The Frockens (Conor Doyle – Mandolin, Fiddle and Vocals and Ben Scott – Guitar, Flute, Vocals) blend Irish, Australian and American folk sounds to tell stories ranging in time and space from convict-era Sydney, to the wilds of the Antarctic, to the taxi cues of recession-era Dublin. The Frockens have quickly become active members of the Dublin music scene, running (and regularly performing in) a monthly unplugged folk club – “Revels Folk Revival” in Rathfarnham village. Their debut album “Old Willow Tree” is due for release in September of this year.
Ben is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, born in Australia, and based in Dublin for the past six years. His more than 30 years of performing experience includes soul band Maxwell Street, tours of eastern Australia with the Spooky Men’s Chorale and countless performances on the folk festival/folk club scene in Australia and Ireland, both solo and with groups such as The Flash Coves and Lime and Steel.
Ben’s original songs draw on the ballad traditions of Ireland and Australia to tell new stories which reflect the tensions, contradictions, and humour of human experience. He has released three albums of original music (see here for samples). His song “A Bullocky’s Girl” was recorded by Australian Folk favourites Kate Burke and Luke Plumb and three others have been shortlisted in the Australian Song Contest.
Conor starting out busking on Grafton Street singing Everly Brothers songs with rockabilly outfit The Tennessee Surfers in the early 90’s. Playing gigs all around Dublin’s pub scene. The Surfers were a favourite of college and University student unions throughout Ireland. Thankless Child was Conor’s next collaborative project. Taking on Bass and vocal duties, further developing his vocal harmonising and songwriting skills. Thankless Child were regular suspects around the Dublin gig scene in the mid 90’s.
Later, Conor formed Little Ass Birds an original old-time / Bluegrass outfit along with his partner and brother. Mandolin, guitar and fiddle where his focus, while songwriting and singing harmonies were a big feature of the band. The Birds were in high demand at many Bluegrass festivals throughout Ireland, and also gigging in Holland and France. Their debut album Up in the Air was a great seller at their gigs. Conor is a current member of Laetare Vocal Ensemble.
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