Sister Ghost

Sister Ghost is the haunting, self-built world of Irish musician Shannon Delores O’Neill - one  of the rare artists redefining what DIY means in rock music today. With a background playing in bands from the age of 12, O'Neill saw Sister Ghost as a bold step toward her creative autonomy; writing and recording everything herself on an old 8-track recorder, crafting a sound that’s undeniably hers. An anthemic, spectral fusion of art-rock and gothic-pop sensibilities - her music draws on a wide spectrum of influences, from the raw grit of the 'Seattle sound' to the avant edge of Sonic Youth, Patti Smith’s poetic rebellion and Kate Bush’s artful mystique. The result is music that’s as intelligent as it is visceral.

Sister Ghost has built a reputation over the years as one of Ireland’s most vital rock voices, winning Best Live Act at the NI Music Prize and has shared stages with Snow Patrol, Fontaines DC, We Are Scientists, Ratboys, Shellac, Pussy Riot & more. Beyond this, O'Neill has been a powerful advocate for inclusivity in the Irish music scene, founding Girls Rock! NI in 2016 to support and mentor female and gender-expansive musicians. Her music and advocacy has gained critical praise from The Guardian, as well as airplay on KEXP Seattle, RTÉ 2FM, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 1. 

After turning heads recently with singles like “I Bite Back,” “Dark Matter,” and “She’s Wild,” Sister Ghost has released her long-awaited debut album, Beyond The Water.

Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Brad Wood (Liz Phair, Veruca Salt) and Jeff Friedl (A Perfect Circle, DEVO), the album marks the arrival of an artist who’s been quietly building something powerful. With Beyond The Water, Sister Ghost steps into a new era—one defined by fearless songwriting and powerful storytelling.

Reflecting on the release, Shannon said the album was born from isolation during the pandemic and shaped by a dream-come-true recording experience in LA. “I’m so proud of this album,” she says. “It’s something positive born out of a dark time.”

Beyond The Water captures the highs and lows of her twenties as a queer woman from rural Ireland—stories of love, heartbreak, death, and, above all, resilience. It’s a record full of nostalgia, restlessness, and hope—looking back and moving forward, all at once.

“Loud and unapologetic blasts of feminist empowerment” - Louder Magazine

“Absolutely glorious power pop with a goth tinge - absolutely fantastic” - Julie Weir, Music For Nations, Sony Music

“Big guitar lines, big hooks; I'm obsessed!” Gemma Bradley, BBC Radio 1

“Absolutely massive!” Jack Saunders, BBC Radio 1

“The future of punk rock” Hot Press Magazine

"One of the most talented songwriters this country has produced in a long time!"  
Steven Rainey, BBC Radio Ulster

"An independent force; a defiant artist" CLASH Magazine 

“One of the most gifted songwriters to come out of the North” 

Stephen McCauley, BBC Radio Ulster 

"Like Joan Jett, Donita Sparks, and Joe Strummer rolled into one"  
Pure M Zine

"Tense yet hook filled, Sister Ghosts sound is a breath of fresh air on the garage/punk scene. A blistering meld of Sonic Youth meets Sleater-Kinney and that’s something to be very excited about.'' 
The Last Mixed Tape