John Hennessy
John Hennessy is a versatile multi-instrumentalist with a passion for film scoring. Over the past few years, he has captivated audiences as the frontman of the original rock project Black Pope, earning praise from Mojo Magazine as the purveyor of a "neo rock'n'roll soundtrack of surf guitar rumble.” His upcoming debut album was recorded with Grammy winning producer Cian Riordan and features a guest appearance from actress Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks). John has also had the honor of collaborating with esteemed artists such as Síomha, The Burma, and Emma Elisabeth, in addition to lending his skills to various cover and corporate bands. John's remarkable compositions for short films have recently taken center stage, showcasing his exceptional talent as a film composer. One of his notable achievements is the exceptional score he crafted for the critically acclaimed short film Xenos, directed by Miriam Kelleher. This poignant work has not only captivated audiences but has also received recognition at film festivals, further solidifying John's reputation as a gifted composer. Continuing his journey in film scoring, John has recently contributed his compositions to the upcoming short film Metanoia, directed by Brian O’Riordan. While film scoring remains John's primary focus, his talents extend beyond this realm. He has also composed music for London-based animator David Zamorano, breathing life into animated visuals with his captivating compositions. Additionally, John's exceptional musical abilities led him to create a jingle for RTÉ's John Murray Show when he was sixteen years of age, which he wrote and performed with barbershop quartet Chill. In terms of education, John's dedication to his craft is evident. He graduated with a first-class honors BA in creative musicianship from the prestigious Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London. His impressive musical proficiency is further exemplified by his Rockschool Grade 8 Drums and Grade 6 Guitar certifications. Additionally, John holds a silver medal in piano from the esteemed Royal Irish Academy, showcasing his exceptional skill in playing this instrument at a Grade 6/7 equivalent level.