Cathy Davey

Davey was born in Dublin, daughter of composer Shaun Davey and sculptor Agnes Conway. At the age of ten she moved with her mother to Wiltshire, where they lived for several years. On their return to Dublin they settled in Monkstown.{{cite news|author=Neil Dunphy |url=http://www.tribune.ie/article/2008/jan/13/choice-cuts-out-the-big-names/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130702085436/http://www.tribune.ie/article/2008/jan/13/choice-cuts-out-the-big-names/ |url-status=dead |archive-date= 2 July 2013 |title=Choice cuts out the big names |date=13 January 2008 |access-date=2 January 2010 |newspaper=Sunday Tribune }} where Davey spent the rest of her teenage years. The first live performance Davey attended was An Emotional Fish with The Stunning on St Stephen's Green.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/music/interviews/2747433.html|title=The year of the Cathy|date=13 August 2004|access-date=22 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press|quote=Davey's first gig, she recalls, "was probably An Emotional Fish. I wanted to go to Metallica but my mum was too scared I'd brain damage myself! I think I saw An Emotional Fish with The Stunning on St. Stephen's Green."}} She initially intended to be an artist and to develop her interest in music in her leisure time but the offer of a record deal changed that.

Davey has been referred to as "Ireland's Björk".{{cite news|author=Ed Power |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/cathy-eruption-in-the-tripod-1659092.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217180846/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/cathy-eruption-in-the-tripod-1659092.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 February 2013 |title=Cathy: Eruption in the Tripod |date=3 March 2009 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent }} The comparison caused the Irish Independent{{'}}s Ed Power to comment in one 2009 review: "Alas, such comparisons are probably inevitable when your favourite mode of communication is an ethereal yelp and your songs are populated with a raggle-taggle of yearners, outsiders and freaks". His colleague John Meagher opined, "you won't see Björk heft a guitar half so diligently".{{cite news|author=John Meagher |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/critics-choice/review-of-the-week-songs-that-scare-children-1474188.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217181057/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/critics-choice/review-of-the-week-songs-that-scare-children-1474188.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 February 2013 |title=Review of the Week: Songs that scare children * * * * |date=12 September 2008 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent }} Hot Press compared the music on Something Ilk to the works of PJ Harvey and Nina Hynes. The magazine's reviewer also compared her to Joni Mitchell after one 2007 show in Cork.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/music/reviews/live/4204367.html|title=Cathy Davey at Cyprus Avenue, Cork|date=2 November 2007|access-date=22 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press|quote=There are echoes of Joni Mitchell circa Hissing of Summer Lawns – pared down, sophisticated acoustic pop with jazzy inflections, playful 'oooos and 'aaahs', melodies that skip delicately but steadily.}} Davey's second album, Tales of Silversleeve, based its sound on the rhythm of the drums. Notable fans of Davey's music include broadcaster Síle Ní Bhraonain.{{cite news|author=Una Mullally |url=http://www.tribune.ie/archive/article/2008/mar/16/the-s-factor/ |title=THE S FACTOR |date=16 March 2008 |access-date=15 November 2009 |newspaper=Sunday Tribune |quote=At home, she hangs out at the Roisin Dubh in Galway . . . the heart of live music in the city. She used to be "one of the night clubber chicks" until she saw the apparent error of her ways. She likes Cathy Davey, Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Roisin Murphy. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202045712/http://www.tribune.ie/archive/article/2008/mar/16/the-s-factor |archive-date= 2 December 2010 }} Her records have achieved platinum sales.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/radio1/thetubridyshow/1255236.html |title=Friday February 20th 2009 |date=20 February 2009 |access-date=15 November 2009 |publisher=The Tubridy Show on RTÉ |quote=Songstress and platinum selling artist, Cathy Davey joined Ryan and played her number one single "Reuben" live in studio. Cathy is playing in Tripod Friday 27th February. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918224349/http://www.rte.ie/radio1/thetubridyshow/1255236.html |archive-date=18 September 2009 |df=dmy }}

Davey was initially uncomfortable with being described as a singer-songwriter but is now more accepting of the term. She describes her songwriting style:

