Daily Inspiration: Meet Clare Cunningham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clare Cunningham

Hi Clare, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Music has always been in my bones. I grew up in a small village in Ireland, surrounded by a culture that thrived on live music — it was the cornerstone of my upbringing. It’s been my only professional career. I’ve been very fortunate to be gifted in something I’m deeply passionate about, and I was encouraged to explore it from a young age.

I’m a singer-songwriter, performing artist, and storyteller, with a heart rooted in Ireland and a soul anchored in faith. My music blends Celtic, folk, gospel, and Americana — a reflection of both where I come from and where I’ve landed. You’ll hear Irish whistles and pipes alongside acoustic guitars and gospel harmonies. It’s earthy, honest, and heartfelt.

I write and sing about real life — healing, forgiveness, inner strength, spiritual identity, and the beauty of creation. Whether it’s a song about overcoming pain, walking in freedom, or simply standing in awe of God’s creation, everything I create is intentional. I believe music can be a ministry, not just a melody.

Some of the career highlights that mean the world to me include my Grand Ole Opry debut in 2023, sharing the stage with legends like Garth Brooks and Steve Earle. Winning Female Entertainer of the Year at the 2024 Josie Music Awards (held at the Grand Ole Opry) was another major milestone, as was performing at bucket-list venues like the CMA Theatre, The Bluebird Cafe, and many more. Signing a major record deal with Warner Sweden in 2013 with my then-band THUNDERMOTHER (after they discovered me on YouTube) was also a huge moment in my journey.

I come from humble beginnings and have endured a lot of adversity throughout my life — and I’m actually quite grateful for that. It’s shaped me and brought me to where I am today. My testimony is extensive because of it. I’ve battled trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, and addiction. In 2020, after spending over two decades in the occult and living in a world void of God, I gave my life to Christ. From that moment on, I became a new creation. I no longer let guilt or shame define me. I’ve learned to leave the past in the past and no longer identify with old traumas.

I strive to remain present — focused on today, rather than consumed by yesterday or tomorrow. It’s not easy, and I fall short at times, but I’m growing. I’m healing daily through my walk of faith, and that’s what I’m most grateful for.

I feel a strong calling on my life to bring hope and inspiration to those around me. My music is often described as inspirational and socially conscious. Because of what I’ve been through, I have a deep sense of empathy that allows me to connect with others who are suffering or have suffered. I want people to know that, like me, they can make it through another day — no matter how dark it seems. No amount of likes, money, fame, or accolades could ever compare to the feeling of helping someone out of their darkest moment and into the light.

As a mental health advocate, I use my platform to be a voice for those who feel they can’t express themselves, or who are too afraid to speak up. I aim to be a vessel of hope, love, truth, faith, and inspiration so that no one ever feels alone in this world.

I had a very suppressed voice growing up — even into much of my adolescence and adult years. So now that I’ve found my voice and the confidence to step out of shame and vulnerability, I feel it’s my duty to give back and advocate for the important — and often stigmatized — conversations that still need to be heard today.

I have a passion for working with nonprofit organizations, especially those that help victims and families affected by crime, abuse, or trauma. I’m also beginning to do more outreach with wounded soldiers, the homeless, veterans, and those who are incarcerated. Any institution or organization that brings awareness and hope to the suffering is one I will proudly support. And if you’re reading this and know of something that fits, please feel free to reach out to me.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to uplift, to connect, and to leave a legacy of truth and light — one song at a time.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been full of twists, turns, sacrifices, and soul-searching. When people see the stage lights or hear the finished product, they don’t always see the grit behind it. I’ve battled everything from industry rejection and financial instability to visa issues and personal struggles with identity and purpose.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was leaving THUNDERMOTHER at the height of our momentum. On paper, it looked like I had everything I’d dreamed of and worked for — but inside, I was in turmoil. I felt a deep pull toward something more aligned with who I truly am. My mental, emotional, and physical health took a serious hit due to the stress of not being internally fulfilled. Walking away from that identity and security to move to America — with no guarantees, no safety net (and I wasn’t walking in faith at that time), and no idea what the future held — was terrifying.

I didn’t know a single soul when I arrived. I had to rebuild my entire life and career from the ground up. I was used to uprooting and starting over — I’d done it many times throughout my life — but nothing can truly prepare you for the emotional toll it takes on your body. It can be incredibly lonely at first, and few people truly understand that kind of lifestyle.

As a woman in the music industry — particularly during my time in the rock and metal world — I had to fight twice as hard to be taken seriously, especially fronting a band in a male-dominated space. Then, stepping away from that to essentially start over as a solo artist in a new country brought its own set of challenges.

When I moved to Nashville, I received both incredible advice and some terrible guidance. People’s own insecurities and limitations were often projected onto me. But I chose to ingest only the positive and constructive input. I came here to pave my own path — not to become the next country hit artist. In fact, my genre isn’t country at all, which led to a lot of rejection early on. I was told I wasn’t “country enough.” But I’ve never chased trends or tried to fit into boxes. I’ve learned to trust the unique voice God gave me and use it to speak life into others.

There were moments of deep doubt — seasons of financial struggle, intense loneliness, and questioning everything. But those moments shaped me. My faith has carried me through it all. I’ve learned that sometimes, God calls you to walk away from something good to make room for something great.

Through every low point, faith has been my compass. I’ve learned to surrender, to trust, and to lean into the unknown — because sometimes, the most beautiful parts of your story are born from the hardest chapters. I’m living proof that following your calling might not be easy, but it is absolutely worth it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a singer-songwriter with deep Irish roots, weaving Celtic, folk, gospel, and Americana into a sound that’s as authentic as my journey. I often describe my music as a heartfelt conversation – raw, real, and rooted in faith. Every lyric I write comes from lived experience: healing, freedom, surrender, transformation, and the quiet strength found in walking with God.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just the music, it’s the unwavering commitment to staying true to my principles and faith and connecting with others to bring them hope. I’ve never chased trends or tried to fit into a mold. From fronting a hard rock band in Europe to sharing faith-driven songs in Nashville, my journey hasn’t just been a shift in sound—it’s been a transformation of the soul. I’ve learned to trust the voice God gave me and use it to speak life into others. It’s my calling.

What sets me apart is my story, my authenticity, and the depth of my faith. Whether I’m on a big stage, in a songwriter’s round, or leading worship, my goal is always the same: to make people feel something real. To remind them they’re not alone. That there is hope, healing, and a purpose beyond the pain.

Being honored as ‘Female Entertainer of the Year’ at the Josie Music Awards and having my Irish album On My Way (Ar mo Bhealach) nominated for ‘Album of the Year’ have been humbling milestones—not because of the recognition, but because they affirm that staying true to your path, no matter how challenging, always bears fruit in time.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My very first public performance is a childhood memory I’ll always treasure.

I was seven years old, attending a local Catholic school, and had been chosen to sing during our First Holy Communion church service — right between two prayers. Our teacher held auditions for the class, and when she heard me sing, she recognized I had a talent for it. I’m forever grateful to her, because I truly believe that moment was the spark that ignited my love for performing. It gave me the confidence to pursue my passion — and I’ve never looked back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.clarecunninghammusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarecofficial
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarecofficial
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/clarecofficial
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@clarecofficial
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/PnHZWo2RVENdq2oz6
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Clarecofficial