Glen Hansard is a singer songwriter born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. Over the course his career he has released records as a member of The Frames, The Swell Season and a solo artist under his own name. He continues to perform in all three of these outlets as time, opportunity and demand arise.  

He began his career performing at a young age in the pubs around Ireland with his Uncle Paul getting an early view into the life of a musician. He went on to embrace busking on the streets of Dublin and met many of the fellow musicians who would become band members, collaborators and life-long friends.

In 1991 he was part of the ensemble cast for the film, The Commitments and a year later The Frames would release their debut record, Another Love Song. The next fifteen years found Glen focusing on The Frames, who built a wide and loyal following. They became known for their powerful live shows and over their 30 year career have released six records to critical and universal praise.  

In 2007 Glen found himself acting again, this time in the indie film, Once. Initially brought on to score the film – centered around a musician in search of fame – Glen found himself cast as its lead, “guy”. The other primary role in the film – that of “girl” – went to Marketa Irglova. Their composition, “Falling Slowly” written for the film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Together the two would christen their collaboration, The Swell Season and continue to perform and release music together.  

In 2012 Glen released his twenty years in the making solo record, Rhythm and Repose to critical acclaim. The same year found his music from Once finding an even larger audience as Once the Musical captured the Tony for Best Musical. It went on to win eight Tony’s in total, and in the UK won two Laurence Olivier Awards including Best Original Score for Hansard and Irglova. Glen has released five solo records over the last eight years including the Grammy nominated Didn’t He Ramble.  

In 2020 Glen began working on music with Eddie Vedder for what would become the soundtrack to the 2021 film, Flag Day. Directed by and starring Sean Penn, Glen and Eddie co-wrote eight original songs for the film including the lead song “My Father’s Daughter”, sung by Olivia Vedder. Glen and Eddie have toured together over the years and are continuing to work on new music for another untitled project.  

Outside of music Glen has been a constant voice over the years for the homeless in Dublin. His shows at Vicar Street around Christmas, along with the now famous “Christmas Busk” have helped raised both awareness and money for a number of charities.  

In 2015 Glen embarked on The Camino Voyage as it was called, sailing in a curragh from Ireland to Spain. He has said it was one of the toughest and most rewarding things he’s ever done in his life. A film was made about its journey.  

Glen is in a constant state of motion whether it be creatively or physically. He currently working on new material for his next album and is looking forward to getting back to the stage where he is most at home.