How is it that an intensely private person with a perfectionistic streak would choose to put themselves out in the public domain? This is a question which Úna Keane often asks herself. The answer however is simple : through sheer desire to create, share and connect. A singer, songwriter & composer with a knack for multi-tasking, she draws on her background as a classically trained pianist but likes to blur the boundaries between genre and stereotype. Debut Album ‘Trees’ is a case in point. It is an intimate record of 11 lovingly crafted songs exploring the intricacies of the journey that is life. The album resides for the most part in the alternative acoustic genre: the message is positive, perceptive and just a little bit quirky as Keane’s left-of-centre approach shines tiger-bright throughout. The Album soundscape is made up of more than 10 instruments: Pianos, synths and glockenspiels come courtesy of Úna. She sings with a clear voice, at once raw and delicate. Drums, percussion and bass, electric & acoustic guitars add an edge, while lush cello lines embue the songs with layers of velvety warmth. An oboe, a French accordion and an uilleann pipe drone thrown in for good measure complete the line-up. Her distinctive mixed media Artwork has been gaining a lot of fans too. A firm believer in self-sufficency, Keane left the world of Software Engineering behind in 2006 to pursue a career in music and hasn’t looked back. She can boast an Honours degree in Software Engineering, a Postgrad in Music Technology and a distinction in Film Scoring studies at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. She also set up her own Piano School ‘The Piano Room’ in Dublin in 2006 and loves the dynamic of teaching, as each day is different and each student unique. Initially self-released in November 2010 on her Marabou Records label, ‘Trees’ has since been picked up for distribution in Ireland and is available nationwide. Una wrote, arranged, recorded and co-produced the record herself, setting up her own modest recording studio in the process. Lead single ‘Alice’ worked its way onto an impressive number of playlists, supported by a 6-date Irish Tour in November 2010. A second, longer Irish tour followed in April/May 2011 to coincide with the release of second single ‘Mr. Icarus’ on May 20th. Third single ‘Victory’ is due for an iTunes release on 11/11/11 – to tie-in with Armistice Day. The song is about a character named ‘Victory’ who’s the main protagonist in a story where nature wins over all. Symbolism and imagery come into play to weave a story that aims to uplift and warm the soul. “Majestic debut” – Hot Press **** “Beguiling” – The Irish Times *** “An outstanding achievement” – 8/10, Drop-d.ie “An engaging listen that announces the emergence of a fine new talent” – The Galway Advertiser “A quirky fairytale-like atmosphere … with sweeping piano melodies underpinning Keane’s delicate vocals..” - GCN Magazine “This long-awaited debut will evoke mutually-favourable comparisons with Julie Feeney, Kate Bush, Tori Amos and Carole King, among others, but it’s so much more than the sum of Keane’s influences. Her inventive piano invariably adds lustre and atmosphere to songs that avoid any sense of formula or predictability. “ – Hot Press