sense of himself & Irish roots are deeply evident on his album “The Orchard” (2012 Araglin Records) A collection of gorgeously crafted songs that embrace a breadth of vision. Featuring guest performances from Internationally acclaimed Glen Hansard along with Julia Stone, Ari Hest & Joe Sumner, the album is Brunnock’s third since Live in New York (2009) and So I Do (2007). Mixed by triple Grammy winner Patrick Dillett, “The Orchard” is available for download from the music store on the website.
His exquisite rendering of ‘Down by the Araglin’ pays homage to the grandfather (also named Michael Brunnock) whose singing of this & other local ballads captivated those gathered around the fire in the family’s kitchen. The younger Brunnock has learned his craft well, deftly weaving fine lyric with powerful melody in a song like ‘Man Overboard’ in which an emigrant’s material success is contrasted with the treasure left behind.
In ‘Untouchable’, with Glen Hansard on guest vocals, Brunnock asks what it means to be a man, a warrior, a father; to live free in the modern world: Am I man enough to taste flesh burned to the bone? Gameboy hero, as I kill from a drone. Powerful melodies & angelic harmonies are driven by a strong personal vision on ‘Song of the Lark’, ‘Every Step’ and ‘Soft, White & Indigo’. Brunnock’s remarkable voice shines throughout, drawing the listener in with an authentic vision & Irish soul.
Brunnock established his solo career when he relocated to New York City over a decade ago, having performed through the 90s in Ireland with the bands “Little Palace” & “The Van Winkles” as well as with “Dead Can Dance’s Brendan Perry”. Since then he has toured extensively in the States, opening for “The Frames” & “The Swell Season” on recent sold out American tours, and has appeared on TV shows such as FOX 5?s ‘Fearless Music’.