Enya
Early Life
Enya Patricia Brennan, known mononymously as Enya, was born on May 17, 1961, in Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland. She was born into a musical family, the sixth of nine children. Her father, Leo Brennan, was the leader of the Slieve Foy Band, a popular Irish showband, and her mother, Máire "Baba" Brennan, was a music teacher.
Career
Beginnings
Enya began her music career in 1980 when she joined her family's Celtic band Clannad. However, she left the band in 1982 to pursue a solo career. She was discovered by Nicky Ryan, a producer and manager, who introduced her to his wife Roma Ryan. Together, they developed a distinctive sound that was a fusion of Enya's voice with layered synthesizers, ethereal textures, and elements of Celtic, New Age, and pop music.
Breakthrough with 'Watermark'
Enya's breakthrough came in 1988 with the release of her second album, Watermark. The album, which included the hit single "Orinoco Flow," sold over 11 million copies worldwide and established Enya as an international artist. The success of "Watermark" was followed by the equally successful albums "Shepherd Moons" in 1991 and "The Memory of Trees" in 1995.
Continued Success
Enya continued to enjoy success throughout the 2000s with the release of albums such as "A Day Without Rain" in 2000, "Amarantine" in 2005, and "And Winter Came..." in 2008. Her music has been featured in several films, including "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," and she has won four Grammy Awards for Best New Age Album.
Musical Style and Influences
Enya's music is characterized by its ethereal sound, lush instrumentation, and the use of the Irish language. She has cited a wide range of influences, including classical music, church music, and traditional Irish music. Her music often incorporates elements of Celtic music, New Age, and pop, and she is known for her distinctive sound, which often features multi-tracked vocals and synthesizers.
Personal Life
Enya is intensely private and rarely gives interviews. She has never married and has no children. She lives in a castle in County Dublin, Ireland, and is known for her love of cats and her interest in Celtic mythology.
Legacy and Influence
Enya is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 80 million records sold worldwide. She has been credited with helping to popularize New Age music and Celtic music and has influenced a wide range of artists, from pop singers to classical musicians. Despite her success, she has remained grounded and committed to her unique musical vision.