Praised for writing “bone-breakingly beautiful” music, known for his poignant lyricism and commanding stage presence, 27 year old Dublin folk artist and storyteller Kenan Flannery has built an undeniable live reputation. He has commanded major stages across Ireland and beyond, from his last completely sold-out Dublin headline show at The Cobblestone to high-profile support slots with international heavyweights like The White Buffalo, Amanda Shrines and John R. Miller.

This new chapter with his band, Kenan Flannery & The Will to Live, Flannery's traditional storytelling takes on an atmospheric, cinematic edge. This formidable international lineup brings a new wildness to the music, featuring Anthony Croft (UK) on violin, Gravedancer (USA) on mandolin and banjo, and Copper Kelly (Ireland) bass guitar.

Together, Kenan Flannery & The Will to Live bridge the gap between traditional grit and modern folk energy, delivering a transnational roots sound that is both deeply intimate and fiercely alive. They will make their debut as a band at What's Cookin' in London on the 2nd of December!

Kenan at his core is a storyteller for the damned and broken, writing heart-wrenching songs and stories with a voice “that hits you with the intensity of a hundred Irish poets and musicians”. He mixes his upbringing of Irish folk/ballad music from the likes of The Dubliners with his love of American folk music and has been compared to the likes of John Prine, Townes Van Zandt and Blaze Foley.