Sean Collins Finds Comfort in the Darkness on Stirring New Single Full Moon

By Chris Kennedy | Published 25th Sept, 2026

Since announcing himself with debut single A Step Into The Dark in 2025, Dublin singer-songwriter Sean Collins has been quietly carving out his own space on Ireland’s flourishing folk scene.

With sold-out headline shows at The Cobblestone in Dublin and St Michael’s Church in Co. Kerry already under his belt, Collins is building a reputation for songs that pair the traditions of Irish folk with the intimacy and immediacy of a modern singer-songwriter.

Raised on the ballads of Liam Clancy and influenced by contemporary artists such as Ed Sheeran, Hozier and Noah Kahan, Collins writes music that feels deeply personal without becoming inaccessible. Love, nature and mental health regularly surface in his songwriting, delivered through poetic lyrics and a voice capable of moving from a near-whisper to something considerably more powerful.

His latest single, Full Moon, might just be the clearest expression of that identity yet.

Full Moon Turns a Simple Moment Into Something Bigger

Arriving as Collins’ fourth release, Full Moon is grounded in themes of mindfulness, perseverance and mental health.

At its centre is a wonderfully simple image: the full moon overhead.

Collins uses it as a metaphor for that person, place or thing in our lives that remains constant when everything else appears to be changing. It becomes a quiet source of guidance and reassurance — something that might not always demand our attention but is there when we need it.

The idea came to Collins during an evening walk home beneath a full moon, when the song’s melody suddenly appeared.

As he explains:

The inspiration for ‘Full Moon’ came when I was walking home one evening with the full moon shining down on me, and the melody just jumped into my head. The idea is that the ‘Full Moon’ personifies a person, place or something in our lives that is ever-present and constantly watching over us. - Collins

There’s another clever element buried within the song’s structure. During its first half, Collins is singing to the moon. In the second, the perspective shifts and the moon begins singing back to him.

I think of it like a warm blanket offering comfort, Collins says, and reminding us that everything will be okay.

It’s an uncomplicated idea, perhaps, but that simplicity is precisely where ‘Full Moon’ finds its emotional weight.

From Hushed Folk Ballad to Soaring Finale

Musically, Full Moon takes its time.

The track opens with delicately picked acoustic guitar and Collins’ hushed vocal sitting front and centre. There’s a subtle additional layer lingering behind him - barely demanding attention, but adding atmosphere and depth to those opening moments.

Then the song begins to move.

A simple beat arrives, the fingerpicked guitar gradually gives way to a gentle strum and mandolin enters the picture. Each new element feels carefully placed rather than thrown into the arrangement for effect.

And that restraint pays off.

Instead of hitting the listener with a huge chorus early on, Full Moon grows naturally. The tempo and intensity steadily increase until those intimate opening moments have transformed into a lively, powerful finale.

Irish Folk Tradition Meets a Modern Singer-Songwriter

The strength of the arrangement also comes from the musicians Collins has gathered around him.

Full Moon was produced and mixed by Cian Synott and mastered by Simon Francis, with Seánie Bermingham of Amble contributing mandolin. Diarmuid Goggins provides drums, Dan Ahearn handles bass, while Collins takes care of guitar, synth and harmonium.

That combination allows the track to retain an unmistakably organic folk character while introducing enough texture to prevent it from sounding overly traditional.

Final Verdict

Full Moon is a warm, gradually unfolding folk song that finds strength in simplicity. Sean Collins takes an everyday moment - walking home beneath the moon - and turns it into something reassuring and universal.

The gentle transition from fingerpicked intimacy into a spirited, full-bodied finish is particularly effective, while mandolin and subtle atmospheric touches give the track plenty of character without overwhelming Collins’ vocal or storytelling.

The single, Full Moon, is available through all streaming platforms.

Photo Credit: Sean Collins