About us

Without Willow, the acclaimed acoustic folk duo from Co Donegal, Ireland, are known for their hauntingly beautiful vocals and intricate guitar work. Drawing from acoustic folk, country and singer-songwriter traditions, Karen Kelly and Simon McCafferty create music that feels both deeply personal and refreshingly authentic.

Featured on RTÉ, Hot Press Magazine, and GoldenPlec Magazine, Without Willow has garnered widespread recognition for their music. Their debut album, Left Behind, released to critical acclaim in 2024, highlights their ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with rich harmonies and finely crafted arrangements, cementing their place as one of Ireland’s most promising emerging acts.

Without Willow has performed to sold-out audiences in Germany and Canada, leaving a lasting impression with their intimate live shows. Their songwriting has been recognized internationally, earning semi-finalist placements in the International Songwriting Competition (2019) out of 18000 entries and the UK Songwriting Contest (2022), as well as two finalist honors in the IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest.

Their self-titled debut EP, Without Willow, marked the beginning of their musical journey and remains available alongside their highly anticipated debut album, Left Behind, on all major platforms.

Their eagerly awaited new single Sink My Teeth releases January 10th.

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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