Róis

Róis was raised in Newtownbutler, a village in the south-east of County Fermanagh.^[2][4] She grew up around Irish traditional music in her family; her grandfather played the bagpipes and her father played the accordion. Her older brothers introduced her to electronic and alternative music as a child, including Daft Punk and Nirvana.^[5] She later studied music at the Royal Irish Academy of Music^[5] and the Royal Conservatory of The Hague.^[6]

Róis' first album was Uisce agus Bean (lit. 'Water and woman'), released in 2023.^[1][7] She cites Meredith Monk, Marina Herlop, Daniela Lalita and Hatis Noit as inspirations.^[6][8]

Her second album Mo Léan (lit. 'My sorrow') was released in 2024 and was nominated for the Choice Music Prize. The Guardian gave it four stars out of five, saying that "Connolly fills [keening] with new, startling life, mixing the ancient with synthesis, distortion and drones."^[9]

Róis did not grow up speaking Irish, and began learning the language while studying at the Hague Conservatory. Upon returning to Ireland, she intensified her study of Irish, and uses it in her daily life. In 2024 she stated "someday I would like to live my life completely through Irish, especially when creating art."^[6]

Róis is based in Belfast.^[2]