I write in short quick spurts of manic creativity, which are followed by spells of borderline writer's block where the writing comes really painfully and laboriously. I’m sure it's a universal experience for anyone who writes, but it's difficult to get out of, you can't just wish it away—it just disappears when it's had enough. It’s completely independent of whether I’m happy or blue, up or down. It tends to lift as soon as I stop fixating on it—I remember thinking my house was the problem, and I'd need to go to France in order to write, and I would have been scared without Rex [her dog]. I got through it. You can't chase the muse, or you'll scare it away.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/music/interviews/4150192.html|title=Cathy gets the cream|date=4 October 2007|access-date=22 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press|quote=Even the dreaded term 'singer-songwriter' sits more comfortably than it once did: "I used to hate the term because of all the connotations it implied, and I thought the two should be separated. I don’t mind the term now cause I accept it’s technically accurate, if you sing and you write songs, and I don’t really care what I’m described as." Accompanied almost everywhere she goes by a magnificent friendly canine named Rex, who sits in on the interview, Davey adores animals and is especially besotted with parrots: [...] Cathy is no stranger to the frustration of writer's block: "I write in short quick spurts of manic creativity, which are followed by spells of borderline writer’s block where the writing comes really painfully and laboriously. I’m sure it’s a universal experience for anyone who writes, but it’s difficult to get out of, you can’t just wish it away – it just disappears when it’s had enough. It’s completely independent of whether I’m happy or blue, up or down. It tends to lift as soon as I stop fixating on it – I remember thinking my house was the problem, and I’d need to go to France in order to write, and I would have been scared without Rex. I got through it. You can’t chase the muse, or you’ll scare it away."}}

Cathy Davey first came to be known as a backing vocalist alongside Carol Keogh for Ken McHugh's project Autamata. McHugh and Davey subsequently collaborated on what Hot Press described as "a mixture of otherworldly indie and soft space age melodica". Davey signed to EMI/Parlophone in 2003 in a deal which Hot Press later described as having "eclipsed even the high-profile signing of The Thrills".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/2707198.html|title=Hot shots 2004: Cathy Davey|date=27 January 2004|access-date=15 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press|quote=Along with The Tycho Brahe's Carol Keogh, the pair provide a tantalising and ethereal vocal element to Ken McHugh's quirky electro-acoustic project. Having met while working on this project, Ken and Cathy formed a creative alliance and the pair disappeared back into the studio – this time with Ken squarely at the helm of the production desk. The fruits of Cathy's labours – a mixture of otherworldly indie and soft space age melodica – certainly touched a nerve with various music bosses and resulted in an A&R scrum that eclipsed even the high-profile signing of The Thrills.}} Her rise had been low-profile; she did not perform live until she had signed her record deal.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/music/interviews/2727212.html|title=Davey's voyage|date=17 May 2004|access-date=15 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press|quote=Almost uniquely, she never played live until a while after she'd been signed. "I didn't gig and perform because I couldn't get the sound that I wanted on my own and I couldn't pay the musicians. I didn't want to be in a band, I wanted to be solo. All these different elements mean that you have to have a bit of money behind you. I've done three tours now, which have been great and have really got me out of my shell and I'm enjoying it."}} Her four-track debut EP, "Come Over", released in 2004, and in which she "swoops and yelps her way through proceedings with her distinctive voice", was described by the magazine as "inviting comparisons with others before deciding that she'd rather be completely unique if it's all the same with you".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/music/reviews/singles/2721936.html|title=Come Over EP|date=20 April 2004|access-date=15 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press|quote=Davy swoops and yelps her way through proceedings with her distinctive voice, inviting comparisons with others before deciding that she'd rather be completely unique if it's all the same with you. The other three tracks are no slouches either and Hot Press' decision to make her one of our ones to watch for the year looks to have been a rather nifty choice.}}

Davey's debut album, Something Ilk, was recorded at a studio in Wales, produced by Ben Hillier whose previous credits included Blur and Elbow, and released in 2004.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/archive/2748887.html|title=Cathy Davey announces live dates|date=20 August 2004|access-date=15 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press|quote=Cathy Davey introduces the world to her rather fab Something Ilk album when she descends on Cypress Avenue, Cork (September 16); Dolan's, Limerick (17); Roisin Dubh, Galway (18); and Temple Bar Music Centre, Dublin (19). Having come to prominence as one of the featured vocalists on Autamata's My Sanctuary album, Davey signed last year to EMI Virgin and is receiving widespread media coverage cross-channel.}} RTÉ reviewer Harry Guerin said it was "high on presence and very low on filler" and gave it three out of five stars.{{Cite web|author=Harry Guerin|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2004/0819/daveyc.html|title=Cathy Davey – Something Ilk|date=19 August 2004|access-date=13 November 2009|publisher=RTÉ}} Hot Press remarked, "Not only is her voice elfin, immediate and distinct the songs are also hugely compelling. They are digestible without being lightweight, austere in places without seeming detached".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/music/reviews/albums/2745026.html|title=Something Ilk|date=3 August 2004|access-date=13 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press|quote=Listening to her debut, it's easy to see why the gamine Davey caused such frenzied consternation in A&R circles upon her signing to EMI. Not only is her voice elfin, immediate and distinct the songs are also hugely compelling. They are digestible without being lightweight, austere in places without seeming detached. 'Clean & Neat' beats with its own distinctive pulse, while 'Hammerhead' and 'Go Make It' are particularly soft and touching. Like a slightly less cutesy Nina Hynes, or a less visceral PJ Harvey, Davey's music is unashamedly sexy, almost precocious in places, but still retains a stamp of class.}} The Irish Independent{{'}}s Paul Byrne described it as "one of the best Irish albums of 2004".{{cite news|author=Paul Byrne|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/cathys-no-wallflower-748310.html|title=Cathy's no wallflower|date=25 June 2007|access-date=13 November 2009|newspaper=Irish Independent}} Davey performed a nationwide tour in September 2004. She also supported Graham Coxon and Supergrass during tours they undertook that year.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/music/interviews/2771862.html|title=My 2004|date=21 December 2004|access-date=22 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press|quote=Best personal moment? The day I found out I was playing support on the Supergrass and Graham Coxon tours.}} The singer later dismissed Something Ilk, saying "I think the record company [EMI's Regal Recordings] thought I was an indie rock chick when they signed me and that album is very much other people's idea of what I should sound like. [...] I didn't have the confidence to say no to some of the things [Ben Hillier] suggested".{{cite news|author=John Meagher|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/qampa-cathy-davey-1116155.html|title=Q&A: Cathy Davey|date=5 November 2007|access-date=13 November 2009|newspaper=Irish Independent}} Davey claimed not to "know my arse from my elbow when I signed for them" and did not like performing those songs in a live arena. Despite this, the Irish Independent described her as "very talented—far more so than [Gemma] Hayes" but regretted that she had "failed to find an audience for her fine debut Something Ilk".{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/unsorted/features/so-much-music-so-little-talent-246600.html?start=1|title=So much music, so little talent|date=25 August 2005|access-date=13 November 2009|newspaper=Irish Independent}}

