When were The JarrahCelts established?
The JarrahCelts were founded in November 2014, with Chris Horgan, Jane Slater and John Perry as the founding members.
The band began as a collective of Celtic musicians living throughout the Perth Hills. Over the years, many talented performers have been part of the group - at one point, there were 12 musicians performing under the JarrahCelts banner. Today, the band continues with a core lineup of 4 while regularly collaborating with guest musicians.
Where did the band originate?
The JarrahCelts were formed in the picturesque Perth Hills town of Roleystone, Western Australia, surrounded by the iconic Jarrah forests that inspired the band's name.
How did The JarrahCelts become involved in the medieval and fantasy scene?
Interestingly, becoming a "medieval band" was never part of the original plan!
The medieval and fantasy community in Western Australia was one of the first audiences to truly embrace and celebrate the music of The JarrahCelts. Our blend of lively Celtic dance tunes, storytelling ballads and traditional instruments naturally complemented medieval festivals and fantasy events.
One of our very first major performances was at the Balingup Medieval Carnivale in 2014. The organisers invited us to perform, and we've been regular favourites at medieval festivals ever since.
Over more than a decade, performing at these events has become an important part of the band's identity. The popularity of The Lord of the Rings and other fantasy films has also introduced many new audiences to Celtic-inspired music, helping the genre continue to grow.
Why the name "The JarrahCelts"?
The name combines our Western Australian home with our Celtic musical heritage.
The Jarrah is an iconic hardwood tree native to the south-west of Western Australia. It is renowned for its strength, durability and remarkable longevity. The forests surrounding Roleystone are dominated by Jarrah trees, making them a fitting symbol of where the band was born.
Jarrah also played an important role in Western Australia's colonial history. During the convict era, ships arriving with Convicts often returned loaded with Jarrah timber, prized throughout the world for its incredible strength and resistance to decay.
What was The JarrahCelts' first album?
The JarrahCelts' debut album, Dandjoo, was released in 2020 during the COVID pandemic.
The album features a rich blend of traditional and contemporary acoustic instruments, including the Didgeribone (a modern evolution of the didgeridoo), uilleann pipes, wooden flute and fiddle. Alongside traditional influences, the album introduced three original JarrahCelts compositions.
Dandjoo is a Noongar word meaning "gathering." The title reflects the band's beginnings as a collective of Perth Hills musicians who came together over many years to perform, share music and celebrate both Celtic and Australian culture.
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