Album Notes

Screaming Orphans

Joan Diver - Drums, Bodhran, Vocals
Gráinne Diver - Guitars, Vocals
Angela Diver - Bass, Violin, Vocals
Marie Thérèse Diver - Keyboard, Accordion, Vocals

The Screaming Orphans from Co. Donegal, Ireland have carved a considerable reputation as a captivating live band both at home and abroad. Following the lead of their American-born mother (who sang professionally) the sisters were schooled on the international live circuit, and performed across Europe from an early age.

They fast came to international attention when Sinead O\'Connor took them on as her back-up singers, and invited them to open for her on the Gospel Oak world tour in 1997. In addition to these live shows, the four sisters gained invaluable TV experience with Sinead appearing on The David Letterman Show and the UK\'s Top The Pops. As a result, the band secured a publishing deal and short-term label deal with WEA (Warner Music UK), and contributed vocals to world music star, Baaba Maal\'s album \"Nomad Soul\", Peter Gabriel\'s track with the Afro Celt Sound System, as well as contributing to the Joni Mitchell track \"Magdalene Laundries\" for the Chieftains \"Tears of Stone\" album.

A chance meeting with Mike Hedgers (U2, Travis, Manic Street Preachers) blossomed into a close personal and professional relationship that saw the acclaimed producer work first on their early demos, and then reunite with them to record the album for WEA in Normandy, France.

The Orphans draw on a diverse set of influences ranging from ABBA to REM with a strong focus on melody-driven songs with both pop and rocks strains.

\"We have always admired the diversity of the American music scene, and that was instrumental in our decision to relocate to the States\", says Gráinne Diver (vocals/guitars). \"Being here has inspired us to explore new and exciting song writing and performance concepts. It has been a great experience for us.\"

Over the last five years, the band, now based in New York City, has been performing up and down the East coast and in some of the bigger Irish festivals in the U.S. They\'ve built a substantial following as well as attracted interest from all areas of the music business.

\"Circles,\" their fourth album, was recorded in Nashville, TN and is on limited release at the moment. For a list of upcoming gigs, check out their website at www.screamingorphans.com.