Enya is the Irish artist who has sold the most albums in history, only behind U2.
She has been a true icon of new age music, being by far the most successful singer of this trend. Nine studio albums and five compilations, roughly form a career that according to estimates by the magazine Forbes, They have generated more than 100.000.000 Euros, just from the sale of records.
His style is unmistakable. His voice has been "compared" to that of angels and its fans number in the thousands around the world. Although of course there are also many who declare staunch opponents of his music full of layers and super layers of his own voice, opposing "infinitely".
A family of singers
Eithne Ni Bhraonain is the sixth of nine siblings, all closely related to music. The musical influence has been so great that, in 1970, three of them (Márie, Ciarán and Pol), together with their twin uncles Noel and Pádraig Dunnan, formed Clannad. This band began by mixing elements of new age with rock, folk and Celtic music., giving rise to a unique and particular sound.
Enya was invited to join the band in 1979, thus giving formal beginning to his career as a singer. The invitation came from Nicky Ryan, who at the time was serving as the group's manager.
However, Ryan began to have problems with some of the Brennan brothers, so in 1982 he ceased his duties. Almost immediately, Enya would also leave family training, citing creative discrepancies.
Road to success
Outside of Clannad, Enya and Ryan reunited again. The producer was convinced of the potential of the singer, while she was quite clear about the musical style she wanted to build.
Roma Ryan, Nick's wife, had access to some of the artist's musical compositions and immediately joined the team. Since then, Roman writer and poet, she became the main lyricist for Eithne's songs, while Ryan took over the roles of general producer and manager.
To this day this triumvirate stands. The singer has pointed out on more than one occasion that her career would be nothing without the collaboration of the Ryan marriage.
TouchTravel: the official debut
The career as a freelance artist of this iconic lady born in Gweedore, on the Atlantic coast of Ireland, started in 1984. Two instrumental compositions were included in the album TouchTravel. A compilation in which several Irish New Age artists added new nuances to this genre.
An Ghaoth On Ghrian y Miss Clare Remember were the parts included.
Orinoco Flow and the international consecration
From TouchTravel, Enya began to attract attention. She was hired to compose the film's soundtrack the frog prince (1984). Franco-British production by director Brian Gilbert.
Although the artist appears in the credits as responsible for the music, He was only allowed by the producers of the tape to interpret two of the songs. The rest of his work was edited with arrangements and the voices of other artists.
In 1986 she was hired by the BBC to compose the original music for the documentary series. The celts. The songs born from this commission would be published in what is cataloged as the singer's first studio album, which went on sale in 1987 with the title of Enya.
It was a major bestseller in the UK and the US. Although the ascent to the Olympus of the stars would come a year later. Watermark, his second studio job would hit the market. There would be included Orinoco Flow, the most representative song within his extensive discography.
The Lord of the Rings and September 11, 2001
Towards the end of the 90s, Enya seemed like it would definitely not be in fashion again.. But then a Hollywood blockbuster managed to tempt her and she was back.
Together with his inseparable collaborator Roma Ryan, he composed may it be. Central theme of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Three months before the release of Peter Jackson's film, your subject only time had unexpectedly become the official soundtrack for 11/2001 XNUMX. This is thanks to the fact that most of the television broadcasts in the United States during the coverage of the attacks on the Twin Towers, used this song as a background.
Enya would donate all revenue generated from the sale of this piece to the New York Firefighters Widows and Orphans Association.
Enya and her private life
With some periods of silence, This Irish woman born in 1961 has been present in the musical firmament for the last four decades. During this period, he has sold nearly 100 million copies of all his works. And this despite the fact that he does not usually go on concert or advertising tours.
Beyond his music, little or nothing is known about his life. She is particularly hermetic with anything that is outside the scope of her career.
From what little the press has had access to: lives in a Victorian-era castle on the outskirts of Dublin. His love affairs (if he ever had them) have always remained off the radar. Although a couple of years ago a rare stir was created in his environment. All because - allegedly - the artist had secretly married an unknown man.
Legacy
He is still active and composing. He is today a living legend of new age music and even pop, with a wide influence among other artists, both those who start as well-established names.
Artists like Rihanna have admitted to being among their role models the musical imprint of this pride of Ireland.
Perhaps more surprising is the statement of Nicki Minaj. The one born in Trinidad and Tobago assured that on disk The pink print is heavily influenced by Enya's music. This work achieved worldwide relevance thanks to the controversial topic Anaconda.
Image Sources: You Only Live Once / AQPRadio