Cormac Neeson Biography

Cormac Neeson, the lead singer of Northern Irish Rock band The Answer, blazed the road to rock ‘n’ roll glory for the better part of a decade, touring the world, sharing stage supports with the likes of AC/DC and The Rolling Stones, achieving both fan and peer respect as not only an outstanding vocalist but a consummate performer. Yet, recessed deep within his creative subconscious lay his Dylan destiny, a Celtic ‘knowing’ that constantly gnawed for release from the straight jacket of rock ‘n’ roll.

It is well documented that The Answer’s last record Solas in 2016 arrived unexpectedly, borne from moments of solitude, darkness and desperation. This was in part inspired by Neeson’s journey from the edge of personal trauma as he overcame his first-born son Dabhog’s premature, life-threatening and complicated birth. Following Solas, Neeson decided it was finally time to reach for something different.

Following three intensive song writing trips to the US over a period of 15 months, his debut album was recorded in Nashville at the legendary Studio 19, now the Sound Kitchen. Cormac immersed himself in the rich musical history of both the studio and the city, channelling a re-energised creativity working with some of the finest Nashville musicians including Steve Grossman on drums (Gibson Miller band, India Arie), Doug Kahan on bass (Cody Johnson) and John Heinrich on Pedal Steel (Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, and Tammy Wynette). Following the album tracking, he returned to complete dubbing and mixing in Belfast where he brought in some of Northern Ireland’s finest musicians to help with final arrangements. The result is a powerful blend of two diverse and rich musical cultures, a Celtic Nashville concoction connected by Neeson’s unique vocal tones and song writing prowess, performing songs co-written with leading US and Nashville Country songwriters, including 2016 Tennessee songwriter of the year Corey Lee Barker; Steve O Brien, Blue Miller, Chase Akers, Blake Densmore and Allen McKendree Palmer who between them have sold in excess of 30 million songs!

White Feather, Neeson’s debut solo album released in April 2019, charted at #4 in the UK National Country Rock album charts. It is an album written by an artist recording and performing with shackles truly cast aside. Neeson has propelled himself into the life affirming world of the singer-songwriter with a series of beautifully crafted, introspective songs that draw on a recent past that has served up its fair share of challenges and heartache. Cormac Neeson has shed a skin, revealing something about himself that defies all previous perception. In the acclaimed words of Dylan, he has decided that everyone should see what he knows about himself.

In February 2019, Neeson proudly became a brand ambassador for the learning disability charity, Mencap NI, a partnership that stemmed from Mencap’s instant connection with the lyrics of the song Broken Wing. “Songs such as Broken Wing reaffirms his status as one of Ireland’s finest singers; this musical detour delivers in spades.” – Hot Press

“I am so looking forward to hearing this ‘Celtic Nashville concoction’ and listening to more of Cormac Neeson’s story!”