Group that includes Tipperary musician has hit the top of the charts again

Irish Folk Americana group, The Raines, have again reached the top spot on the iTunes singles chart with their latest release ‘North Ohio’.

This original track encapsulates the essence of the band’s signature sound, weaving a narrative of seeking solace and anonymity in a small American town and includes a special guest appearance by Derek Murray from Irish group The Stunning, who plays electric guitar on the track.

The Galway-based trio are Clonmel woman Ruth Dillon, Juliana Erkkonen and Yvonne Tiernan.

Ruth Dillon (vocals, guitar and ukulele), who has toured and recorded with the legendary vocalist Dolores Keane, is a former member of The Molly Hicks, and has recorded three solo albums. One of five children, she was born and raised in Clonmel and her brother is the renowned artist and puppeteer Des Dillon.

Juliana Erkkonen (fiddle and vocals) has been at the forefront of the Americana music scene in Ireland and has released eight albums with a diverse range of acts.

Yvonne Tiernan (vocals, ukulele), meanwhile, has toured the world with numerous bands, most notably as lead singer with The Chieftains, and is the wife of comedian, television presenter and actor Tommy Tiernan.

The group have been on the go for five years now and their debut album ‘Reverie’ was released to great acclaim last year, as were the number one singles ‘Another Lover’, ‘Love is Sublime (til it draws out its gun)’ and ‘Always Snow on the Mountain’.
The latest release ‘North Ohio’ tells the story of someone longing to escape the familiarity of home, yearning to disappear to a small town far away.

The song’s evocative lyrics and melody transport the listener, a testament to The Raines’ ability to tell a great story through song.

It was recorded, mixed and mastered by renowned producer Paul Mulligan, whose credits include work with legends such as John Prine and Anais Mitchell.

As well as Derek Murray’s guest appearance from Irish rock group The Stunning, Sam Wright also features on electric bass, adding a rich, resonant layer to the already captivating soundscape.

The Raines, known for their soulful harmonies and heartfelt performances, continue to captivate audiences with their authentic and compelling music.

‘North Ohio’ is a perfect example of their ability to blend traditional folk elements with contemporary Americana, creating a sound that is both timeless and refreshingly original.

The single has been released across all major streaming platforms.

The group were on the Hidden Sounds stage at the Alltogether Now Festival in Waterford last weekend, and their current tour will also take them to Westport and Ennistymon this month, with more dates around the country scheduled for September, November and December (see theraines.ie for full details of those shows).