New Mayo single and video inspired by friendship, courage and community
WHAT began as a spontaneous melody on a sunny September morning drive from Westport to Carrakennedy in 2023 has become a powerful debut single and cinematic music video created by an extraordinary collaboration of the Westport creative community.
This week local creative Nicky Dowd announces the release of her original song, 'Everybody Knows', alongside a striking black-and-white vintage-style music video filmed in Westport and Louisburgh.
The song was first conceived in September 2023 during artist Nicky's daily commute through County Mayo. Inspired by close friends navigating difficult relationships, the lyrics and melody came quickly and instinctively.
“I was thinking about how hard it is to admit something isn’t working,” Dowd explains. “Sometimes everyone around you can see it but you have to wait until you can find the strength yourself.
“We have all been there whether it is a relationship, job or place you live.”
'Everybody Knows' is about finding the courage to walk away and believing you deserve better.
The song was completed later that month and remained quietly stored in voice memos until August 2025, when a chance conversation in McGing's Pub changed everything.
Encouraged by talented local musicians Aisling Smyth and Michael Halloran, Dowd shared her demo. Within weeks, the trio gathered at her home with piano and electric upright bass to develop the arrangement. The song’s first live performance at a local Open Mic night was met with an overwhelmingly positive response.
“I think my love for Peggy Lee, musicals and the warm Jazz and swing tones of Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James have percolated over the years,” says Dowd.
Among those in attendance was Westport’s award-winning filmmaker Alan Friel, who immediately envisioned a cinematic treatment for the song.
“I could see it straight away,” Friel said. “Moody, sultry, vintage - almost a nod to David Lynch in atmosphere. The song feels like a classic. It carries a powerful message.”
Recording took place at Clew Bay Recording Studios in November 2025, with sound engineer Bart de Boer guiding the process. The collaboration expanded to include octogenarian saxophonist Gerry Hughes and drummer Joey Halloran, creating a rich, layered sound.
Filming followed in December across multiple Westport locations, including The Clock Tavern, Castlecourt Hotel and Louisburgh Community Hall. Local award-winning cinematographer Brian Durcan joined the production, alongside young student filmmakers who assisted with lighting and set design.
Community members rallied behind the project, lending vintage microphones, smoke machines and props to bring the retro aesthetic to life. A lyric video teaser was also created by local film students, adding another layer of grassroots creativity.
Editing was completed by Dowd's brother-in-law Dan Thomas in early February.
Shortly before the final cut arrived, Dowd experienced the loss of her father, who passed away on January 15. After a period of grief and reflection, she now shares the finished project with profound gratitude.
“This has been about so much more than a song,” says Dowd. “It’s about friendship, timing, courage and community. I’m so proud that we took a leap of faith together. If this song helps even one person find the strength to walk away from something that isn’t right, then it’s worth it.”
There will be an evening of entertainment of Nicky Dowd and guests at the Clew Bay Hotel supported by Westport Jazz on April 23 at 7.30 p.m. to celebrate the release of the music video.
Nicky will be joined by musicians Aisling Smyth, Michael Halloran, Gerry Hughes, Dan Delaney and Joanne Keegan.
'Everybody Knows' is available on all platforms, including Spotify and YouTube.