Discovering Clare Cunningham: An Inspiring Journey of Music, Faith, and Mental Health Advocacy

By: Annah Marcelle, Singer-Songwriter
May 22, 2024

Introduction

Today I'm so excited to introduce you all to Clare Cunningham, an award-winning singer-songwriter from Collon, Ireland. Known for her raspy, soulful voice, Clare spans multiple genres and uses her platform to advocate for mental health. She has had the amazing experience of collaborating with legends like Garth Brooks and Steve Earle and recently made a notable debut at the Grand Ole Opry! Her journey from classical training in childhood to leading the Swedish rock band Thundermother and now captivating U.S. audiences is truly inspiring. Today, we'll explore her impactful work and dedication to music, mental health, and her cultural roots.

I first met Clare in a Facebook group for independent artists. I was curating a playlist called Indie Girls 2024 to spotlight female independent artists from the group, and Clare's song "Microscope" immediately caught my attention. I absolutely love the track and urge everyone to go take a listen! Now, let's get to know Clare Cunningham.

---

Interview with Clare Cunningham

Can you tell us about your musical journey and how you got started in the industry?

Music was in my bones since the womb! I started playing classical piano at 6 and made it all the way to grade 8. My first public performance was singing at my first holy communion in church at 7 and this led to singing in church choirs and school plays.

Writing poetry from a very young age was the beginnings of what then became songwriting. I self taught guitar at 16 and that’s really where I was able to take the songs I was writing onto the stage.

Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?

Michael Jackson was my biggest influence. Garth Brooks, John Denver, Alanis Morrisette, Christy Moore and AC/DC were others who influenced me.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

There wasn't a particular person or thing who made me want to pursue music - I believe it was in my bones from Day 1. However, Michael Jackson really inspired me, both lyrically and professionally.

Can you describe your creative process when writing and composing music?

Before I came to know the holy spirit I used to write with intention and book writing sessions and pre-plan the subject matter and it almost felt clinical. Then the pandemic hit and it was the same year I handed my life over to Jesus and songs just started flowing out of me. If I get an urge to sit down by my piano or guitar I know I’m being a vessel to a message coming through. These are the best writes - I usually get a full song, music and lyrics between 10-30 minutes. Both the music and melody come together too.

Where do you find inspiration for your songs?

My own life stories, struggles, experiences and whatever the holy spirit puts on my heart. Being a mental and brain health advocate the inspiration comes from wanting to help those around me.

Do you have a favorite place or environment where you like to create music?

My car sees more songs written than any other place!! But whenever inspiration arises it doesn't matter where I am I am obedient and will stop what I'm doing and write!

You mentioned that you’ve got shows and festivals lined up, but certainly none more significant than performing at the Grand Ole Opry for the ICMA awards this month! Can you tell us how that opportunity came about and how you felt when you found out you’d be performing?

I've been very blessed to be nominated as “New Artist of the Year” at this year's inspirational country music awards’ (ICMA) and so they have also invited me to perform on the night as well. I was delighted and feel very honored as I just had my debut last March so to be back in that circle again feels incredible.

What are you most looking forward to about performing at such an iconic venue like the Grand Ole Opry?

It’s such an amazing vibe there and the staff are incredible and I’m looking forward to just bringing my lord and saviour to the stage in song!

How do you prepare for big performances like the ICMA awards? Any pre-show rituals or routines?

As this is a duet it requires some rehearsals and this will be the first time we ever song it live so there’s definitely more that goes into it. We only just wrote and recorded it so it’s definitely a first for me doing something so new on such a big stage haha!

Who have you enjoyed collaborating with the most, and why?

So so so many people - and not only in Nashville but in my time in the band I fronted when I lived in Sweden (Thundermother) many years ago too. Too many to individually name but a highlight was getting to duet with Steve Earle at The Grand Ole Opry as part of my debut with “Galway Girl”, a song I grew up on.

Is there a dream collaboration you have in mind for the future?

I mean - if he was still alive Michael Jackson would be hands down number 1 but I’ve always said Chris Stapleton!

What has been your most memorable performance to date?

My Opry debut for sure! Most magical day/night of my life and the fact that Garth Brooks showed up and surprised us is with Trisha Yearwood and performed too - it doesn’t get better than that!

What are the biggest challenges you've faced in the music industry?

Being authentic and sticking to that no matter how many times I was told to ‘just do it this way and THEN when you’re successful do it YOUR way’. I’ll never sell my soul to the devil for fame or any notoriety. It’s not why I do this.

Not to play the female card but especially when I was in the rock industry it was so male dominated, you were never taken as seriously because you weren’t a male. Getting paid my worth. That's still a challenge I face. I’ve always disliked the talk around what I should charge but when it became a full time business that plays a huge part.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

Be YOURSELF first and foremost.. I encourage aspiring musicians to do what you LOVE. You will be much happier and so will those around you because you will radiate! Why choose a job or a partner or a lifestyle that keeps you in a place of unhappiness or unrest? I understand that not everybody has the luxury of following their passions and sometimes a lack of financial abundance can keep you from doing what you want but be on the pathway that gets you closer to that. NEVER give up. As somebody who did (and trust me it wasn't easy) I decided to silence out the noise and negativity around me and I now find myself in a place in life where I love waking up and absolutely Iove what I do. I want to make a difference and impact in this world and my platform allows me to do this so I feel completely grateful and blessed. You owe it to yourself to be happy and this has a great effect also on your mental health and well-being.

Lastly, I encourage everybody to stay true to themselves. You have a holy spirit inside of you that is so alive and guides you. This has got nothing to do with religion and everything to do with you as a creation. When you have a ‘gut’ feeling about something (good or bad) listen to it. We all have our own inner workings and nobody else can feel what you feel. I also encourage you to never succumb to doing things that makes those around you happy but leaves you feeling the opposite. You will be left with an empty shell of yourself and feel lost. Let those around you find their own way. We can not be held responsible for how other people feel or act. Always tend to your own needs and wants first and create a balance within yourself, so that you can be the best version of yourself for those around you.

Listen to your inner voice and you won't go wrong!

What can fans expect from you in the coming months? Any new projects or tours on the horizon?

I’m always on the go and got a lot of new music coming up and a whole new project which will unravel in due time! Stay tuned! Touring wise some festivals and pop up shows too.

How do you think performing at the Grand Ole Opry and the ICMA awards will impact your career?

I never look at these moments as career building which I guess in a way they are as I just live each day (and show) as it comes and if something should arise from it then it’s a bonus!

Who are you most excited to see or meet at the ICMA awards this year?

This is my first year attending, being nominated and performing so I’m very new to the ICMAs so I guess I’ll be excited to meet everybody and enjoy the full experience.

Are there any other creative ventures you’re interested in exploring?

More collaborations with rappers and fusing my style with other genres! That excites me!

You can check out more of Clare Cunningham on her website, socials, and more!