Davey performed a nationwide tour in late May 2007, debuting songs from her follow-up album which she initially referred to as Silversleeve.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/2924000.html|title=Cathy Davey to gig around Ireland|date=11 May 2007|access-date=15 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press|quote=She headlines Cork, Cyprus Ave (May 26); Limerick, Upstairs @ Dolans (28); Galway, Roisin Dubh (29); Belfast, Speakeasy (30); Dundalk, Spirit Store (31). The tour will be the first time fans can get an earful of her second album, tentatively titled Silversleeve. It's the follow-up to the critically acclaimed Something Ilk, which was her first LP for Parlophone.}} All but two of the songs were recorded in her home. The album, released under the title Tales of Silversleeve and produced by Liam Howe of Sneaker Pimps,{{cite news|author=Jim Carroll|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/1030/1224257641169.html|title=Marina on a mission|date=30 October 2009|access-date=13 November 2009|newspaper=The Irish Times|quote=The next step was hooking up with producer and co-writer Liam Howe (the guy from the Sneaker Pimps who produced Cathy Davey's last album, among other releases).}} was preceded by "Reuben", its first single, on 21 September 2007.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4017833.html|title=Cathy Davey announces residency tour|date=29 July 2007|access-date=22 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press|quote=Tales Of... is produced by Sneaker Pimps man Liam Howe, and preceded on 21 September by its flagship single, 'Reuben'.}} Davey explained the title choice, "I had a runny nose when I was a child and let's just say I didn't wipe it with a tissue". This proved to be a successful move as it led to a Choice Music Prize nomination for 2007 Irish Album of the Year. RTÉ reviewer Harry Guerin said it was "even more imaginative" than her debut and gave it four out of five stars.{{Cite web|author=Harry Guerin|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2007/1120/daveyc.html|title=Cathy Davey – Tales of Silversleeve|date=20 November 2007|access-date=13 November 2009|publisher=RTÉ}} entertainment.ie reviewer Lauren Murphy described the record as "Without doubt, one of the best albums of the year", noting "there's a magic about Tales of Silversleeve that makes it an album you're almost afraid to listen to twice, in case it's not as good as you remember the first time".{{Cite web|author=Lauren Murphy|url=http://entertainment.ie/album-review/Cathy-Davey---Tales-Of-Silversleeve/5230.htm|title=Cathy Davey – Tales of Silversleeve|date=17 October 2007|access-date=13 November 2009|publisher=entertainment.ie}} The Irish Independent{{'}}'s reviewer gave the album five stars, describing it as "a record that she can be proud of".{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/captivating-cathy-1198585.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804023731/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/captivating-cathy-1198585.html |url-status=dead |archive-date= 4 August 2012 |title=Captivating Cathy |date=17 October 2007 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent }} Jim Carroll, The Irish Times rock critic, called it "The most charming pop album you'll hear in Zero Seven".{{cite news|author=Jim Carroll|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/ontherecord/2007/10/16/cathy-davey-tales-of-silversleeve-review/|title=Cathy Davey "Tales of Silversleeve" review|date=16 October 2007|access-date=13 November 2009|newspaper=The Irish Times}}

