The “Ten Years On And She Still At The Feckin’ Music, Isn’t She Very Brave All The Same, In This Economy” Tour sees Langford celebrate a decade since a home-recorded video of her song Tug O’ War — filmed on a broken iPad in her childhood bedroom — went viral and launched her career. The then 26-year-old subsequently crowdfunded her debut EP off the back of the public response, and never looked back.
In the ten years since, Emma has built a substantial career on her own terms — touring internationally across Germany, Switzerland, the USA, Austria, Denmark and beyond, and sharing stages with Moya Brennan, Eimear Noone, Wallis Bird and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, among others. Her debut album Quiet Giant earned her the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Award for Best Emerging Artist in 2018, and she received a Grammy nod in 2021. Her second album, Sowing Acorns, produced ballad ‘The Winding Way Down to Kells Bay’ and the a cappella anthem ‘Birdsong’, the latter delivering a standout moment when performed live on the Tommy Tiernan Show on RTÉ.
A diagnosis of autism in 2021 proved a turning point personally and professionally. Langford has since spoken openly about neurodivergence, using her platform to advocate for understanding and acceptance. “I’d nearly given up music so many times, because it always felt like I didn’t quite fit,” she has said. “But I know now more than ever how important it is to be here, to be visible, to take a seat at the table – and to do it on your own terms.”
Her live shows — witty, warm and laced with folk tales — have drawn comparisons to Janis Ian, Joan Baez and Ani DiFranco. A new album is in the works, described as a clarion call addressing social injustice and lesser-known women in history and mythology.
The dates are:
Thursday June 11 – Dolans Warehouse.
Thursday June 18 – Greyhound Bar, Kilkee, Co. Clare
Friday June 19 – Lansdowne Hotel, Kenmare, Co. Kerry