Sharon Shannon, a highly respected Irish musician, has been known for blending traditional Irish music with various genres since the 1980s and '90s. Hailing from North County Clare, she started performing at a young age and later embarked on a solo career after stints with groups like Disirt Tola and Arcady. Her self-titled debut in 1990 showcased her diverse influences, while subsequent releases like Out the Gap and Each Little Thing further demonstrated her musical prowess on accordion and fiddle, incorporating elements of reggae, dub, and Calypso.

Shannon's career continued to evolve with releases such as The Diamond Mountain Sessions in 2001, which garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards. Collaborations with artists like Sinéad O'Connor and Mike McGoldrick led to albums like Libertango and Renegade, showcasing her versatility and innovation. Her genre-defying approach persisted with albums like Saints & Scoundrels in 2010, featuring a range of collaborators, and Flying Circus in 2012, a symphonic collaboration with Ireland's RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Shannon's adventurous spirit and musical maturity were evident in her live album In Galway in 2015 and the eclectic Sacred Earth in 2017, which showcased her willingness to experiment with diverse musical elements.