Music at Madden’s Podcast #039 “El Paso, Belonging & Letting Go” with David Keenan
Music At Maddens PodcastShow Notes
In this episode, I’m joined in the Snug by singer-songwriter, storyteller, and truth-teller David Keenan. From the very first song he wrote as a 14-year-old growing up in Dundalk—El Paso—David reflects on identity, belonging, and finding his voice in a world where he often felt like an outsider.
We talk about the power of singing in your own accent, the influence of his grandfather, and how storytelling, poetry, and music became his way of making sense of the world. David also opens up about the pressures of the music industry, his personal struggles with mental health and addiction, and the journey toward healing, self-awareness, and letting go.
There’s a deep dive into his latest album Just For Today, recorded and released in a single day, capturing a raw, spontaneous energy that reflects where he is now—grounded, honest, and creatively free.
From grassroots gigs across Ireland to the mythology of the Cooley Peninsula, this is a conversation about reconnecting—with place, with people, and with yourself.
A powerful, honest, and deeply human chat with one of Ireland’s most compelling voices.
More from Music At Maddens Podcast
Lynette Fay is back in the snug at Madden’s for Episode 55, joined by one of Ireland’s most distinctive and celebrated traditional singers, "Karan Casey".Karan chats to Lynette about her journey through Irish music, from growing up in Waterford to her time in New York and her years as the lead singer of "Solas", before establishing an acclaimed career as a solo artist.They talk about the songs and stories that have shaped her, the importance of using music to tell meaningful stories, and a life spent performing and collaborating with musicians around the world.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Music at Madden’s for more conversations from the heart of Belfast’s traditional music scene.
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