In this engaging chat, Aoife O’Donovan, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, shares insights into her album 'All My Friends', inspired by suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt. She discusses the creative challenges of orchestrating her musical vision and the emotional themes of empowerment in her songs. Aoife explores the historical significance of suffrage in music and reflects on her musical upbringing, showcasing both her personal journey and the transformative power of collaboration. Tune in for delightful live performances that highlight her unique artistry!
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Album's Origin
Aoife O'Donovan's album "All My Friends" began as a 20-minute orchestral piece.
It was commissioned by the Orlando Philharmonic to honor the 19th Amendment.
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First Orchestral Work
Aoife O'Donovan had not written orchestral music before this project.
She collaborated with orchestrator Tanner Porter to bring her melodic and harmonic ideas to life.
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Inspiration for the Album
Aoife O'Donovan's album was inspired by suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt.
She found Catt's voice compelling while reading "The Woman's Hour" by Elaine Weiss.
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This book is part of the 'Old Moore's Horoscopes' series, providing detailed astrological predictions and insights for individuals born under the sign of Libra. It includes daily, weekly, and monthly forecasts, as well as general advice and guidance based on astrological readings.
Go Down, Moses
William Faulkner
Go Down, Moses is a collection of seven stories that together form a novel, telling the composite history of the McCaslin family and the residents of the plantation founded by Carothers McCaslin. The stories span generations, exploring themes such as slavery, racial relationships, family dynamics, and the connection between individuals and the natural world. Key stories include 'Was,' 'The Fire and the Hearth,' 'The Bear,' and 'Delta Autumn,' each contributing to the complex tapestry of the McCaslin family's history and the broader social and historical context of the American South before and after the Civil War.
The woman's hour
Elaine F. Weiss
Elaine Weiss's "The Woman's Hour" provides a detailed account of the final push for the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote in the United States. The book focuses on the intense political battles and personal sacrifices made by suffragists in the crucial years leading up to the amendment's ratification. Weiss masterfully weaves together the stories of key figures, highlighting their strategies, challenges, and unwavering determination. The narrative captures the drama and suspense of the campaign, revealing the complexities of the movement and the diverse perspectives within it. Ultimately, "The Woman's Hour" offers a compelling and insightful look at a pivotal moment in American history.
Today we have Aoife O’Donovan on the show who was nominated for two Grammy awards this year: Best Folk Album for her latest release, All My Friends, as well as Best American Roots Song for the album’s title track.
Aoife is a wonderfully prolific singer and songwriter from the Americana tradition—who also has an academic background, having studied improvisation at the New England Conservatory of Music. Her latest album is a gorgeous set of songs inspired by the life and work of suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt, and it celebrates the 100 year anniversary of women securing the right to vote in the United States.
In Aoife’s conversation with Bruce Headlam on today’s episode you’ll hear her perform some songs live and hear her talk about how this project crystallized for her, and some of the challenges it posed.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Aoife O’Donovan songs HERE.
Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond 
