Not everybody has access to such collaborators as Luka Bloom, Damien Dempsey, and Davy Spillane on their debut album. But when you meet Steo Wall for the first time, you quickly understand why such legendary musicians wanted to join him on Where I’m From. A sound bloke, quick to laugh, with a rich Dublin accent and the wit to go with it. Steo mixes traditional Irish folk with some contemporary Irish rap. He brings us on a journey from the badlands of Dublin’s working-class housing estates to the beauty of Ireland’s west coast. Growing up in Dublin gave Steo a grounding in rap, “Though I was more Toothpick then Tupac”, he jokes. But it also saw him lose friends and family members to prison and drugs. Steo left Dublin for Co. Clare in 2012 and started working as a fish smoker in Lisdoonvarna. He quickly immersed himself in the vibrant local music scene of North and West Clare.
“Irish Soul Music”
Even before he launched Where I’m From in the summer of 2018, Steo Wall had caught the attention of Damien Dempsey, who calls Steo’s work “Irish soul music”. He quickly found himself out on the road with Dempsey as the opening act on a nationwide tour. Steo has also opened for Christy Dignam and Joe Jewell from Aslan as well as Declan O’Rourke and Mick Flannery. In October 2018 Steo was asked to perform as part of the RTÉ Radio1 inaugural folk awards in Vicar Street and in 2019 he was asked to sing “Rainy Night in Soho” as part of Irelands Favourite Folk Song airing on RTÉ TV. Since the launch of Where I’m From, Steo has headlined Doolin Folk Festival, K-fest, Feile NASC, and the RTÉ Simply Folk stage at the All Together Now Festival. He also continues to play theaters and venues across Ireland. When he is not out on the road performing, Steo works as a music teacher for traveller men in Ennis and only paused when the Covid-19 shut down the music scene.
What they say about Steo Wall
“I’ve been hearing Steo Wall these past few years and his songs and singing are unique. He comes from the tradition with a contemporary feel to his singing. Steo Wall is worth a good listen.” Christy Moore
“Streetwise and sentimental, Steo’s gritty Dublin rap and folksy heart-on-sleeve love songs are definitely en vogue. The input of Luka Bloom and Damien Dempsey adds a professional polish to an uncut diamond.” Eamon Carr, Horslips.
“Steo Wall is set to join the likes of Damien Dempsey and Shane McGowan as pioneering voice in Irish folk music.” Peter McGoran, Hot Press
