Meet the 24-year-old Irish composer scoring soundtracks and supporting Hans Zimmer
One of Ireland’s most compelling new artists, Jamie Duffy released his debut EP last year, and supported two of his heroes, Andrea Bocelli and Hans Zimmer, live in concert. Now, ahead of the release of his self-titled debut album, Jamie reflects on the journey so far.
At just 24, Monaghan’s Jamie Duffy has emerged as one of Ireland’s most compelling new artists, blending folk, classical, and contemporary influences into a sound that’s both intimate and cinematic. His debut single ‘Solas’ became the most-streamed debut by an Irish artist since Hozier’s ‘Take Me To Church’, with over 120 million streams on Spotify, 26 million YouTube views, and 6.6 billion views on TikTok.
In 2024, he released his debut EP On A Wing, sold out his first Irish headline tour (2,600+ tickets), and supported Andrea Bocelli and Hans Zimmer at BST Hyde Park. Now, with over 1.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify, he’s gearing up for his biggest chapter yet.
Following the release of his latest single ‘Rising’, Jamie’s self-titled debut album will be released on Friday, October 10. Crafted over two years between wild coastlines and still nights across the two awe-inspiring landscapes of Ireland and Iceland, the album reflects Jamie’s rural Monaghan roots, shaped by changing environments, Irish folklore, love, light and trepidation. It is a true labour of love and effort rarely known by those in their early twenties, but for Jamie, it was a journey he’s been working towards for some time.
Alongside the album, Jamie has scored his first feature film, 500 Miles (starring Bill Nighy and Maisie Williams), due to be released later this year. Reuniting with his album producer, Atli Örvarsson, at his home studio in London, the project highlights the creative strength and synergy between the two collaborators. Jamie is also gearing up for a tour across Europe and the United Kingdom, culminating in a headline performance at the National Concert Hall.
Was a career as a composer something you always aspired to?
No, not particularly. I have a degree in Politics and IR from Queen’s University and I once had hopes of either becoming a newsreader or a diplomat. Music was never something I thought I’d be doing until I was doing it!
You’ve just created the original soundtrack for 500 Miles. What was that experience like, and how did it come about?
I usually meet everyone after my gigs, like a fun wake, especially last year on my first tour. Basically, a director named Morgan Matthews happened to approach me in London after my last show of the year, and long story short — I just finished scoring my first film! It was a wonderfully fresh and exciting experience, and an extremely pivotal moment of learning on the job for me! It was a beautiful process and it is a beautiful film.
You’ve supported Hans Zimmer in concert — what was it like meeting one of your heroes?
That was completely surreal. I had a trailer next to Zimmer and Bocelli. Just being around those people who have burned their own fabulous paths in this industry and had such enormous success was an overwhelming and positive experience.
You’ve said you ‘deliberately shy away from detailing the meaning and influences behind my work’ — tell us a little more about that approach.
I know I have to do it, but yes, I am mildly reluctant to talk about my own influences with my compositions, as I want my music to mean something different to everyone. I make music to form connections and tell stories, to inspire imagination and act as a soundtrack to the listener’s own emotions and experiences. That is a very personal and unique thing, and I don’t love getting in the way of that.
How has Ireland, whether through landscape, music or culture, influenced your approach to creating music?
Ireland is the reason this album and my entire catalogue of music exists. I have an affinity for this country, from its landscapes to its rich culture, and indeed, much of my music has been taken from this deep well. Perhaps it’s because I’m from a beautiful rural community that very much loved, actively cared for and maintained its surroundings. This country has shaped my sound and identity; it is who I am and it informs everything I create.
Who is someone you look up to in the realm of Irish music?
Enya. It has and always has been Enya. There are so many musicians I could name who have shaped me, from local characters I’ve grown up with to some of our most famous artists. Enya, however, is someone I have idolised from a very young age. It is her angelic, ethereal sound, her extremely strong melodies, and her dramatic productions that I fell in love with.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Selling out the National Concert Hall and the Ulster Hall were both extremely important moments for me. They were deeply validating, beautiful and energising experiences to me.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about working as a composer?
Creating your own music as an artist and creating music for someone else’s film or project are extremely different experiences.
What would you say to a budding musician or composer unsure of their next steps?
I would say trust your gut about your own music more than anyone else’s opinion. Create and make what feels right to you. Seriously.
Jamie Duffy’s life in culture
The last thing I saw and loved… I just watched the final cut of the film I scored, 500 Miles, and it’s a damn brilliant film!
I find inspiration in… Everyday life, there is inspiration in everything around us if you search deep enough.
My favourite film is… Call Me By Your Name. Great film, great music.
The song I listen to to get in the zone is… ‘Video Games’ by Lana Del Rey.
The last artist I recommended is… CMAT! There is nobody doing it like her.
I never leave the house without… My rings, my oversized Dr Martens and my phone.
The piece of art I still think about is… I still think about Belfast a lot. It was a gorgeous film and being from the border and having lived in Belfast, I resonated with the picture a lot.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten… Don’t overcomplicate music, trust your gut and recognise moments of magic and capture them if you can.
The most challenging thing about being a composer is… Not knowing what is around the corner work-wise, it’s all a waiting game really!
If I weren’t a composer, I would be… Presenting the Six One News, ideally!
The magic of music to me is… Telling stories and forming connections with people that last a lifetime.
Photography by Juliette Rowland and Wolf James.
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