Maria McCormack – Singer/Songwriter & CEO of Over the West Online Radio
Maria McCormack is an accomplished singer/songwriter from Co. Donegal, Ireland, whose powerful voice and heartfelt songwriting have captivated audiences both nationally and internationally. Maria's musical journey began at the age of sixteen when she first started writing songs, and since then, her passion for music has blossomed into a remarkable career.
Maria released her debut album, I Choose to Love, in February 2019, which quickly gained recognition in the Irish music scene. The album reached number 3 on the RTÉ Radio One charts and received significant airplay across national and international stations. I Choose to Love features an impressive lineup of musicians, including Richie Buckley on saxophone, Declan McClafferty on guitars, Pat Crowley on piano, and Peadar Coll on guitar. The album was recorded and produced by Billy Robinson and Pat Crowley at the Groove Shack recording studio in Ramelton, Co. Donegal.
In November 2023, Maria released her highly anticipated second album, Matters of the Heart. Her unique sound and emotive lyrics have continued to resonate with listeners and solidify her place as one of Ireland’s most exciting and evocative artists.
Maria's music and vocal style have often drawn comparisons to iconic artists like Natalie Merchant and Juliet Turner. Her warm voice, combined with the lilt of her Donegal accent, creates a distinct and captivating sound. Critics have praised her emotive songwriting, with John Creedon of RTÉ Radio 1 noting, "reminds me of Juliet Turner and that's no bad thing. Fine voice and good songs." Paul McDevitt of Highland Radio calls her "an absolute breath of fresh air in the music world," while Noel Casey of Dublin City FM loves her "warm voice, with that gorgeous Donegal accent." Orla Crilly of Dundalk FM describes her as "one of Ireland's most emotive songwriters," whose voice "draws you right into the heart of each song."
Maria's live performances are a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. Recently, she performed as part of the *Wild Atlantic Women* at the Nollaig na mBan concert in Letterkenny. She also has an exciting lineup of events ahead, including performances at The Ghostlight Sessions in Ballybofey, Bridge of Song in Castlebar as a special guest for Matt McGinn, Clubeo in Gweedore, and several festivals to be announced. One of the highlights of the summer will be her performance at the Shorefront Stage in Arranmore Island in August, as part of an exciting series of events presented by Over the West Online Radio.
In addition to her music career, Maria is the CEO of Over the West Online Radio, a platform dedicated to promoting local and national music talent. The station is known for its dedication to fostering the music scene in Ireland and beyond, and Maria’s leadership continues to make it a significant force in the industry. Over the West has a range of exciting upcoming events, including performances at Arranmore Island, which promises to be a highlight of the summer.
With her undeniable talent and passion for music, Maria McCormack is an artist to watch, and her future is full of exciting possibilities. Stay tuned for more updates and performances from this rising star.