About
NOTIFY
NOTIFY is a six-piece Irish ensemble whose music draws on the traditions of Irish music while exploring the possibilities of contemporary composition, improvisation and rhythmic experimentation. Bringing together Pádraig Rynne (concertina), Tara Breen (fiddle), Davie Ryan (drums and percussion), Adam Taylor (bass), Rory McCarthy (piano and keyboards) and Hugh Dillon (guitars), the band has developed a distinctive musical language shaped by the individual influences and experiences of its members.
At the heart of NOTIFY's music is a strong connection to Irish traditional melody, approached with a freedom that allows the music to move in unexpected directions. Influences from jazz, contemporary instrumental music and a wide range of other musical traditions find their way into the band's compositions and arrangements. Intricate rhythms, rich harmonies and an emphasis on groove sit alongside moments of space and simplicity. The interplay between the six musicians is central to the sound, with each bringing their own musical personality to a collective approach that continues to evolve.
Since forming in 2014, NOTIFY has toured extensively, performing at major festivals and venues across Ireland, Europe and beyond. Their recordings have charted internationally, including a No. 1 position on the iTunes Jazz Charts following their 2016 release InConcept on the American label Ropeadope.
Their 2024 album Airneán received widespread critical acclaim and was named The Irish Times' No. 1 Traditional Album of the Year. Featuring contributions from Tyler Duncan, Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta, and Niall McCabe, the album further developed the band's approach to original composition and collaborative music making.
In 2025, NOTIFY released Worlds Collide on Liosbeg Records, a live recording of an ambitious orchestral collaboration involving the Irish Concertina Orchestra, Bill Whelan, Cormac McCarthy and the MGCE Concert Orchestra. The project brought the band's compositions into a larger ensemble setting, exploring new arrangements and textures while retaining the character of their original sound.
October 2026 saw the release of For Now, NOTIFY's latest studio album. Featuring special guests Rhiannon Giddens and Niamh Regan, the nine-track recording reflects the band's continuing interest in composition, improvisation and the creative possibilities of playing together. Much of the music and its arrangements developed naturally in the studio, capturing the spontaneity and musical conversation that have become central to NOTIFY's approach.
Collaboration has played an important role throughout the band's career. NOTIFY has worked with an impressive range of musicians including Rhiannon Giddens, Niamh Regan, Mark Lettieri and Jason 'JT' Thomas of Snarky Puppy, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta, and Kris Drever. These collaborations reflect the band's openness to different musical perspectives and its interest in finding common ground between musical traditions.
Their music has been described as "cinematic in scope" (New York Echo) and "a breathtaking musical tapestry that ranges from soft melodies to crashing crescendos" (The Irish Times).
More than a decade since their formation, NOTIFY continues to develop a sound that is rooted in Irish music but shaped by the collective creativity of six musicians with a shared curiosity about where that music can go.
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REVIEWS
“an organic, deeply thoughtful collection infused with a curiosity and appetite for exploration. It bears testament to the depth and breadth of the conversations that are happening these days between traditional and contemporary music”
Irish Times
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“Inquiring, joyful and evocative. Notify create beautiful immersive soundscapes of melody driven music”
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Folk on one
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“The band delivers an evocative repertoire of original compositions, produced with sensitive electronic overlays and inventive arrangements that are ‘cinematic in scope’.
New York Echo
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“NOTIFY breathes new life into their music, with a musical tapestry that ranges from soft melodies to crashing crescendos”
The Irish Times
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"Ambient melodies, traditional compositions and groovy beats with layers of electronic sounds. This is Pádraig and Co at their experimental best"
Tradconnect
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NOTIFY's fearless approach to experimentation has produced yet another beautiful record. In Concept effortlessly couples jazz and traditional music genres. The possibilities offered by such musicianship and passion for music are endless."
Lynette Fay, BBC Radio
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THE BAND
Pádraig Rynne - Concertinas
Described by fRoots magazine as “one of the freshest sounds in Irish music,” Pádraig Rynne is a virtuoso concertina player, prolific composer, and innovative producer. With an MA in Music Technology, he is renowned for pushing the boundaries of Irish traditional music, blending it seamlessly with jazz, electronic, and world influences.
A founding member of Cian, Guidewires, and Notify, Pádraig has played a key role in shaping the modern Irish music landscape. His ability to combine genres while maintaining the essence of tradition has made him a leading figure in contemporary Irish music. His solo projects and collaborations reflect a deep respect for heritage while embracing progressive and cinematic soundscapes.
As a performer and producer, Pádraig has contributed to numerous acclaimed albums and high-profile productions. He was a featured musician on the BBC movie soundtrack After the Dance and composed music for TG4 XX alongside the award-winning electronic band Aeons. His work as a sound designer has brought his unique sonic vision to various albums and multimedia productions.
With a passion for innovation and storytelling through music, Pádraig Rynne continues to redefine the possibilities of Irish music for audiences worldwide.
Tara Breen -
Fiddle
Tara Breen is a distinguished multi-instrumentalist from County Clare, Ireland, celebrated for her exceptional talent in traditional Irish music. Beginning her musical journey at the age of six with the flute, Tara has achieved All-Ireland titles on fiddle across all age categories, culminating in the Senior Fiddle Title in 2012. Her versatility extends to the flute and saxophone, where she has also secured All-Ireland accolades.
Tara She has been a vital member of several prominent ensembles, including The Chieftains, Stockton’s Wing, and Breen l Rynne l Murray, contributing her dynamic fiddle playing to their rich musical narratives.
