Colm Mac Con Iomaire facts for kids

Colm Mac Con Iomaire is an Irish musician and composer. He comes from Blackrock, County Dublin, Ireland. Colm is known for playing keyboards and violin, and he also sings. He is a member of the popular band The Frames.

Colm is the son of Liam Mac Con Iomaire, who was a writer, journalist, and broadcaster.

Early Life and First Band

Colm went to school at Coláiste Eoin in County Dublin. This was a special secondary school (Meánscoil) where lessons were taught in the Irish Language. While he was there, in 1987, Colm helped start an Irish folk group called Kíla. This shows his early love for music and the Irish language.

Playing with The Frames

Colm Mac Con Iomaire joined The Frames in 1990. He has been a big part of the band ever since. His interest in the Irish Language also influenced The Frames. They helped create two albums in Irish for the Irish charity Concern. These albums were released during Seachtain na Gaeilge, which is a week celebrating the Irish language.

Irish Language Songs

On the SnaG 05 album in 2005, The Frames released an Irish version of their song "Locusts." This song was originally on their album Burn the Maps. The Irish version was called "Lócáistí." In 2006, they also had a song called "Pian agus Ciúnas" on the album Ceol '06. These songs show how Colm helped bring the Irish language into their music.

Other Music Projects

Besides The Frames, Colm has worked with many other musicians. Since 2006, he has toured with the band The Swell Season. He also played the violin on their 2008 album, Strict Joy.

Collaborations with Other Artists

Colm played violin on David Gray's 1998 album, White Ladder. You can hear his violin on the song "Silver Lining." In 2002, Colm played violin for Damien Rice on his famous album "O." He also helped finish the only solo album, "Skylarking," for his friend Mic Christopher, who sadly passed away.

Solo Albums

Colm Mac Con Iomaire also creates his own music. He has released several solo albums.

The Hare's Corner

His first solo album was called The Hare's Corner. In Irish, this is Cúinne an Ghiorria. It came out in 2008. This album was so good that it was nominated for a Meteor Award in 2009. It was considered for the Best Traditional/Folk Album award.

Later Solo Works

Colm's second solo album, And Now the Weather (Agus Anois an Aimsir), was released in April 2015. His third solo album, The River Holds Its Breath (Tost ar an Abhainn), came out in 2019. These albums show his talent as a composer.

Film Appearances

Colm also had a small role in a movie! He appeared in the 1991 film The Commitments. This was a cameo role, which means he had a very brief appearance.