Glen Hansard’s “Don’t Settle” Retrospective Arrives

Glen Hansard Unveils Ambitious Two-Volume Live Album Project

Acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has announced an exciting new project, a two-volume retrospective album titled Don’t Settle – Transmissions East & West. This ambitious undertaking promises to deliver a fresh perspective on Hansard’s extensive catalogue, featuring live re-recordings of fan favourites and cherished tracks from his work with The Frames and The Swell Season.

The first instalment, Transmissions East (Vol. 1), is set for release on Friday, April 24, through Plateau/Secretly Distribution. This initial volume will showcase ten carefully selected tracks, all captured live within the hallowed halls of the historic Funkhaus studio in Berlin. The recordings were made over two nights in April 2025, coinciding with Hansard’s 55th birthday, adding a personal and celebratory touch to the project.

Listeners can already get a taste of Transmissions East with the release of the single “Didn’t He Ramble (Funkhaus Version)”. This rendition offers a new interpretation of a song that originally appeared on Hansard’s 2016 EP, A Season On The Line. Hansard shared the poignant inspiration behind the track, recounting its origins in his connection to “The Ramble Inn,” a local bar frequented by his father. He described the song as a tribute to his father, who passed away at the age of 62, a song he believed his father would have approved of.

The second volume, Don’t Settle – Transmissions West (Vol. 2), is slated for release later this year, promising further explorations of Hansard’s musical journey. Both volumes are set to feature reinterpretations that span Hansard’s diverse career, including material from his time as the charismatic frontman of the much-loved Irish band The Frames, and his collaborative work as one half of the celebrated duo The Swell Season with Markéta Irglová.

This announcement comes on the heels of The Frames’ performance at Hot Press’s History In The Making – The Concert earlier this month, a testament to their enduring presence in the music scene.

Glen Hansard’s career is marked by significant achievements, including his Academy Award win in 2008 for Best Original Song. He, alongside Markéta Irglová, received the Oscar for “Falling Slowly,” a song featured in the critically acclaimed musical film Once. Directed by John Carney, the film also starred Hansard and Irglová, and its success was further amplified by its adaptation into a Broadway musical, which garnered an impressive eight Tony Awards, including the coveted Best New Musical award.

Last year saw a welcome reunion for The Swell Season, with Hansard and Irglová releasing their first album together in 16 years, much to the delight of their dedicated fanbase.

Looking ahead, Glen Hansard is set to embark on an extensive European and UK tour throughout the spring and summer. A highlight of his touring schedule includes a performance at Trinity College in Dublin on July 2, 2026. Tickets for these highly anticipated shows are available now.