Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, the duo known as The Swell Season, have recently reunited for a new single and a series of gigs at Vicar Street. In an exclusive interview, they discuss their family lives, the possibility of a revival of The Frames, and the experience of revisiting their Oscar-winning film.
Despite being in different locations – Hansard in Co Kildare and Irglová in Reykjavík, Iceland – the two musicians quickly find themselves transported back to a shared memory of their time in a New York apartment.
The Swell Season burst onto the scene in 2007 with the release of the film “Once,” which featured their music and starred both Hansard and Irglová. The film went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song, with the duo performing the winning track, “Falling Slowly,” at the ceremony.
Reflecting on their success, Hansard says, “It was a magical time for both of us. We were young and full of hope, and we had this incredible opportunity to share our music with the world.” Irglová adds, “We were just grateful to be a part of something so special.”
Since then, both musicians have pursued their own solo careers, with Hansard continuing to front The Frames and releasing several critically acclaimed solo albums. Irglová has also released solo material and collaborated with various artists.
However, the recent reunion of The Swell Season has brought them back together, and they are excited to be working on new music. Their latest single, “I’ll Be You, Be Me,” showcases their signature blend of folk and indie rock, and has been met with positive reviews.
In addition to their musical endeavors, Hansard and Irglová have also embraced family life. Hansard is a father to a young daughter, while Irglová has two children. They both speak fondly of the joy and challenges that come with balancing their personal and professional lives.
When asked about the possibility of a revival of The Frames, Hansard remains open to the idea. “I never say never,” he says. “The Frames will always be a part of who I am, and if the time is right, I would love to revisit that chapter of my musical journey.”
As for their Oscar-winning film, “Once,” Hansard and Irglová recently had the opportunity to watch it again. “It was strange to see ourselves on screen after all these years,” Irglová admits. “But it also reminded us of how far we’ve come and how grateful we are for the experiences we’ve had.”
In conclusion, the reunion of The Swell Season has brought together two talented musicians who share a deep connection and a rich musical history. With their new single and upcoming gigs, they continue to captivate audiences with their heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies. As they embark on this new chapter, Hansard and Irglová are excited for what the future holds and grateful for the journey that has brought them to this point.