David Keenan Shares New Song ‘Republic of Muteness’ Inspired by Dublin Riots

Singer-songwriter David Keenan has performed a new song, ‘Republic of Muteness’, inspired by the Dublin riots last November.

During a performance at the James Joyce Centre in Dublin, the Dundalk native performed the song for the first time, backed by Conal Duffy on tin whistle and uilleann pipes.

Posting a snippet of the song on social media, Keenan explained that he wrote the song in the aftermath of the riots, saying: “As a certain mood lingers across the country, there’s a reason for a song.”

The Dublin riots followed the Parnell Street attack, in which a five-year-old boy was stabbed. Far-right online agitators used the attack to stir up anti-immigration violence, which led to attacks on police and members of the public, as well as destruction and looting.

Nine people were arrested this morning in connection with the riots, bringing the total number of arrests since November to 49.

In a statement, Keenan said the song “explores social discord and lack of expression that becomes destructive violence and calls on people to harness music/creativity as a unifying thing used as a force for good that opposes discrimination and bigotry.”

After releasing his latest single ‘Radiate a Smile’ in June, Keenan is currently working on his fourth studio album, which is set for release later this year.

His first album of 2020, A Beginner’s Guide to Courage earned him critical acclaim as well as commercial success, reaching number one on the independent charts.

Watch the full performance here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2466uFiCgs