Buncrana beats meet Guinness legacy in new soundtrack arrangement

The Netflix chart-topping House of Guinness has shone the spotlight on Irish music acts who feature on the series' critically acclaimed soundtrack, including a talented Inishowen musician and teacher.

Featuring homegrown acts such as Jim Woods from Scoil Trad Buncrana - Irish Traditional Music School, Kneecap, Fontaines D.C., The Murder Capital, Gilla Band, Lisa O’Neill, The Mary Wallopers, The Clancy Brothers, and The Stunning, the musical score lays the foundation to the show's dark, atmospheric scenes. 

The eight-part series - starring James Norton, Anthony Boyle, Niamh McCormack and Louis Partridge - shadows the four children of brewery patriarch Benjamin Guinness in the aftermath of their father's death.

While some of its characters' questionable Irish accents (and in one case, lip fillers) - has divided opinion across the country since its release on the streaming platform.

But it has achieved a notable consensus when it comes to the stomping soundtrack. Episode 6 of the drama opens with a track arranged By Buncrana based Jim Woods and his sister Damaris Woods performed and recorded with Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones. 

As well as organising and adapting a piece of music for a Netflix blockbuster, Jim can be found leading the weekly Wednesday Evening Traditional music session in O’Flaherty’s Bar on Buncrana Main Street or find him passing on the tradition to the next generation at his own music school - Scoil Trad Buncrana, and in schools like Gaelscoil Bhun Cranncha, Scoil Cholmcille Newtowncunningham and Scoil Íosagáin to name a few.

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Jim and his two musical sons, Odhrán and Dallán, will be brewing up a shindig at the Big Hoolie Festival with Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones this coming Saturday, October 25th, in Letterkenny at the Fómhair Festival. 

While Netflix has not officially confirmed House of Guinness season two, creator Steven Knight has expressed his intention to make more seasons, even as far as season four, so here’s hoping Jim gets to brew a few more tunes on the streaming site.