Fundraising concert to support Mayo band's debut album

A young Mayo band are working on recording and releasing their debut album and they're asking to entertain you to help realise their ambition.

'Lost in Space', the debut single from MacHenry and The Dog Roses, received a great reception when released last November.

Now lead singer Ethan Henry (18) and his bandmates want to take their music a step further.

'Lost in Space' was written about someone Ethan knew who suffered with dementia. The band, he says, pride themselves on writing original music that can truly resonate with people.

The band are fundraising to meet their ambition to record and release their debut album this summer, with a 'GoFundMe Concert' in Tooreen taking place on Saturday, March 1, at 8 p.m. They will be joined by lots of local talent who will be able to showcase their music on the night too, including singer/songwriters Liam Foody, Bandjaxed, Joanne Gallagher, Daire Caulfield and Magda.

Admission to the concert is free, with an area for people to donate if they wish. There's also a raffle with great prizes sponsored by local businesses.

There's also a GoFundMe page for people who may not be able to make it on the night but would still like to donate: https://gofund.me/6207468e.

Ethan Henry, a Leaving Cert student, and talented musicians Victoria and Elizabeth Burcovschi, make up the trio that is folk band MacHenry and The Dog Roses.

Ethan explained what music and songwriting means to him: “I see it as a form of therapy, a break from the world, a way I can share my thoughts and feelings on different topics and issues, and not only help myself but also help others who are maybe going through something similar in life.”

He got the bug from listening to his dad singing at barbecues at home when family and friends were around. “This showed me the power of music, how it brought all my family together in one place. Consequently I started learning guitar and then writing original songs.”

He continued: “I can still remember the first time I performed for people in May of 2024. Our school was having a launch night for a book and I was asked to perform at it.

“I played a song I wrote about someone close to me who suffers with dementia, and what I was feeling in that situation. There was students, teachers and parents all listening and the song got a great reception.

“This pushed me to enter the song in the national song competition, The Night and Day Fest. My song, ‘Lost in Space’, ended up winning the junior category and the prize was a day recording in a studio in Dublin and a chance to play at the festival.”

The band recorded two songs at a studio in Dublin last September, releasing ‘Lost in Space’ in November.

The experience opened Ethan's eyes as to expenses involved in recording music, and this fundraiser will be used to hire a studio, musicians, mastering, artwork for the album and getting it pressed.

Ethan says of his bandmates: “I am extremely lucky to have two of the most talented musicians I know with me, Victoria and Elizabeth Burcovschi. They have been right by my side every step of the way and honestly I couldn’t do this without them.

“I do realise that is it tougher nowadays to make it in the music industry. The younger you are the better chance you have at succeeding.

“I honestly believe that if we don’t go for it now, that our chance may pass us by. We really want to share our music with the world, and in doing so hopefully make it even a small bit better.”

Ethan paid tribute to everyone who has supported them on their journey to date.