Kildare family band eye Eurovision

THE music industry supremo who launched Whitney Houston’s global career in on a mission to ensure that a Kildare singing family are next to represent Ireland in the Eurovision.

Rick Blaskey, who oversaw the teenage Whitney Houston’s global launch, and who has also recently written for the likes of Andrea Bocelli and Katherine Jenkins, believes The Mahers from Newbridge are perfect for this world stage.

Sisters Stacy (21), Robyn (20) and Ruby (15) together with Dad, Dave Maher are a hugely popular group on the Irish music scene and sprang to prominence when their haunting ***Lullaby For The World***, a love letter to Mother Earth was chosen as the ‘sound’ of ‘World Earth Day’ and broadcast on platforms in 190 different countries.

The group are described as one of Ireland’s favourite family singing groups and Rick says their latest single ***We are connected*** is ideal for the Eurovision, given its deep meaning that is universal.

He said: “I have taken The Mahers under my wing as I genuinely believe they have something, that elusive indefinable magic that sets singers apart.

“I co-wrote this song especially for them as I do think it has the power to ‘connect’ people and broker some harmony and cohesion in an increasingly fractured world. It has a punchy and catchy melody and that’s really what Eurovision needs.

“I have always been much more excited to work with artists who I believe transcend current genres and fashion, and who I can see can have the widest appeal to the biggest possible audiences.

“The Mahers have the genuine likeability factor, a unique persona, story and sound. Musical families do have that special little bit of magic dust when it comes to performing together, they harmonise so well together, and ***We Are Connected*** showcases that beautifully.

“I believe there is no better group to represent Ireland at next year’s Eurovision."

There is a great talent in the Maher family.

Stacey and Robyn have graduated from the prestigious Laine Theatre Arts College in Londonn and youngest, Ruby, has appeared on Voice Kids UK.

Dave is also a legend on the Irish music scene. He said: “We are delighted by this endorsement from Rick. He is a real pro and so respected on the international music scene. This new song, ***We Are Connected*** is special.

“Everywhere we look in today’s world there is discord, disconnect and disharmony.

“People are stressed and sadly, instead of coming together, people are breaking apart.

“Our world is in a fair bit of turmoil at the moment with various global events that are creating division, disharmony and disconnection. We are hoping to do the opposite; create links, connect people and bring joy and hope”.

He added: “We’re hoping that ***We Are Connected*** will resonate across the world as people are hungry for connection, it’s human nature to want to belong together and be a part of something bigger than ourselves.

“The world needs this song at the moment, it needs togetherness.” The Mahers have enjoyed major success since their collaboration with Rick Blaskey.

For Dave, even the chance to work with an industry figure of Rick’s stature is already a high point. But, as he points out, he wants this to be just the first of many such highs to come.

“It's amazing, it really is. To hear someone like Rick speak about us the way he has, well it's just the most fantastic feeling. He knows what he's talking about, because he's worked with, shaped, and guided the career of an artist who you could argue was perhaps the greatest female vocalist ever.

“So having Rick in our corner, on top of having such a beautiful song to work with is a dream come true for us.

"The music industry can be a tough old station, I’ve grown up in it but it’s hugely rewarding and can be such a powerful force for goods s I think there's some exciting times ahead for The Mahers with Rick leading the way, I really do,” said Dave.

"I see ***We Are Connected*** as an anthem for our times really, a song that belongs to the world. It’s just our good fortune to be the ones who have a chance now to bring it to the world.

“That's a journey we're excited about setting out on. And in Rick, we're working with a man who's done it all before on that scale."