Irish singer-songwriter Cat Dowling, who rose to prominence as frontwoman of Dublin band Alphastates, has died aged 54, per rte.ie. The Kilkenny-born, Dublin-based musician died on Friday, August 7, and is survived by her three children.
Dowling’s music career spanned more than two decades, beginning with Babelfish, which evolved into Alphastates. The band released their debut album, Made From Sand, in 2004, followed by Human Nature in 2009, before splitting in 2010.
She went on to build a solo career, releasing her debut album, The Believer, in 2013. Tracks from the record gained international exposure: the title song featured in television series Banshee and Witches of East End, while Somebody Else appeared in the Irish film My Name Is Emily.
Her second solo album, Animals, followed in November 2021 on independent label FIFA Records. The 11-track record, produced by Gerry Horan with Dowling as co-producer, included the singles Trouble, Freedom and its title track.
In March 2025, Dowling recorded a version of The Pogues’ A Rainy Night in Soho, which soundtracked the Department of Foreign Affairs’ St Patrick’s Day campaign celebrating Irish contributions to communities worldwide. Earlier this year, she performed at the Dublin launch of Rock Against Homelessness in aid of Focus Ireland.
Tributes have come from across the Irish music community. Musician Paddy Casey offered condolences to her family and friends, while Jerry Fish described her as “a warrior for LOVE” with “a Punk heart and rasping angel of a voice.” The Stunning called her “a true original,” and Dublin venue Whelan’s said it had been honoured to host her performances over the years, calling her loss “another great talent lost from Dublin’s music family.” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes remembered Dowling as “a wonderful singer and front-woman” and “a hugely original musician.”