Mayo artist releases new original debut music video

Westport woman, Nicky Dowd, has announced the launch of her original song ‘Everybody Knows’, accompanied by a black-and-white video filmed in Westport and Louisburgh.

Production began in September 2023 when Nicky first developed the melody and lyrics during a drive through Mayo.

Explaining the meaning behind her music, Nicky said: 

“I was thinking about how hard it is to admit something isn’t working.” 

“Sometimes everyone around you can see it, but you have to wait until you can find the strength yourself. We have all been there, whether it is a relationship, a job, or a place you live.”  

“‘Everybody Knows’ is about finding the courage to walk away and believing you deserve better,” she added.

Although completed later that month, the song remained unreleased until August 2025, when Dowd shared a demo with local musicians Aisling Smyth and Michael Halloran following a conversation in McGing’s Pub. 

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The trio subsequently arranged the track together, incorporating piano and electric upright bass, and performed it live at a local open mic night, where it received a positive audience response.

Filmmaker Alan Friel, who attended the performance, later became involved in the project, developing a visual concept for the song. Recording took place at Clew Bay Recording Studios in November 2025, with sound engineer Bart de Boer. Additional musicians, including saxophonist Gerry Hughes and drummer Joey Halloran, contributed to the final recording.

Filming was carried out in December at locations including The Clock Tavern, the Castlecourt Hotel, and Louisburgh Community Hall. Cinematographer Brian Durcan worked on the production alongside student filmmakers who assisted with technical elements. Members of the local community also contributed props and equipment to support the video’s vintage aesthetic.

Post-production was completed in February 2026 by Dowd’s brother-in-law, Dan Thomas. 

An event to mark the release is scheduled to take place at the Clew Bay Hotel on April 23 at 7:30 pm, featuring Dowd and a group of collaborating musicians.

 ‘Everybody Knows’ is available now on streaming platforms.