Once-in-a-generation teenage folk guitarist and singer Muireann Bradley is releasing her version of the enduring classic ‘These Days’ before heading out on the road in November. Though it was brought into the wider public’s consciousness by Nico in 1967 as part of her celebrated “Chelsea Girls” album, the song was originally penned by a teenage Jackson Browne. Muireann’s version nods to the track’s folky roots, while putting her own youthful stamp on the classic, complete with lush strings and her signature bright vocals.
Muireann says, “I’ve always loved ‘These Days’, I first heard it in the Wes Anderson movie ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ and really fell for it. I started playing it at home and then recently started to play it in my live shows. The audience really liked it, so it was a natural step to record it. I love the lyrics and the finger-picked guitar part that the 16-year-old Jackson Browne (who wrote the song) played on the original Nico recording. I had to change the melody to make it work for my voice, which is always a bit of a worry with such a beloved and iconic song, but I hope everyone enjoys listening to it as much as I love playing it.”
The release also heralds the announcement of her debut Ireland and UK headline tour: kicking off in Dublin on the 9th November, the 8-date run takes in venues such as The Lexington in London, Komedia in Brighton, and Bristol’s Louisiana. Full tour routing is below.
The 18-year-old is rapidly garnering a devout fanbase, thanks to her unique style, which blends traditional guitar playing with personal and mature interpretations of classic songs that belie her years. She is bringing folk and blues and their story-rich songs to a whole new generation; including playing the Green Man Festival main stage, this year has seen her play at Hackney’s EartH, The Great Escape, Bearded Theory festival, End Of The Road and many more, as well as a run of dates in the US, taking in Washington DC, Brooklyn, Nashville and Chicago.
Bradley’s debut album “I Kept These Old Blues” is already regarded as a collectible among in-the-know music fans after the first pressing sold out everywhere; truly remarkable given Bradley was just 15 years old when she recorded it. This led to a reissue by her new label home of Decca Records, with Grammy-nominated mastering engineer Kevin Reeves on remastering duties.
Muireann Bradley UK/IE Tour dates 2025:
09th Nov – Dublin, Sugar Club
17th Nov – London, The Lexington
18th Nov – Glasgow, Saint Luke’s
20th Nov – Newcastle, The Cumberland Arms
22nd Nov – Manchester, Rat & Pigeon
23rd Nov – Brighton, Komedia
24th Nov – Bristol, Louisiana
26th Nov – Belfast, Oh Yeah Music Centre
Gorgeous version!