Aoife O'Donovan’s album “Age of Apathy,” like many that will be released this year was recorded in an unusual way. The pandemic caused the long-time folkie to create her songs alone and then virtually collaborate on the arrangements and instrumentation. Not surprisingly the result is a much more intimate set of songs.

O'Donovan was part of the group Crooked Still and has worked with Sara Watkins and Sarah Jarosz as "I’m With Her" but on this and her previous solo albums, her music has taken on an intimacy and delicacy that have set her apart. One of the songs features a collaboration with Allison Russell, a singer with a similar background.

On the title song she channels the artistry of Joni Mitchell even quoting from one of Mitchell’s songs, allowing the listener to place her music in the same perspective.

"Age of Apathy" is produced by Joe Henry, who is know for his deft touch with this kind of music and he has helped her create a set of beautiful and introspective songs. Aoife O’Donovan is one of the artists coming to the Va Arts Festival this year playing a show at the Bank Street Stage in downtown Norfolk May 22nd