After a series of residencies, Davey embarked on a pre-Christmas tour of Ireland in 2007.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4251431.html|title=Cathy Davey announces Christmas tour|date=9 November 2007|access-date=22 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press}} She appeared on the seventh series of Other Voices in early 2008.{{cite news|author=Shilpa Ganatra |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/the-big-story-other-voices-is-back-1278652.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804171000/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/the-big-story-other-voices-is-back-1278652.html |url-status=dead |archive-date= 4 August 2012 |title=The Big Story: Other Voices is back |date=1 February 2008 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent }} The singer represented Ireland at the Eurosonic Festival in Groningen, the Netherlands, in January 2008.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4188292.html|title=Cathy Davey confirmed for Eurosonic 2008|date=25 October 2007|access-date=22 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press}}{{cite magazine|author=Patrick Freyne|url=http://www.hotpress.com/music/interviews/4398152.html|title=All aboard the Davey train|date=4 February 2008|access-date=22 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press|quote=Two weeks ago I saw her with her band playing in a small, full venue in the Eurosonic festival in Groningen. It looked like a mini school gym from the 1970s and before the gig, the enthusiastic compere ensured everyone (previously lounging around on the floor) stood up for his favourite act.}} She performed at Childline Rocks in February 2008,{{cite news|author=John Meagher |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/loaded-festival-films-for-music-fans-1285020.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120803183520/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/loaded-festival-films-for-music-fans-1285020.html |url-status=dead |archive-date= 3 August 2012 |title=Loaded: Festival films for music fans |date=8 February 2008 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent }} followed by a performance at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas in that March.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4381667.html|title=Irish acts for SXSW Festival confirmed|date=30 January 2008|access-date=22 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press|quote=Hoping to woo the record company, publishing, TV & film soundtrack sourcing and concert promoter masses are Cathy Davey (pictured), Iain Archer, Paddy Casey, Oppenheimer, Fight Like Apes, Channel One, Delorentos, Distractors, Driving By Night, Laura Izibor and The Bleedin' Bleedins.}}{{Cite web|url=http://2008.sxsw.com/music/showcases/band/3818.html |title=SXSW 2008 Showcasing Artists |access-date=8 June 2009 |publisher=South by Southwest |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090102184048/http://2008.sxsw.com/music/showcases/band/3818.html |archive-date= 2 January 2009 }} Davey was dropped by her record company in mid-2008 alongside most of their client list.{{Cite web|author=Shane Culloty|url=http://www.state.ie/2009/03/features/interview-cathy-davey/|title=An Interview with Cathy Davey|date=31 March 2009|access-date=13 November 2009|publisher=State|quote=Parlophone dropped me last summer, I was in good company though, as they dropped pretty much everyone on their books. It's no big deal, I had been dreaming of an independent life for several years so it was nothing scary.|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218001954/http://www.state.ie/2009/03/features/interview-cathy-davey/|archive-date=18 February 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} She headlined the Main Stage at Cork X Southwest in Skibbereen in July 2008.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4588912.html|title=Cathy Davey confirmed for Cork X Southwest|date=30 May 2008|access-date=15 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press|quote=Cathy Davey heads the line-up Cork X Southwest, which takes place in The Showgrounds, Skibbereen in July. Main Stage – Cathy Davey, Jape, Afel Bocoum & Alkibar, The Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir, Avutar, The Church, Television Room, Chucklehead & Gorbachov}} In August 2009, she headlined the Eurocultured Festival in Dublin's Smithfield Plaza and also performed at that year's Indie-pendence.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4669092.html|title=Cathy Davey gets Eurocultured|date=24 July 2008|access-date=22 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press}}{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/0515/1224246525797.html|title=Indie festival draws big names|date=15 May 2009|access-date=13 November 2009|newspaper=The Irish Times|quote=Indiependence was first established in 2006, and has seen international acts such as The Proclaimers perform, although the focus is primarily on popular Irish acts. Last year Cathy Davey, Gemma Hayes and Fight Like Apes pleased the crowds for no charge.}} Davey appeared at Electric Picnic 2008.{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/entertainment/full-electric-picnic-lineup-includes-nick-cave-sigur-ros-bright-eyes-george-clinton-1327872.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217204603/http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/entertainment/full-electric-picnic-lineup-includes-nick-cave-sigur-ros-bright-eyes-george-clinton-1327872.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 February 2013 |title=Full Electric Picnic line-up includes Nick Cave, Sigur Ros, Bright Eyes, George Clinton |date=26 March 2008 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent }}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4570608.html|title=Cathy Davey confirms summer tour|date=19 May 2008|access-date=22 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press}} She featured at The Music Show in the RDS in October 2008.{{cite news|author=Colin Bartley|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-to-their-ears-1490655.html|title=Music to their ears|date=6 October 2008|access-date=13 November 2009|newspaper=Irish Independent}} The singer performed in Dublin's Iveagh Gardens during events to celebrate Africa Day on 25 May.{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/sun-shines-brightly-for-celebration-of-africa-1749807.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217194935/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/sun-shines-brightly-for-celebration-of-africa-1749807.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 February 2013 |title=Sun shines brightly for celebration of Africa |date=25 May 2009 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent }}{{cite news|author=Genevieve Carbery|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0513/1224246388712.html|title=Irish and ethnic music acts to cook up a storm for Africa Day|date=13 May 2009|access-date=13 November 2009|newspaper=The Irish Times|quote=IRISH ACTS such as Cathy Davey, Kila and Liam Ó Maoinlaí along with African musicians Vieux Farka Touré and Kenny Gilmore will play a free Dublin concert to mark Africa Day.}}{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2009/0501/1224245727479.html|title=Stars for Africa Day|date=1 May 2009|access-date=13 November 2009|newspaper=The Irish Times|quote=A host of Irish and African artists will perform at the Iveagh Gardens, Dublin on May 24th to celebrate Africa Day. Cathy Davey, Liam Ó Maonlai and Kila will be joined by the likes of Vieux Farka Touré and Niwel Tsumbu. www.irishaid.ie.}}

