Lily MacLean began as a Research Assistant on the GMM Project in 2022. She is currently pursuing her MA through the INDI program at Concordia University in Montreal, with a focus on the influence of sean-nós master Nioclás Toibín on the soundscape of the Déise area in the south west of Ireland.

What inspired you to go into academia?  What inspires you still?

I started my undergrad on a mission to expand my mind and develop myself as a person. It was through the passion of professors that I caught the academia bug. I was especially inspired by the endless possibilities where academic research is concerned. It was in this exploration that I discovered a passion for understanding the function of traditional music in Irish communities both in Ireland and in the diaspora. Music, particularly song, unlocks so much meaning where Irish identity (in all its various forms) is concerned. I look forward to exploring the role of traditional music in other cultures as well, in the future.

What are you reading for work and/or for leisure these days?

I am reading Passing It On: The Transmission of Irish Traditional Music, by Marie McCarthy for work. For pleasure, I am re-reading my favorite book, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.

What podcast(s), series, or albums do you recommend?

Podcasts:

• Ologies, with Allie Ward
• Svetlana! Svetlana! with Dan Kitrosser
• Blúríní Bealoideas, with Jonny Dillon

Albums:

• “Row Upon Row of the People They Know”, by The Once
• Anything by First Aid Kit
• “Foxlore” by Cranebag Wives
• “GO Bravely” by Denise Chaila

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“It is what it is and it will be what it will be.”

“For F*** sake.”

“Christ on a bike.”

What are your favourite/must-have research tools?  Why?

Because my research has a lot to do with the Irish language, I’d say Dineen’s Irish Dictionary and the Teanglann and Foicloir.ie apps. Very useful. Apart from that, a good reading nook and a bottomless beverage (preferably brightly colored) and light snacks. The reason for this second one is because as someone with ADD, it is exceptionally difficult for me to sit still and get into that research groove. Comfort, hydration and food help a lot.

What book or movie changed your life?

The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran, countless episodes of Star Trek TNG and Deep Space Nine, and of course, the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

Do you play music while you work?  If so, what?

It depends on what work I am doing. If it requires deep focus, I tend to play ambience tracks, like “Oldies playing in another room while it Rains” or “Witch Cottage Ambience.” That kind of thing. If it is something a little more mundane, I tend to play podcasts. If I play music I like a lot, I’ll just want to go jam to it, which doesn’t help my productivity.

Do you work best in the morning, in the afternoon, or at night?

Early bird gets the worm.

What is your favourite way to de-stress? / What habits or hobbies support your research practice and/or allow you to destress?

Baths, yoga and sometimes making a very involved meal. Playing music with my bandmates also helps my mental health tremendously.

Favourite guilty pleasure while writing/researching/preparing/procrastinating?

Thrift shopping and Bubly carbonated water. Watermelon flavour especially.