A life-changing Oscar. A split. A reunion. The Swell Season still sounds like a Hollywood story

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Oscar acceptance speeches are quickly forgotten. Every year, new winners deliver them, but only a handful become truly memorable. Even fewer of those hold up well when you watch them again, without feeling a little awkward.

Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, however, achieved lasting success with their song “Falling Slowly” from the 2007 film “Once,” which won the award for best original song in 2008.

The emotional moment when Markéta Irglová was unexpectedly cut off during the awards show, followed by a plea from Hansard to “make art!” and Jon Stewart bringing her back on stage, resonated deeply with viewers. It even surpassed the positive feelings generated by her and Glen Hansard’s heartwarming performance in the film, where they played strangers whose lives were transformed through music.

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Their intense touring schedule with The Swell Season, combined with a complicated romance, created a very public and dramatic story – one that sparked a lot of celebrity gossip, particularly in Ireland where Hansard is from. They both hope to avoid that level of public attention again.

It’s amazing that after all these years, they’re still following through on their promises. They’ve continued to create music and pursue their artistic vision, and now, nearly two decades later, the band Swell Season is back together with a beautiful new album called “Forward” and a tour, including a stop at the Greek Theatre on September 19th.

Backstage at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre, sharing a small dressing room and a surprising variety of teas on a hot July day, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová reminisced about how they reconnected. They couldn’t quite remember whether it started with a phone call or a text, but it led to their current collaboration. “We hadn’t lost touch completely, but things were pretty casual,” Hansard said, speaking amidst the smoke of burning sage. He explained that Irglová often sings on his albums and occasionally sends him songs.

Hansard explained that he impulsively reached out while having breakfast at Mel’s Drive-In on Sunset Blvd. during a trip to Southern California for Eddie Vedder’s Ohana Festival. He’d been thinking about it, likely because he and the artist had previously spent a lot of time together in the area while supporting a friend’s Oscar campaign. He simply texted her, asking if she’d be interested in playing some shows together, explaining that’s how musicians naturally connect with friends.

For Irglová, the inquiry was a long time coming.

The pianist, who was born in the Czech Republic, always expected the band to tour again after their initial break. He explained that they never actually *decided* to stop touring, and no one ever had the conversation to make it official. It just gradually turned into a longer and longer pause, without anyone addressing it.

I always would have welcomed that phone call, but I’d given up on it long before it actually came. I’d reached a point where I was okay with it never happening. Then Glen called, and it suddenly felt real.

Irglová questioned whether the strong bond they shared as artists had lasted over time. She admitted, “Glen and I either work incredibly well together, or it’s a disaster – it all depends on how in sync our energies are.”

Wow, it’s been a wild ride since “Strict Joy” came out in 2009! It’s amazing to think about everything they’ve accomplished. Seriously, how many artists get turned into Simpsons characters, get a sweet shout-out on “Ted Lasso”, *and* win Tony Awards for a Broadway show? It’s a really small club, and I’m so proud they’re a part of it!

Markéta Irglová, age 37, moved to Iceland with her husband and now has three children, the youngest being 7. She’s also released three beautiful solo albums. Meanwhile, Glen Hansard, 55, recently became a father and married Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa. He divides his time between Helsinki, Dublin, and touring – something he does constantly and loves. He says touring is central to his identity, especially with four solo albums to support.

After a successful five-show trial run, the pair recorded “Forward” in three productive sessions at the home studio of Irglová’s husband, Sturla Mio Thorisson, who also produced the album. Their family life became a core part of the recording process, with grandparents and children joining in for casual backyard gatherings – roasting marshmallows, playing basketball, and even contributing background vocals. Irglová documented the entire experience in a 45-minute behind-the-scenes film called “The Forward Journey.”

Fans who feel a strong, one-sided connection to the musicians are having fun speculating which of the album’s eight songs are about each other. Tracks like Glen Hansard’s tender “People We Used to Be,” with lines about missing who they once were, and his desperate “Stuck in Reverse,” which asks if they can go back to easier times, definitely seem to hint at unresolved feelings. However, the artists explain these songs are actually a blend of many years and different experiences, so those hoping for a romantic connection will likely be disappointed.

In his song “Factory Street Bells,” Hansard warmly describes his 3-year-old son, Christy, as a wonderful blessing. This is followed by one of his characteristic vocal bursts, extending a single sound into something expansive and powerful. Becoming a father dramatically changed Hansard’s outlook on life. He explained simply, “It made me think much more about wanting to stay alive.”

Since finishing concerts, Hansard has switched from celebrating with Guinness to Guinness Zero. He now writes the number of days he’s been alcohol-free on his wrist as a reminder. He explains he quit drinking simply because he doesn’t have the time or emotional energy for it, calling it a selfish habit. He credits his partner, Christy, with profoundly changing his approach to life, leading him to make healthier choices, like opting for porridge instead of a traditional bacon and egg breakfast.

The album’s final song, “Hundred Words,” came to Irglová in a dream, complete with a melody and a strong feeling that she needed a partner to provide her with exactly 100 specific words. She still doesn’t know what those words were. “I often think about those 100 words,” she said, “and hoped I’d eventually understand what they meant.” Instead of abandoning the song, she decided to trust the way it came to her, and Hansard helped her complete it.

This song perfectly captures the unique blend of sadness and beauty that defines the Swell Season’s music. Familiar phrases like “don’t give up” or “keep the faith” feel genuinely hopeful and uplifting, filling the listener with warmth. It was created in a classic songwriting style – simply by two people sharing ideas in the same room. For Irglová, the song is particularly meaningful because it feels like a true collaboration with Glen, representing a shared piece of their hearts. She calls it “our song.”

In this latest phase of Swell Season, Irglová truly shines. While her playing was always essential, it often supported Hansard’s energetic performances. Previously, she often seemed reserved on stage, almost hidden behind her piano. Now, her beautiful voice challenges and complements Hansard’s, creating a powerful dynamic. During their Chicago performance, the songs from their album ‘Hulks’ came alive with the help of drummer Piero Perelli and bassist Joseph Doyle. These stripped-down, powerful arrangements allowed Hansard and Irglová to connect deeply, resulting in a captivating performance.

Hansard stated that he’s never encountered anyone who harmonizes with him quite like Mar when they sing together.

Looking back at the moment they won the Oscar, Irglová remembers it being a huge win for the band, Hansard. If you watch videos from that night, you can see her immediately looking at Glen Hansard to see how he’s reacting when their names are announced. She explains that she felt like she was simply along for the ride with Glen. She believed it was truly his moment, and she was just happy to have played a part in it.

Honestly, hearing her talk about finally owning that achievement was amazing. She said it really *was* for her, and she totally understands how she contributed to it. It felt like she realized she was meant to be in that position all along, and it was so powerful to hear.

Hansard appreciated Irglová’s direct approach in the studio. She kept him from overthinking and endlessly revising his songs – something his band, The Frames, often let him do when they weren’t touring. He explained that Irglová would set a firm deadline, like finishing lyrics before she returned from picking up the kids, and then immediately record the song. This was surprising to him, as he often spent years perfecting a single song, but he found the challenge of her 12 o’clock deadline incredibly motivating.

Accepted — and won.

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2025-09-18 13:35