Davey's song "Moving" has been used in a prominent Vodafone commercial in her native Ireland. Another song, "Sing for Your Supper", was described by the Irish Independent{{'}}s Ed Power as "her biggest smash to date". The same reviewer described Davey's song "Reuben", a number one single, as "a skewed romantic tirade glazed in sugar-candy vocals".

Davey's third album, The Nameless, was released on 7 May 2010 (Ireland), with contributions from Conor J. O'Brien and Neil Hannon.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.ie/Cathy%20Davey/news/Cathy-Davey-artwork-exclusive/6365057.html|title=Cathy Davey artwork exclusive!|date=30 March 2010|access-date=30 March 2010|magazine=Hot Press}} Lead single "Little Red" was released on 21 April 2010 and followed by an Irish tour in May.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.ie/news/6299457.html|title=Cathy Davey announces tour & album release date|date=3 March 2010|access-date=3 March 2010|magazine=Hot Press}} Davey performed on The Late Late Show on 23 April 2010.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2010/0423/thelatelateshow.html|title=Soap queen joins Tubridy on Late Late|date=23 April 2010|access-date=23 April 2010|publisher=RTÉ}} She performed at Oxegen 2010 in July.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/Oxegen%202010/news/Oxegen-Latest-Hot-Press-Academy-Stage-Lineup-Annouced/6534527.html|title=Oxegen Latest: Hot Press Academy Stage Lineup Announced|date=19 May 2010|access-date=19 May 2010|magazine=Hot Press}} On 16 July 2010, to promote the second single from The Nameless album, Davey released a download only EP for "Army of Tears". The EP features three tracks: the original track "Army of Tears", a previously unreleased track "The Wandering" and a demo version of "Army of Tears".{{Citation needed|date=August 2010}}

Davey's fourth studio album New Forest was released on 9 September 2016.{{Cite web |url=http://www.newstalk.com/listen_back/6/29630/17th_August_2016_-_The_Tom_Dunne_Show_Part_1/ |title=Listen back - 6 - 29630 - 17th August 2016 - the Tom Dunne Show |access-date=22 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828095931/http://www.newstalk.com/listen_back/6/29630/17th_August_2016_-_The_Tom_Dunne_Show_Part_1/ |archive-date=28 August 2016 |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web|url=https://irishmusicfeed.tumblr.com/post/149335691639/music-cathy-davey-to-release-new-album-in|title=irish music feed|website=irish music feed|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-12}} The first track revealed from the new album was 'The Pattern'.{{Cite web|url=https://musician.ie/cathy-davey-reveals-pattern/|title=Cathy Davey reveals "The Pattern"|date=2016-07-14|website=Musician.ie|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12}}

Davey performed 'Chrysocoma' on RTÉ One's The Late Late Show on 23 September 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/player/|title=RTÉ Player|website=RTÉ Player|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12}}

