About us

'LEFT BEHIND' The debut album from Without Willow is out now!!

Without Willow are an acoustic folk duo with an Americana twist from Co Donegal, Ireland. Drawing inspiration from both Irish and American country folk music, the pair consisting of Karen Kelly and Simon McCafferty blend haunting, heart felt vocals with beautiful, intricate guitar playing to create a distinctive sound that is truly their own.

They have also enjoyed success overseas having played sold out shows in Germany 2019 and Canada in 2022.

Their songwriting has got them to the finals of the IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest on two occasions as well as getting them to the semi finals of the International Songwriting Competition in 2019 out of 18000 entries and most recently the semi finals of the UK Song Contest in 2022.

Their self titled debut EP ‘Without Willow’ is available to buy and stream on all major online music outlets and they are very excited to announce their highly anticipated debut album 'Left Behind' is out now!

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Tour Dates :

If you would like to come and hear us live, check out our list of upcoming shows.

Upcoming Dates

  • " The track Lay Down Your Troubles includes the homespun wisdom and comfort that sometimes only music can provide. For those going through a hard time, and if only the timbre of acoustic guitars will do, check out the new track, you’re guaranteed to feel better after it

    - Hotpress Magazine, 2024

  • The album feels almost like a cross between Lana Del Rey and Turnpike Troubadours, blending a pensive tone with a folksy, Americana sound. A particular highlight is As Autumn Falls, which, as with the rest of the album, invites the listener to get lost in the music, the memories and the dreams. 

    - Graham Kelly Goldenplec Magazine

  • "Comprising Karen, a former qualified nurse with haunting vocals, and Simon, a graphic design student and virtuoso guitarist, Without Willow weaves passion and skill into emotive melodies, offering a diverse sound reflective of their backgrounds. The duo’s synergy produces a poignant exploration of the human experience.

    - Saoirse Murphy PureMZine

  • This album is a fine expression of their writing abilities, musicality and a superb vehicle on which to travel their work. Lyrical, clever and a very catchy melody, Irish shades of Simon and Garfunkel.

    -Anne Marie Kennedy Irish Music Magazine