M'ANAM: A Journey of Evolution and Exploration

To mark the fifth anniversary of the debut album by M'ANAM, a special edition is set to release on October 12th, 2024, complete with new edits and added tracks that weren’t on the original album. This is more than just a remastering – it’s a reflection of how far the group has come over the past five years.

Available on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and all other streaming platforms.

M'ANAM was originally formed in 2017, beginning as an Irish based male vocal group with a strong emphasis on Irish texts and themes comprised of singers primarily from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with performances deeply rooted in Irish cultural identity.

Even at that stage, Michael McGlynn, the founder of M'ANAM, Systir and Anúna, felt there was something missing. "Right from the beginning, I was looking for something more than just Irish-centric material. The themes I explore in my music are universal, and I needed to find a way to make that broader."

This search for cultural flexibility found its resolution in McGlynn's connection to Iceland and beyond. Having visited the country in 2015, he was struck by its landscapes and cultural parallels with Ireland.

The Album: A Story of Adaptation and Reflection

The release of M'ANAM’s debut album in 2019 was transformative, drawing on Irish, Italian, Cajun and Icelandic traditions, blending them into something truly unique. The tracks spanned an eclectic range of influences, and the improvisational elements made each recording session an exploration in itself.

Much of the recording took place at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, a legendary venue where Anúna had previously recorded some of its most iconic albums. "It was quite surreal to be back in that space, but this time with a group that was heading in a completely different direction," McGlynn explains. Brian Masterson, who worked with McGlynn throughout the process, brought his expertise to shaping the sound. "Brian helped us bring to life something that wasn’t easily defined – we had improvisational pieces, songs that had only ever been sketched out. In the studio, we built these songs from the ground up. That was incredibly liberating."

One of the standout tracks on the album is Bitter Wind, a haunting song about an Irish monk reflecting on the stormy night that will, for now, keep the Viking invaders at bay. The extended version of this track, included on the special edition, captures the raw emotion and the "uncertain safety" that permeates the piece. The layers of sound build an atmosphere of suspense and relief, but with the ever-present fear of the unknown future.

One of the most significant shifts in M'ANAM’s recording process was the emphasis on improvisation. "Anúna had always been meticulously planned and notated. But with M'ANAM, I allowed more freedom in the studio," McGlynn reflects. "We would enter with ideas – sometimes just fragments – and build the pieces during the sessions. It was a completely different way of working."

This improvisational approach didn't just shape the debut album but had a ripple effect on McGlynn’s work with Anúna and the female ensemble Systir. "The freedom we found in M'ANAM bled into everything else. Anúna’s most recent album, Eilífð, has traces of that improvisational spirit. The same goes for Systir. It’s fascinating to see how these groups, which orbit each other, end up influencing one another in unexpected ways."

The members of M'ANAM have each experienced their journey with the group in different ways. Ben Mahns-Mardy, who joined M'ANAM more recently, brings a positive energy to the ensemble. He is a professional singer and a successful voiceover artist in Leipzig, Germany, and adds a fresh perspective to the group. "M'ANAM’s music feels like nature – sometimes harsh and rugged, other times gentle and still. There’s a mixture of emotions here that aligns with the landscapes we sing about. It’s raw, emotional, and always evolving."

Andy Boushell, a classically trained tenor with a master's degree in ethnomusicology, sees M'ANAM as the perfect place to reconcile his passion for classical music and his fascination with ethnomusicological traditions. "There’s a hunger in this group for more – more diversity, more voices, and more music. It’s a space that allows you to bring everything you’ve learned to the table and keep growing. And the energy from everyone here is infectious."

2025 and Beyond: A New Chapter for M'ANAM

Looking toward the future, McGlynn acknowledges that the re-release of M'ANAM’s debut album feels like both a closing chapter and the beginning of something new. "This album feels complete now, but it also points to where we’re heading. We’re not finished exploring what M'ANAM can be – if anything, this is the springboard to a whole new phase for the group."

McGlynn also reflects on the role of M'ANAM in relation to its sister ensembles, Anúna and Systir. "All three groups are part of the same family. They influence each other, and the work we’re doing now is deeply interconnected. I see 2025 as a year where we’ll expand on those connections even further, particularly with Systir’s rapid development and the continued evolution of Anúna."

As for M'ANAM’s future projects, McGlynn remains tight-lipped, but he hints at some exciting developments. "There are big ideas on the horizon, and the next album is going to be something special. But for now, I’m thrilled that we can offer a new version of our debut album to the world. It’s a chance for people to experience M'ANAM in a fuller, more complete way."

The Future of M'ANAM

In 2024, the group toured the Netherlands again, reconnecting with their Dutch audience after several years of absence due to the pandemic. "The response we received was incredible. We were worried that our audience might have moved on, but they were there, welcoming us back with open arms. It really gave us a sense of purpose and direction moving forward."

M'ANAM also embarked on their first tour of Canada earlier this year, a long-awaited venture that had been delayed by the pandemic. "Canada was extraordinary. We were finally able to bring M'ANAM’s sound to a whole new audience, and it was an unforgettable experience. Hopefully, we’ll be back soon."

As McGlynn reflects on the future, he acknowledges that the path forward is always uncertain. "M'ANAM’s future has always been uncertain, but that’s part of what makes it so exciting. We live in the moment, with one eye on the past and one on the future. That philosophy has carried us through, and it will continue to guide us."

The journey of M'ANAM is far from over. With new projects on the horizon and the continued evolution of its sound, the next chapter promises to be just as transformative as the last.

Track Listing for the New Edition of the Album

  1. Mo Ghille Mear (My Gallant Lad) – Single Version

  2. Bitter Wind – Extended Version

  3. The Hound's Cry – Extended Version

  4. Ag Iascaireacht (Fishing)

  5. Gunnarshólmi

  6. The Sheep Stealer

  7. Bandó Ribineann

  8. Victimae – Single Version

  9. Blackbird – Extended Version

  10. Deyr Fé (Cattle Die) – Special Edit

  11. Celeuma

  12. Ardaigh Cuan (The Heights of Cushendun)

  13. M'ANAM (My Soul)

  14. La Chanson de Mardi Gras

  15. Tenebrae