Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters

Roger's south County Cork background, thoughtful lyrics and trained vocal qualities have made him a stand out within the Celtic music community. Raised near the small fishing village of Baltimore, south of Skibereen, he's fished the rough waters of the Celtic Sea and northern Atlantic for hake and cod, shorn his grandfather's sheep, had his knuckles swatted by the Christian brothers, and experienced life within the rebel county.

Heavily influenced by his grandfather who himself was known to break into song at the pub, along with being a masterful seanachi (storyteller), Roger combined those rich experiences into writing his original music and the interpretations of lively traditional pub songs. The result is very genuine music delivered with fire and intensity.

Irish Singer/Songwriter Roger Drawdy and his band the Firestarters play a mix of Traditional and original music with a distinctive sound. "Air punching acoustic rockers" is how Irish Music Magazine described The Firestarters' intensity. Thought provoking lyrics, haunting melodies, and thunderous live performances are the keys to their success. The Firestarters formed in 2000 and have played in numerous venues throughout the US. Drawdy's prolific songwriting promises to take them to the top of the world/roots music scene. Before forming the Firestarters, Roger released two solo albums, "Longing for Home" and "Dance in the Heather." He gained international attention with the release of his track "For Erin's Sake" on the "Trees are Life" CD produced in Dublin, Ireland by the Earth Wisdom Foundation. Together with the Firestarters he has released five CD's: "The "Emancipated Hostage" in 2000, "Touched by the Sun" in 2001, "Live Fire" in 2003, "Open Seas, Empty Skies" in 2005 and their very latest release "Hallowed Ground" in November, 2007.

Roger's influences include: Mike Scott and the Waterboys, Jethro Tull, The Saw Doctors, Grateful Dead, Christy Moore and his brother Luka Bloom, and loads of other talented people who have paved the way with great music.