Davey has appeared on the Autamata track "Cloud Seekers",{{cite news|author=John Meagher |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/features/electrical-storm-1309430.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218044355/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/features/electrical-storm-1309430.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 February 2013 |title=Electrical Storm |date=7 March 2009 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent |quote=Cathy Davey, another long-term Autamata stalwart, sings on the album's most pop moment, Cloud Seekers. }} taken from the album My Sanctuary. She has worked with Elbow. She dueted with Gavin Glass on the track "Rag Doll".{{Cite web|url=http://www.waterford-today.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2076&Itemid=10322&ed=195 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101008051910/http://waterford-today.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2076&Itemid=10322&ed=195 |url-status=dead |archive-date= 8 October 2010 |title=Gavin Glass is finally getting the breaks he deserves on the Irish music scene. |access-date=15 November 2009 |publisher=Waterford Today }} She sang a song called "Cannonballs" on a 2005 CD titled Faction One, released by record label Faction.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/archive/2805827.html|title=Faction One|date=8 June 2005|access-date=22 November 2009|magazine=Hot Press|quote=Thus Faction ONE is almost a meeting of the old and the new ethos, a small Irish label release featuring a selection of bands who have struck deals with the likes of Big Cat, Fierce Panda, Vertigo, Atlantic and EMI, as well as a few bedroom pioneers. [...] Cathy Davy seems unable to extricate the actual melody of 'Cannonballs' from its complicated self, so its Republic of Loose who take the top honours with the previously unheard 'Comeback Girl'.}} She appears on the David Turpin track "Red Elk".{{cite news|author=Deanna Ortiz|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/1016/1224256756024.html|title=Rock/Pop|date=16 October 2009|access-date=15 November 2009|newspaper=The Irish Times|quote=Death, nature and love rejoin forces as Haunted! cements Turpin's commitment to pop, this time allowing r'n’b to sashay to the fore. Here, dancefloor fillers built on retro electronics, disco bass, synth embellishments and back-up singers sit alongside tracks such as the gloomy Red Elk (where Cathy Davey guests).}} She lent her vocals to the 2008 charity album Even Better Than the Disco Thing, on which she performed a cover of Donna Summer's "I Feel Love".{{cite news|author=John Meagher|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/columnists/loaded-12122008-1572775.html|title=Loaded: 12 December 2008|date=12 December 2008|access-date=13 November 2009|newspaper=Irish Independent}} Tony Clayton-Lea recommended the song be downloaded alongside Lisa Hannigan's cover version of "Upside Down".{{cite news|author=Tony Clayton-Lea|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2008/1219/1229523065719.html|title=Rock/Pop|date=19 December 2008|access-date=13 November 2009|newspaper=The Irish Times|quote=The only ones to get it right are non-Irish blues singer Eric Bibb ( Dancing Queen ), Lisa Hannigan ( Upside Down ) and Cathy Davey ( I Feel Love ).}} She performed guest vocals on the track "The Sweet Spot" from The Duckworth Lewis Method's eponymous album and three tracks on Bang Goes the Knighthood, Neil Hannon's 2010 album as The Divine Comedy.{{cite news|author=Kevin Courtney|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2009/0626/1224249531904.html|title=Totally wicket|date=26 June 2009|access-date=13 November 2009|newspaper=The Irish Times|quote=The glam stomp of The Sweet Spot, featuring guest vocals from Cathy Davey, throws a bit of a googly – it sounds like it may be about something naughty, but methinks it's actually a cricket term. No such ambiguity in Jiggery Pokery, a bitter, barrelhouse reminiscence about the notorious Gatting Ball of 1993.}} She also supported R.E.M. during their Live Rehearsal shows at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin in summer 2007.{{Cite web|url=http://www.drop-d.ie/archives/1803 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130412223930/http://www.drop-d.ie/archives/1803 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 April 2013 |title=Interview: Cathy Davey |date=27 June 2009 |access-date=22 November 2009 |publisher=drop-d }} Davey hosted Songs That Scare Children at the Spiegeltent during the Dublin Fringe Festival in September 2008. Her music is available to download from the PlayStation SingStore.{{cite news|author=John Meagher |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/columnists/loaded-24042009-1718582.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217175822/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/columnists/loaded-24042009-1718582.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 February 2013 |title=Loaded: 24 April 2009 |date=24 April 2009 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent }} She was involved in efforts to raise funds in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/Cathy%20Davey/news/Cathy-Davey-Villagers--more-for-Drop-Haitis-Debt-gig/6189258.html|title=Cathy Davey, Villagers & more for Drop Haiti's Debt gig|date=1 February 2010|access-date=5 February 2010|magazine=Hot Press}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/Cathy%20Davey/news/Drop-Haitis-Debt-gig-cancelled/6208214.html|title='Drop Haiti's Debt' gig cancelled|date=10 February 2010|access-date=11 February 2010|magazine=Hot Press}} Davey's song 'Rescue' has been used in the ABC TV series The Gates.{{cite web|url=http://abc.go.com/shows/the-gates/episode-guide/what-lies-beneath/474228 |title="What Lies Beneath" Episode Recap Pg. 1 - the Gates - ABC.com |access-date=2010-07-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723154447/http://abc.go.com/shows/the-gates/episode-guide/what-lies-beneath/474228 |archive-date=23 July 2010 }} Her song 'Holy Moly' is played at the end of The Disappearance of Alice Creed.{{Cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/the-disappearance-alice-creed/id373522398 |title=The Disappearance of Alice Creed (Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Marc Canham on iTunes |website=iTunes |access-date=9 September 2017 |archive-date=21 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221231945/https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/the-disappearance-alice-creed/id373522398 |url-status=dead }}

In summer 2016, Davey confirmed a new album was due for release in autumn 2016, this was preceded by the first new single 'The Pattern' released on 15 July 2016.{{Citation|last=Radial by The Orchard|title=Cathy Davey - The Pattern (Official Music Video)|date=2016-06-30|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZPcmtyiUBk| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/0ZPcmtyiUBk| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|access-date=2019-06-12}}{{cbignore}} 'New Forest' reached No. 5 in the Irish Album Chart in September 2016.

