Pat Byrne

As of June 16, 2021, New York State has lifted all COVID-19 related restrictions that apply to a venue of Rockwood’s size. In accordance with these revised guidelines, vaccination records will no longer be checked and entry will be permitted for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Social distancing and masks will not be required, although masks will remain recommended for non-vaccinated individuals.

Pat Byrne

“Irish Americana, by turns rollicking and resonating, driven by his gruff growl of a voice — Byrne is one to keep an eye on.” Stuart Munro The Boston Globe

Into The Light, the new LP from Texas (by way of Ireland) songwriter Pat Byrne melds two musical cultures known for introspective lyricism and raw, from-the-heart emotionality. The record speaks to the universal with a direct, plain-spoken authority. Intimate confessionals give way to anthemic, exhilarating Rock & Roll, all lifted up by a captivating voice that aches like worn leather and woodsmoke.

Originally, Into The Light was to begin recording in March of 2020. When the pandemic hit, Byrne put the album on hold. However, the lock-down ended up having a silver lining. It gave Byrne time to reflect, think about what’s important, and work on his craft. He took the frustration of cancelled plans and channeled it into this new record, while also launching a weekly livestream, now a weekly residency at Houston’s McGonigel’s Mucky Duck.

Says Pat, “Each song was written from a specific perspective with unique characters, ideas and feelings. Yet when I look back on the album as a whole, the songs tell a story; about living through dark times and eventually being in a much more hopeful place. Ultimately, this record is about gaining insight and moving forward positively in the world.” With Byrne as our guide, perhaps we can all soon move Into The Light.

Produced by Billy Harvey, Into The Light was recorded at Sound Emporium in Nashville with a world-class team of musicians, featuring a duet with Jaimee Harris, and Crystal Bowersox on backing vocals.

“The raspy melodic soul of Byrne’s voice recalls the emotional spells the late Austin troubadour Jimmy LaFave used to cast, though Byrne’s songwriting bears a distinctive Irish stamp. He’s more contemporary than strict traditionalists, putting him more in the league of Glen Hansard or Luka Bloom.” Peter Blackstock, The Austin American Statesman

“Pat Byrne lives in Austin and traffics in the kind of earnest roots rock championed by artists like Shakey Graves. His voice and songwriting chops show the reason he’s attracted a lot of attention. Look for a big second act from this artist.” Tom Thornton, Riff Magazine

In late 2017 Byrne migrated from Ireland to Austin, Texas, settled in and got to work. He discovered artists like Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark and fully immersed himself in the Texas music scene. Byrne released his Rituals LP in October 2018, and in 2019 took the U.S. by storm, with breakout performances at the 30A Festival, SXSW, the Kerrville Folk Festival and the AmericanaFest.