Moya Brennan on ‘Macalla’ at 40 — Clannad’s Timeless Legacy | XS Noize Podcast

In Episode #255 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Moya Brennan, the legendary voice of Clannad, to celebrate 40 years of their landmark 1985 album Macalla.

Blending ethereal harmonies, Celtic mysticism, and modern pop production, Macalla became one of Clannad’s defining works — carrying their sound from Donegal’s Gaeltacht to the world stage. Featuring the haunting duet with Bono on “In a Lifetime,” the album marked a creative high point that still resonates across generations.

In this conversation, Moya reflects on the making of Macalla, the band’s evolution through the 1980s, and the emotional landscape that shaped those songs. She discusses the magic of recording with her siblings, how the Bono collaboration came together, and how the themes of home, spirituality, and belonging continue to echo four decades later.

From Clannad’s early traditional roots to their cinematic global sound, Moya offers a deeply personal glimpse into the journey of a band who helped define Irish music on the world stage.

She also talks about the atmosphere in the studio during the Macalla sessions, the pressures and breakthroughs of that era, the meaning behind key songs, and the timeless message that still connects audiences to Clannad’s work today.

“When we made Macalla, we never thought it would still be speaking to people 40 years later — that’s the real magic.” – Moya Brennan

Hear Moya Brennan reflect on the stories, the spirit, and the legacy behind one of Clannad’s most beloved albums.

Chapters

0:00 – Bono’s Border Prank
1:10 – Welcome / Intro
2:28 – 40 Years of Macalla
3:36 – Meaning Behind the Title
5:16 – Recording in Dublin, Surrey & Switzerland
7:02 – “In a Lifetime” with Bono
9:48 – Finding Clannad’s 80s Sound
11:33 – Shooting the Video in Donegal
13:10 – Songs That Still Resonate
13:56 – What Macalla Means to Moya
15:28 – Irish Music’s Turning Point
17:41 – Performing These Songs Live
19:24 – Working with Steve Nye
20:44 – Studio Magic & Happy Accidents
21:53 – Spiritual Roots & Earthiness
23:46 – Discovering Her Voice
25:50 – Protecting the Voice on Tour
26:28 – Living with a Lung Condition
28:47 – Collaborations & Surprising Moments
32:10 – “Saltwater” & Global Reach
32:45 – The First Lady of Celtic Music
34:00 – Inspiring New Generations
35:16 – Five Songs That Define Clannad
36:32 – The Letterkenny Folk Festival Win
37:44 – Grammys, BAFTA & Royal Albert Hall
40:03 – The Echo of Macalla Today
41:07 – Closing Reflections

Hosted & Produced by Mark Millar

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