In March 2025, Tara released her debut solo album, Sooner or Later, a collection deeply rooted in traditional Irish music, featuring both classic tunes and her own compositions. Her dedication to preserving and innovating within the Irish musical tradition has solidified her reputation as one of the most respected musicians of her generation.
Davie Ryan -
Drums and Percussion
Davie Ryan is an accomplished Irish drummer, producer, and educator renowned for his versatility across genres such as pop, jazz, folk, rock, world, and traditional music. Beginning his musical journey with piano at age seven, Davie's passion for rhythm led him to the drums at thirteen. He honed his craft through dedicated self-instruction, playing along to records in his garage, and later formalized his education with a degree in music from University College Cork and a master's in jazz performance from the Cork School of Music.
Throughout his career, Davie has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Ariel Posen, Cat Stevens, Jack O'Rourke, Talos, Pádraig Rynne, Marlene Enright, Niall McCabe, Dónal Lunny, Mary Coughlan, Paul Dunlea, John Blek, and Pa Sheehy. His extensive experience encompasses both national and international touring, as well as numerous recording projects.
In addition to his performance career, Davie operates his own recording studio, Under The Umbrella, in Cork City, Ireland, where he offers both remote and in-person recording and production services. His expertise and dedication to his craft have established him as a respected figure in the Irish music scene.
Davie proudly endorses Sakae Drums, Protection Racket Cases, Big Fat Snare Drum, and Roc N Soc thrones, reflecting his commitment to quality and excellence in his musical endeavours.
Rory McCarthy -
Piano & Rhodes
Rory McCarthy is a distinguished pianist, keyboardist, and composer from Cork, Ireland. His musical journey commenced at a young age with studies at the Cork School of Music. In 2012, he earned a BA in Mathematics and Music from University College Cork, followed by a first-class honours MA in Music Performance from the Cork School of Music in 2022.
Since 2012, Rory has been a sought-after session musician, collaborating with esteemed Irish artists such as Brian Deady, John Blek, Marc O'Reilly, Niall McCabe, and Pa Sheehy. His versatility has led him to perform in studios across Nashville and Memphis and embark on tours throughout the UK and Europe.
In addition to his performance career, Rory serves as a lecturer in Popular Music Keys at the Cork School of Music, nurturing the next generation of musicians. Demonstrating his compositional prowess, Rory has contributed to screen and stage productions, including projects for Screen Ireland short films.
Rory McCarthy's dedication to his craft and his dynamic presence in both performance and education underscore his significant role in Ireland's vibrant music scene.
Hugh Dillon -
Acoustic & Electric Guitars
Hugh Dillon is a highly skilled guitarist and composer from County Cork, Ireland, known for his distinctive blend of traditional and contemporary musical styles. With a passion for music that began at an early age, Hugh’s versatile playing incorporates elements of rock, jazz, folk, and experimental genres, making him one of Ireland’s most dynamic guitarists.
Having honed his craft over the years through both formal study and extensive performance experience, Hugh is celebrated for his technical proficiency and deep understanding of harmony and melody. His musical journey includes collaborations with a wide range of artists across diverse genres, contributing to his reputation as a sought-after session musician and composer.
In addition to his performing career, Hugh is dedicated to sharing his knowledge through teaching and mentoring, inspiring young musicians with his expertise. His unique approach to the guitar, marked by intricate rhythms and expressive solos, continues to captivate audiences both in Ireland and internationally.
Hugh Dillon’s work extends beyond the stage—he has also contributed to various recording projects, film scores, and other musical productions. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of his craft ensures that his influence in the music world continues to grow.
Adam Taylor -
Electric Bass
Adam Taylor is a third-generation bass player. His grandfather is Irish bass legend, Martin Walsh, the Principal Double bassist for the RTE Concert Orchestra and his father, Roy Taylor, is the frontman and bassist with popular Irish band, ‘Jump The Gun’.
Adam’s work as a free-lance bass player and as a music educator is exemplary. Adam has played/recorded with a wide variety of artists and performers: Jason Donovan, Midge Ure, Wallis Bird, Colm Wilkinson, Jason Rebello, Hozier, Zaska, Brian Kennedy, Patrick Bergin, Imelda May, Glen Hansard, Ryan Sheridan, Chris de Burgh, Wyvern Lingo, Donna Taggart, Jimmy Smyth (legendary Irish Guitarist), Paul Harrington, Brian Byrne, Jess Kav, David Brophy, CC Brez, Jerry Fish, Johnny Logan, Dublin Gospel Choir, Fiona Harte, Carly Coonagh, Mark Redmond, Simon Morgan, Suzanne Savage, Gavin Glass, Róisín O, Rebel Rebel, Jack L, Erica Coady. Adam currently plays in Michael Buckley’s ‘House of Horns’ band, The Jake Curran Quartet and Onset.
Adam has also worked extensively in musical theatre as a pit musician, performing a wide variety shows from Evita, Sweeney Todd, Sister Act, The Addams Family, The Definitive Rat Pack, Oklahoma, ABBA Orchestral etc. on electric bass & double bass.
Adam has taught privately since 2012 and teaches at third level. He is a bass tutor at the prestigious, BIMM Dublin. Here Adam teaches bass guitar and double bass. He is also a music theory tutor. His work here focuses mainly on the advanced arrangement and composition modules on the degree course. Adam has previously taught double bass & bass guitar in the Churchtown School of Music.