She went on to launch a charity called My Lovely Horse Rescue, which has saved the lives of hundreds of horses since its inception. The rescue has now branched off into saving pigs too with My Lovely Pig Rescue. Working on her busy farm has meant music has taken a backseat, but she continues to write, and play live in Ireland in the meantime.

Since 2009, Davey has been in a relationship with Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy.{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/features/singer-neil-hannon-says-his-life-is-anything-but-a-rock-n-roll-cliche-34192326.html|author=Una Brankin|title=Singer Neil Hannon says his life is anything but a rock'n'roll cliche|date=12 November 2015|access-date=5 September 2016|newspaper=Belfast Telegraph}} The couple live on a farm{{cite web|last=Power|first=Bairbre|date=2023-06-03|title=Singer Cathy Davey: 'I am hairy where girls aren't meant to be. I have calloused hands; my feet would scare children'|url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/singer-cathy-davey-i-am-hairy-where-girls-arent-meant-to-be-i-have-calloused-hands-my-feet-would-scare-children/a286969987.html|access-date=2023-06-26|website= The Irish Independent|language=en}} in County Kildare. Davey is an animal lover: She and Hannon have several dogs and are patrons of the Irish animal charity My Lovely Horse Rescue.{{Cite web|url=http://www.gemosi.com/gemosi-support-lovely-horse-rescue/|author=Gemosi|title=Gemosi to support My Lovely Horse Rescue|date=28 January 2014|access-date=5 September 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/the-diary-christmas-party-season-is-upon-us-30780132.html|author1=Bairbre Power|author2=Kirsty Blake Knox|title=The Diary: Christmas party season is upon us|date=30 November 2014|access-date=5 September 2016|quote="My Lovely Horse Rescue, a charity special to the hearts of singers Cathy Davey and Neil Hannon"}} They are also patrons of My Lovely Pig Rescue, a branch of the original rescue.{{Cite journal|date=2020-05-11|title=Nationwide visit the woman rescuing Ireland's pet pigs|url=https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2020/0511/1137717-nationwide-meet-the-woman-rescuing-irelands-pet-pig/|language=en}}

{{Main|Cathy Davey discography}}

• Something Ilk (2004)
• Tales of Silversleeve (2007)
• The Nameless (2010)
• New Forest (2016){{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

The Irish Times placed Davey third in a list of "The 50 Best Irish Acts Right Now" published in April 2009,{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/0410/1224244309293.html |title=The next 50 bands |date=10 April 2009 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=The Irish Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101023035300/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2009/0410/1224244309293.html |archive-date=23 October 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} saying "There's no better female songwriter in Irish music right now".{{cite news|author1=Jim Carroll |author2=Tony Clayton-Lea |author3=Sinéad Gleeson |authorlink3=Sinéad Gleeson |author4=Lauren Murphy |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2009/0403/1224243925837.html |title=The 50 best Irish music acts right now |date=2009-04-03 |access-date=2009-06-08 |newspaper=The Irish Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007190642/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2009/0403/1224243925837.html |archive-date=7 October 2010 |via=Wayback Machine |quote=Her live performances have been consistently enriching – witness her tremendous Electric Picnic performance last year (which even Elbow failed to worm their way into the packed tent to witness). There's no better female songwriter in Irish music right now. |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Her closest female rivals on the list were Lisa Hannigan and Róisín Murphy at numbers five and seven respectively. Tales of Silversleeve was named sixth best Irish album of 2007 by John Meagher of the Irish Independent and ninth best album of the decade by Jim Carroll, Tony Clayton-Lea and Lauren Murphy of The Irish Times.{{cite news|author=John Meagher |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/local-heroes-1246383.html?start=2 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217225005/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/local-heroes-1246383.html?start=2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 February 2013 |title=Local heroes |date=14 December 2007 |access-date=15 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent }}{{cite news|author=Jim Carroll, Tony Clayton-Lea and Lauren Murphy|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2009/1201/1224259791948.html|title=What, no Westlife? The best albums of the decade|date=1 December 2009|access-date=6 January 2010|newspaper=The Irish Times}}

Davey won Best Pop Act at the 2011 Digital Socket Awards in Dublin.{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalsocketawards.com/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=2012-08-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318180755/http://digitalsocketawards.com/ |archive-date=18 March 2012 |df=dmy-all }}

