Irish folk/ballad singer-songwriter
At the Irish Openair Toggenburg he will be performing as a duo with Courtney O'Connor.
Wayne Brereton is a folk and ballad singer-songwriter from County Offaly in Ireland. He started playing guitar in live bands at the age of fourteen and discovered his love of ballad, folk and traditional music as a key member of the band Turas of his father. Today, he is not only a bassist and backing vocalist for Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones active, but also frontman of his own, increasingly popular band The Cardinal Sins.
Wayne calls Luke Kelly, Shane McGowan, Christy Moore and of course his multi-talented father as his biggest influences. He speaks fluent Gaelic and also worked as a tour guide at the famous Kilmainham Gaol - which reinforces his deep connection to Irish music and culture.
Wayne's grandmother Minnie was born in Scotland and brought up by Irish parents. She returned to Ireland in 1932 at the age of 16. This family connection shaped Wayne's closeness to Scottish and Australian folk music - the latter stemming from relatives who emigrated to Australia at the beginning of the 20th century.
His collection of songs was created over many years, inspired by travel, musical role models and his love of the Irish language - but also shaped by personal challenges: When the project began in 2019, Wayne suffered a setback due to a congenital heart defect. A heart valve that had been implanted in him in 1995 suddenly failed. During the pandemic, he went six weeks without visiting the hospital - an emotional strain. However, he returned to life stronger in February 2021 and completed his debut album The Robin's Call.
The album title was inspired by both grandmothers, who described the robin as a strong, resilient animal that always returns to its place of origin. In local folklore, a robin in the garden means that a deceased person is saying "hello" - a sign of comfort.
Wayne says:
"It was a victory for me to finish this album despite all the hurdles. I hope the songs touch you as much as they did me."
Following the independent release of the mini-album The Robin's Call In 2023, the US label Singular Recordings became aware of him. His first full album will be released in the fall and features contributions from well-known Irish musicians who appreciate his songs and lyrics: Niamh Varian Barry (already on the single The Robin to hear), Noriana Kennedy (The Whileaways), John Doyle (Solas / Karan Casey) and the Irish songwriting legend John Spillane are included.
In addition to his solo work, Wayne is also involved in transatlantic songwriting projects - including with Americana/folk artists such as Van Plating.
More new music will be released in the coming months - featuring Wayne's unmistakable voice from the Irish Midlands - as a precursor to his debut album.
Wayne is supported by Courtney O'Connora classical violinist and singer who teaches at the music school in the Irish Midlands. She has been an active musician for many years and is known for her melodic violin solos and harmonious vocal parts.
Sit back and enjoy!