{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Moya Brennan on \u2018Macalla\u2019 at 40 \u2014 Clannad\u2019s Timeless Legacy (#255)","description":"In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Moya Brennan \u2014 the unmistakable voice of Clannad, often hailed as the First Lady of Celtic Music. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Clannad\u2019s landmark 1985 album Macalla \u2014 a record that bridged ancient Celtic roots with modern pop and ambient textures. Produced by Steve Nye (Japan, David Sylvian) and recorded across Dublin, Surrey, and Switzerland, Macalla captured the moment when Irish music stepped confidently onto the global stage \u2014 featuring the iconic duet with Bono, In a Lifetime. In this conversation, Moya looks back on the creative and spiritual journey behind Macalla \u2014 from the evolving sound that carried Clannad from Donegal\u2019s Irish-speaking Gaeltacht region to worldwide acclaim, to the energy of recording during a golden era for Irish music, with U2 at Live Aid and the world discovering Celtic voices anew. She recalls the \u201clightning in a bottle\u201d studio sessions with Bono and explores the deeper sense of faith, family, and identity that continues to echo through her work. \u201cIf Macalla helps someone feel something, even for a moment \u2014 that\u2019s what it was meant for.\u201d \u2013 Moya Brennan Moya also reflects on Clannad\u2019s role in reshaping how Irish music was seen around the world, and the blending of Gaelic language and modern production that became their signature sound. She discusses how her collaborations have taken her voice from folk stages to global dance floors \u2014 most famously with Chicane on Saltwater \u2014 and the enduring power of songs such as Closer to Your Heart, Buachaill \u00d3n \u00c9irne, Caisle\u00e1n \u00d3ir, Almost Seems (Too Late to Turn), The Wild Cry, and Journey\u2019s End to connect generations. Listen to the full episode and join Moya Brennan as she reflects on 40 years of Macalla \u2014 the memories, the music, and the lasting echo of Clannad\u2019s legacy. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes to its name, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music\u2019s legends and trailblazers \u2014 a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, and Michael Head \u2014 among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here   ","author_name":"The XS Noize Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/www.xsnoize.com\/podcast","html":"