From an early age, Louis taught himself recording techniques through the use of an old Apple Mac G4 computer, a free version of ProTools 7 LE recording software, and a MBox Mini audio interface. Tucked away in a shed at the bottom of his parents garden built by his dad, insulated with carpet and polystyrene, Louis recorded his own songs as well as friends, learning how to play multiple instruments and understand song arrangement and production. Many years of studying music, sound engineering and writing songs followed, and it wasn’t until he finished his music degree in 2018 that he felt in the right place to release some of his songs…

Black Water is an unfiltered album of raw material. Recorded live to a Revox A77 2-track Reel to reel tape machine, this format leaves nothing hidden and delivers organic emotion to your ears.

“At the time I was binge-listening to Springsteen’s Nebraska album and I loved the sound of it. That had a big effect on how we approached the recording process. We wanted to capture the songs in a way where the listening experience would feel as alive as possible like you could hear the furniture in the room kind of thing. And the songs were young and vulnerable, which is how I wanted my first album to be. I imagine looking back on it in years to come thinking that sounds like me at the time.”

” There are a few reasons why I called the album Black Water. One of which is the Blackwater River here in Ireland, which starts in Kerry, cuts through North Cork and meets the sea in west Waterford. An area steeped in history yet so much of it overlooked, with little effort to preserve or restore. I have come across a lot of hidden treasures in the Blackwater valley, it’s a great place to go for an adventure. Just before the key was turned on the lockdown, me and Rory went to the source of the river which was a pretty cool marshy place. And by the first bridge over the Blackwater stands a solitary house decorated with ancient black bog oak scattered around the garden.”

A year after the release of Black Water and eager to perform, Louis created a YouTube series called Live from the Van. The series began by recording each song from the album live from his self-built van and developed into a unique and portable way of recording local artists in a location of their choice.

Due for release in 2024, Louis’ sophomore album was recorded in Glasgow with the help of renowned songwriter/producer Boo Hewerdine and sound-engineers Mark Freegard and Jamie Savage (Chem19 Studio). Adding instrumental magic are Louis Abbot of Admiral Fallow, Euan Burton, Tom Gibbs, Neill MacColl, Rory McCarthy and Seonaid Aitken.