Winners of the ‘best live act’ at the 2019 NI Music Prize Sister Ghost, is the project of Shannon Delores O’Neill; having a background playing in bands from the age of 12. In late 2013, she saw an opportunity to do things her way for the first time. She began writing and demoing – singing and playing everything herself – before enlisting some friends to bring Sister Ghost to completion.
Playing noisy, spectral art-rock with a pop heart, O’Neill marshals a diverse set of influences – from The Gits and Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo, to Kate Bush and L7.
Shannon has been recognised for mentoring and encouraging other female – identified musicians to perform in the Northern Ireland scene, having also set up the Girls Rock! NI chapter in 2016. Sister Ghost has garnered high profile support slots with Shellac, Pussy Riot, Petrol Girls and Le Butcherettes, as well as airplay on BBC 6 Music and a Next Wave Artist slot of BBC Radio 1.
