The Irish singer-songwriter has long been a household name in his homeland, primarily due to his role as lead singer of folk-rock band the Frames. But it wasn't until the release of the film "Once" in 2006 that he began to rise in prominence in the United States. Co-starring Hansard and Markéta Irglová as musicians on the brink of love, the film explores themes that underlie much of Hansard's work: The restlessness and vulnerability encountered in the search for love, and the timerity to keep searching in spite of those obstacles.
While output from the Frames has slowed in recent years, Hansard has continued touring and writing, most often appearing on stage and on record with Irglová as the Swell Season. That duo is on hiatus, but Hansard's output has not suffered. He recently released "Rhythm and Repose," his first solo album.
All photos by Virginia Harold.
