The three young women have known each other since childhood. Thanks to their parents, who drove them from one fleadh to another every week, they jammed with like-minded people as children. They picked up lots of musical ideas from all over Ireland. But they also had to compete musically against the best of their generation.
Emma Robinson, Alison Crossey and Joanna Boyle win Ulster or All Ireland Champion titles in their youth. In 2015, the time has come for them to found Briste. Briste means broken or broken in Gaelic. At the time, it simply suited their condition. A leg and arm in plaster plus two broken hearts. These are treated by a female band with super positive music. The young ladies have lots of exciting ideas for sophisticated vocal arrangements and fast-paced instrumentals.
Emma, Alison and Joanna live by the good old adage "broken glass brings happiness". Their music is positive and refreshing. The Briste sound has a healing effect. They are simply "the ladies they could not break".
Long before the term "women's quota" appeared on the intellectual horizon of our society, it was common in Irish folk music for women to provide a strong impetus. Initially as important individual performers. But there have not been many women's bands in the glorious history of Irish folk. Each of the three Briste ladies is a master of her instrument and all have a gifted voice. Ladies and gentlemen, here comes one of the most exciting female bands from Ireland. Curtain up - here comes Briste!
Their international career began in the USA. It is therefore no coincidence that some country and Americana finds its way into the repertoire. You can hear the American roots in the polyphonic vocals in particular. They recorded their fine debut album in 2022 with the Irish producer Dónal O'Connor.
Emma Robinson - Vocals, Bodhrán, Guitar
Alison Crossey - Vocals, Flute and Whistle
Joanna Boyle - Vocals, Banjo