Preserving the music of a culture - Irish Pub Songs

I was listening to a cassette of Irish pub songs by The Dubliners on the way to work, and it brought up some memories. I started the Bard's Celtic Lyric Directory for two reasons: one, to preserve traditional Celtic songs in the new format, MP3; and two, (always the marketer) to establish ourselves as the forerunner of traditional Celtic songs in this format. To some degree, I've kinda been successful too.

But it's interesting to think that once upon a time (and still today), The Dubliners inspired countless people to explore their musical heritage and listen to traditional Celtic songs. And here, we're kinda doing the same.

I found this same tape at Half-Price Books for just five bucks, and I've seen others there and elsewhere at the same price. Heck, the title Songs of Ireland came from my desire to try and enter that same market. Sadly, we don't have the distribution available that the major labels have to do the same.

Which raises another interesting question. I wonder if The Dubliners even receive a penny in royalties for that album or if they just get the publicity?

Not saying they get that either, considering this tape didn't even list The Dubliners name at all. I had to hunt it down online to find out who was performing on the tape.

Well the album is well worth the money. It's a bit short, but I love the live feel to the album. You learn when to sing-a-long and when not to. It's fantastic! That's what I hoped to capture with Songs of Ireland, Irish Folk and Pub Songs CD. Hopefully, our next CD Real Men Wear Kilts will do even better, but only time will tell.

Meantime, I'm happy that we can help preserve the music and share it with a new generation of Celtic music lovers!