Hoaretraits Ep. 13: Zeitgeist Irland 24 artist Joey Gavin

Hoaretraits is a series by photographer and podcaster Neil Hoare, that presents contemporary Irish artists that are part of Zeitgeist Irland 24 – the year’s cultural programme of contemporary arts from Culture Ireland and the Embassy of Ireland in Germany. Conceived of by Hoare as ‘audio portraits’, the podcasts explore, from the perspectives of the individual artists, themes of creativity, imagination and craft. The podcast features conversations with a diverse range of Irish artists living in both Ireland and Germany.

For Episode 13, Neil talks with Joey Gavin, an Irish musician and songwriter whose work blends folk sensibilities with experimental sounds. Known for his poetic lyricism and lived in compositions, Gavin’s music often strikes a balance between introspection and storytelling. His songwriting delves into themes of identity, memory, and the complexities of human connection. Whether performing intimate acoustic sets or larger, full-band arrangements, his performances are marked by an authenticity that draws audiences in. In addition to his music, Gavin’s creative approach often intersects with visual art and photography, demonstrating his commitment to exploring new ways of connecting with his audience. At the end of the conversation Gavin plays Catching up with the pack, a song from Porcupine, a collaborative EP with fellow Irish talent, Mark Loughrey. Joey Gavin organised ‘Findrinny, Festival of New Irish Songs and Sounds’ at PAS in Berlin in September 2024 as part of Zeitgeist Irland 24, featuring acts Junior Brother, Growler, Sonny Casey, Dylan Kerr, Mark Loghrey, and the Kilfenora Road Show, and with DJ sets from Donal Dineen.

Podcaster Neil Hoare is a multidisciplinary Irish artist living in Berlin with his dog Púca. His most recent photographic work ‘A Heimat away from Home’ is a series of portraits commissioned by the Embassy of Ireland in Germany documenting the Irish who made Germany their home since Ireland joined the EU 50 years ago. The experience of photographing so many people across Germany and hearing their stories led directly to the creation of Hoaretraits.