SHANNON musician David Hope has released a new song inspired by the beauty of Co Clare.
David’s new song ‘What’s the point’ was commissioned by Clare County Council as part of its Flexible Outdoor Structures project, designed to bring unique, artistic experiences to outdoor spaces throughout the county.
These flexible structures, which can be set up at festivals and events, will host performances like the one captured in the music video for the new song, filmed against the stunning backdrops of Clare’s natural landscapes.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, David explained of the project, “The song’s title is a play on words in so far as the title ‘what’s the point’ represents the overarching question of life which is ‘what’s it all about’ but it also refers to ‘The Point,’ the local area in Shannon along the estuary”.
Siobhán Mulcahy, Clare’s Arts Officer, expressed her excitement about the project, saying, “We were delighted to commission David as he is a wonderfully engaging performer on stage. The video, produced by Damien O’Rourke of Cuppa Tea TV, really enhances the overall concept, and we look forward to seeing and hearing the song performed throughout the county”.
The song’s creation was funded under the Per Cent for Art Scheme, which encourages public engagement with contemporary art. The scheme, which is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, and the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, aligns with the Outdoor Public Space Scheme. This initiative provides flexible outdoor structures for one-off events, ensuring that the arts remain accessible to the public across the county.
Hope expressed gratitude for the support he received in making the song a reality, including the work of Keelin Kenny, who engineered and produced the track. He also thanked Damien O’Rourke for his creative direction on the video, acknowledging the nerves that came with being commissioned for such a personal project. “It’s an honor, but I was nervous,” he admitted. “This is for the people of Clare, and I really hope they find their own meaning and inspiration in it”.
