Úlla

Úlla came together organically in 2019 via shared connections in the Austin music scene. All full-time musicians, Úlla comprises a pair of Irish expats joined with several trad-Celtic music fans to form a collective that shares and celebrates a mutual love of Celtic musical heritage. They have honed their show and music at a weekly residency at Austin’s renowned live music hub, the Saxon Pub, and in the recording studio with their eponymous debut CD. Now they are stepping out nationally.

Pat Byrne (vocals and guitar), from Borris, County Carlow, has been singing professionally since his teen years. He moved to Austin to work on writing and to form a band to play original music. Pat is a tremendous vocal talent with a repertoire forged in the Fleadh Ceols of his homeland. An all-Ireland céilí drummer in his youth, Pat moved to guitar and discovered his true talent as a singer. Pat was the winner of the inaugural season of The Irish Voice.

Andrea Magee (vocals, bodhran, whistle), from Belfast, County Antrim, grew up singing in a family band, learning traditional songs from her father and sisters as a teen. Nowadays, in addition to Úlla, she performs with Beat Root Revival, a duo that has toured the country and earned a string of awards and accolades. Andrea is also building a name as a solo performer, with her most recent CD, Belfast Girl, exploring her early life in Northern Ireland.

Rich Brotherton (vocals, guitar, cittern), grew up playing music in Augusta, Georgia. After college he spent two summers in Doolin, County Clare, soaking up traditional reels, jigs and songs. He later moved to Texas to further his music career. After years with the Robert Earl Keen band. Rich now works as the proprietor of Ace Recording, a cosy, well-appointed studio in south Austin, in addition to performing with all sorts of musical pals in the Austin area.

Kris Wade (bass, vocals), from Houston, Texas, has played every style of music the Austin scene offers. From swing (Marshall Ford Swing Band) to blues (Guy Forsyth) to pop (Pat Byrne) to country (Emily Gimble) to jazz (Sarah Sharp), and now Irish folk with Úlla, Kris has the bottom end covered with style and taste.

Maddy Brotherton (fiddle) grew up in Austin, Texas, playing classical violin. While working on a degree in violin performance at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, she was instrumental in organizing a fiddle club, and began playing traditional Celtic tunes. Soon after came a trip to London and study with noted trad player Pete Cooper. When lockdown forced Úlla to move from a weekly residency , she began participating in Úlla live streams with Rich, her father, leading to a seat on stage as Ella’s newest member.

Úlla are delighted to be making waves and garnering attention in the Celtic festival world. An inaugural visit to the North Texas Irish Festival in March ‘22 drew large, enthusiastic crowds and rave reviews. On their very first trip to NTIF, the artists’ merch booth sold out out every single copy of their self-titled CD. Next up is a trip to the Mississippi Celtic Festival in Jackson, MS. They would be delighted and honored to be considered for your Celtic gathering. Give a listen!