Kevin Herron writes from places most songwriters avoid, and “On My Mind” goes straight to one of the most universal human experiences there is. Released under his Ó hEaráin project, the new single is a folk meditation on love, memory, and the quiet acceptance that comes at the end of a life well lived.
The song opens with a simple, captivating acoustic guitar melody before gradually unfolding through emotive slide guitar and spacious, understated arrangements. It’s the kind of production that trusts the material completely, leaving room for the emotional core to do its work without interference.
Herron is direct about what the song is trying to say. “On My Mind is a love song written from the perspective of someone approaching the end of life. Despite the somber theme, I think the music and melodies create an uplifting and reflective feel, anchored in the belief that we will see them again.”
That belief carries the track. For all its weight, “On My Mind” doesn’t feel heavy. It feels generous, an ode to connection and continuity rather than loss.
Herron performs both acoustic and slide guitar on the recording, joined by vocalist Gráinne Gavigan, a longtime collaborator whose presence adds real warmth to the arrangement. Rounding out the session are Nick Scott on double bass, Laura McFadden on cello, and Eamon Ferris on drums, a group of respected Irish session musicians who bring exactly the right touch to a song that demands restraint.
Donegal-born and folk-rooted, Herron has built a quiet but impressive resume as a session musician alongside artists including Little Hours, Stephanie Rainey, and Clare Sands, and as a former member of Cork indie outfit Rowan. The Ó hEaráin project channels all of that experience into something more personal, more intimate, and more emotionally honest.
“On My Mind” blends folk songwriting with traditional Irish and Americana influences in a way that feels entirely natural. It’s a song that earns its feeling, and it lingers long after the final note.