Davey's second album Tales of Silversleeve was nominated for the Choice Music Prize in January 2008.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0110/choicemusicprize.html|title=Choice Music Prize shortlist announced|date=10 January 2007|access-date=13 November 2009|publisher=RTÉ}}{{cite news|author=John Meagher |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/features/choice-cuts-1290248.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130107201536/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/features/choice-cuts-1290248.html |url-status=dead |archive-date= 7 January 2013 |title=Choice Cuts |date=15 February 2008 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent }} Surprise was expressed within the Irish media when she was beaten by Super Extra Bonus Party.{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/the-choice-of-regeneration-1656945.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130108045031/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/the-choice-of-regeneration-1656945.html |url-status=dead |archive-date= 8 January 2013 |title=The Choice of regeneration? |date=28 February 2009 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent |quote=Then last year, as if over-compensating for the Divine Comedy victory, the jokers in the pack Super Extra Bonus Party took home the €10,000 cheque, to a general air of bemusement and bewilderment. Many asked: how, exactly, was Cathy Davey overlooked? }}{{cite news|author=John Meagher |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/critics-choice/the-week-in-11th--17th-april-1343748.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217195608/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/critics-choice/the-week-in-11th--17th-april-1343748.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 February 2013 |title=The week in... 11th – 17th April |date=11 April 2008 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent |quote=Some folks were very upset that this Kildare collective snatched the Choice Music Prize from the likes of Adrian Crowley and Cathy Davey, but there's no doubting their infectious enthusiasm and boundless energy. }}

The Nameless was nominated for the Choice Music Prize in 2011.{{cite web|author=Anna Forbes |url=http://www.state.ie/features/26519-choice-music-prize-preview |title=Choice Music Prize Preview |date=3 March 2011 |work=State |access-date=3 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305162858/http://www.state.ie/features/26519-choice-music-prize-preview |archive-date= 5 March 2011 |df=dmy }}

{{awards table}}

|-

| 2008 || Tales of Silversleeve || Irish Album of the Year 2007 || {{nom}}

|-

| 2011 || The Nameless || Irish Album of the Year 2010 || {{nom}}

{{end}}

Davey won Best Irish Female at the 2008 Meteor Awards.{{cite news|author=Fiach Kelly |url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/orange-is-the-new-red-at-the-meteors-1290865.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130219033456/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/orange-is-the-new-red-at-the-meteors-1290865.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 February 2013 |title=Orange is the new red at the Meteors |date=16 February 2008 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent |quote=Dublin's Aslan won the Best Irish Band award, Best Irish Female went to Cathy Davey, Duke Special scooped Best Male and Paddy Casey won Best Irish Album for 'Addicted to Company'. The Blizzards won Best Irish Live Performance for their Oxegen gig last summer. }}{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/entertainment/westlife-are-still-number-one-1291034.html|title=Westlife are still number one|date=16 February 2008|access-date=13 November 2009|newspaper=Irish Independent|quote=Singer Cathy Davey won Best Irish Female while Best Irish Male went to Duke Special at Friday's glitzy ceremony at the RDS.}} Tales of Silversleeve was also nominated for Best Irish Album at the same event but lost to Paddy Casey. Casey later admitted he would have preferred if Davey had won the award.{{cite news|author=Paddy Casey |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/paddy-casey-1586222.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217183750/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/paddy-casey-1586222.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 February 2013 |title=Paddy Casey |date=27 December 2008 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent |quote=At the start of the year, Addicted to Company won the Meteor Award for Best Album, which was great, even if I think Cathy Davey's album should have got it. }} Upon being embraced by and photographed alongside Sinéad O'Connor at the launch, Davey remarked on how odd it was "to put your arms around someone you don't know".{{cite news|author=Anne-Marie Walsh |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/sinead-brings-the-meteors-down-to-earth-1233141.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022004000/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/sinead-brings-the-meteors-down-to-earth-1233141.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 October 2012 |title=Sinead brings the Meteors down to earth |date=30 November 2007 |access-date=13 November 2009 |newspaper=Irish Independent }}

{{awards table}}

|-

| 2008 || Cathy Davey || Best Irish Female || {{won}}

|-

| 2008 || Tales of Silversleeve || Best Irish Album || {{nom}}

|-

{{end}}

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.cathydavey.ie Official site]
• [http://www.irishmusiccentral.com/cathydavey/index.html Cathy Davey profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810102206/http://www.irishmusiccentral.com/cathydavey/index.html |date=10 August 2007 }} at Irish Music Central
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090415180009/http://www.rte.ie/tv/othervoices/cathydavey2.html Cathy Davey] on Other Voices
• [http://www.rte.ie/tv/tubridytonight/20071020.html Performance] of "Reuben" on Tubridy Tonight (20 October 2007)
• [https://archive.today/20130107201536/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/features/choice-cuts-1290248.html "Choice Cuts"]—Interview with the Irish Independent after Choice Prize nomination

{{Good article}}

{{Cathy Davey}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Davey, Cathy}}

Category:1978 births

Category:Living people

Category:Irish women guitarists

Category:Irish women singer-songwriters

Category:21st-century Irish singer-songwriters

Category:Musicians from Dublin (city)

Category:Alternative rock singers

Category:21st-century Irish women singers

Category:21st-century Irish guitarists

Category:21st-century women guitarists

Category:2000s in Irish music

Category:2010s in Irish music