Jake Cogan on Loss, Irish Music & Visual Art

Irish music has been the soundtrack of my life. These songs tell stories of love, loss, resilience, and hope—woven into the fabric of history and my own upbringing. Though I am a fully-fledged Scot, I was raised on Irish songs, and their presence in my life has been profound and unshakable.

For years, I’ve felt called to gather these songs and record them, preserving their spirit and stories. That time is now. Just as Molly Malone wheeled her barrow through streets broad and narrow, I am collecting these songs—carrying their legacy forward, ensuring they continue to be heard, felt, and shared.

Music has been my life, and without it, I feel lost. This collection is not just about preserving songs—it’s about healing, connection, and supporting mental health. A portion of the proceeds from this project will go toward a women’s mental health initiative, ensuring that the power of music extends beyond the album itself.

A Fusion of Music and Visual Art

In addition to my music, I have also been a visual artist for many years, and a piss artist for more than that – a few folk know about this side of my creativity.

My paintings are expressionist, concept-based works reflecting the human journey, sacrifice for the greater good, and the resilience of the human spirit—much like the songs of Ireland, which capture the beauty of the land and the courage of its people. As part of this campaign, I will be offering signed paintings of mine—something personal and unique for those who support this project. My artwork, like my music, is a reflection of emotion, history, and storytelling, Tapestry as Carol King once said!

A Sudden Loss That Changed Everything

A few Fridays ago, my friend Eric—partner of a dear friend, Sylvia—was killed in a car accident. Just days before, we had shared laughter, memories, and plans to return to The Royal Oak, folk music institution in Edinburgh, where I had once, in hiswords, “brought the hoose doon!” Eric and Sylvia often requested the tragic Irish love song Grace, and I can still see them shedding tears at the kitchen table as I sang. That night, we made loose plans to go back, to sing again. But that night never came.

Eric’s sudden passing was a harsh reminder that tomorrow belongs to no man. It crystallized something I had long felt: I couldn’t wait any longer to make this album a reality. These songs deserve to be heard, to be sung, to be passed on to future generations.

This is my journey of healing. And if it can bring solace to someone else, then it is a journey worth taking.  

My next project is more than an album—it is a bridge between past and present, between voices long gone and those still singing. It is a way to honour the songs that have shaped us, the people who carried them, and the stories they hold.

The Irish and Scottish influence has spread far and wide, shaping societies across the seas in America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. Generations of families have carried these songs and stories to new lands, keeping their heritage alive through music.

I would love to hear from you—what songs did your ancestors bring with them? Do you have memories of a grandparent singing by the fireside, or of family gatherings where a cherished tune was passed down? Where in the world are you, and how has this musical tradition endured in your life?

Let’s build this collection together—a living, breathing tribute to the voices that connect us all. Perhaps, in doing so, we may even find connections to each other—through names, places, and shared histories.

By supporting this project, you are not just funding an album; you are preserving a rich musical heritage and contributing to something deeply meaningful.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s make this music live again. Listen to The Mad Lady & Me

How Your Support Will Help | Crowdfunder.UK

Your contributions will bring this record to life. Here’s how your support will help:

£20 – Helps cover the cost of studio time and musician fees.

£50 – Supports production, mixing, and mastering.

£100 – Contributes to physical copies, artwork, and distribution.

£500 – Sponsors part of the final album production and release.

Every contribution, no matter the size, moves this project forward. This is more than just recording an album—it’s about creating something meaningful, something that gives back.

To bring this collection to life, I aim to raise £10,000. If just 1,000 people donated £10, we’d be there!

Join me in this journey—not just as a listener, but as part of the story.

Your support, whether through donations, song suggestions, or artwork commissions, means everything.