Going Coastal: Maija Sofia w/ George Houston and Sarah Brookfield The Black Gate

Maija Sofia

Growing up semi-feral in a landlocked part of rural Galway, songwriter Maija Sofia's childhood solitude instilled an early devotion to storytelling. Detangling the weirdness, joy and bewilderment of existing, her music alchemises both the intimate and the overwhelming into striking singular songs. Living nomadically between various places and writing mostly at night, Maija’s lyrics channel nocturnal moments of late-night revelation, carrying a dark folkloric edge and the wistful romance of new wave pop. Paired with a preference for analogue instrumentation and off-kilter arrangements, her sound recalls the innovative worlds of Aldous Harding and Kate Bush or the experimental folk of Shirley & Dolly Collins.

"A real timeless quality is rare in so much of modern music, but the delicate timbre of Maija Sofia's music is impossible to ascribe to particular moment. She doesn't occupy an easily identifiable space - there are few genres which could accurately pinpoint her sound - and the ease with which she weaves grand tales of mythos into short and delicate folk tunes suggests a true finesse. Her subject matter is seldom trivial - abuse, mythological stories, feminism and loss are considered with a confident serenity." - Andrea Cleary, The Irish Times

George Houston

Donegal singer songwriter George Houston has gone from stride to effortless stride following the release of his debut single Boo Fucking Hoo in September 2020. Since then he has release two albums, Cold Toast and Undesired, cementing his distinctive sound of brooding vocals, airy harmonies and candid lyrics. A singer whose live reputation precedes him and who has already, at a young age, shared the stage with the likes of Duke Special, John Doherty, In Their Thousands, Tramp, Ciaran Lavery and Hothouse Flowers. This is an artist on the rise and one certainly not to be missed.

"Fantastically original voice... a rising star in Irish music" - Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, RTÉ Folk on One

Sarah Brookfield

Headford songwriter Sarah Brookfield has been stunning audiences since her days in Galway 2020 youth music project Livefeed. No stranger to the stage, Sarah is now studying songwriting at the prestigious BIMM Institute Dublin and returns to Galway to open this very special concert.

Going Coastal is a festival of contemporary original music featuring young, emerging and established acts from the western edge of Ireland. It takes place over five days, from November 15 - 19, across nine venues in Galway City and includes events curated by The Black Gate, A Modern Movement, Free House, Strange Brew, West Coast Punx, Gash Collective, Ar Ais Arís, Rough Cut, Yawlag Collective, That’s Life, Genuine Irish and Livefeed.

The aim of Going Coastal is to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable vision for independent music on the western edge of Ireland... one that supports emerging artists, celebrates local music heritage, and connects artists, promoters and enthusiasts from across the region.

Going Coastal is funded by Galway City Council and the Galway City Creative Ireland Programme, with support from the Galway County Creative Ireland Programme and Flirt FM.

Going Coastal is presented by Not Bad & The Black Gate. For more info, and to stay in the loop, visit www.notbad.ie