• State Faces

    state.ie names its artists to look out for in the 12 months flowing from January each year, and accompanied by original photoshoots from our team of photographers.

Anna Mullarkey

Multi instrumentalist composer, performer and producer.

Anna Mullarkey photographed for State Faces by Leah Carroll

Have you always worked as a solo artist?

No, my solo project started three years ago and before that I started by playing with bands and still play with My Fellow Sponges, an original progressive folk band and a ska band called Big Jelly.

What benefits does it bring? And drawbacks?

Initially it was weird being on stage on my own, as I was used to playing with a band but over time that faded and I just get into the zone and am happy out. I can work where and when I want and have the opportunity to perform and collaborate with lots of different artists.

How is the music scene in Galway these days?

I think we are very lucky to have some really lovely venues, such as The Black Gate and The Roisin Dubh that host and support original music. There is an abundance of musical talent here.

What was the most memorable thing that happened to you in the past while?

I wrote music for the theatre show Selvage with James Riordan. It’s a one man show with a live electronic soundtrack. It’s energetic and emotive and was lots of fun to compose to. I also worked on a soundtrack for a theatre show called Are You There Una?, a piano based score with lots of ambient music, as well as another show called Nighland which was a more electronic score. Both were part of the Galway Theatre Festival.

What are your plans now?

Lots of composing. I will also start making my solo album and developing my live show with some visuals. I have some really nice gigs coming up so am going to work towards each one as they come.