"Technology has had a lot to do with that also. Many bands have added new music technologies into their sound. Technology can be used as an extra instrument," she said.  

"There has never been as many sub genres within the industry and I believe this is a sign of the eclectic attitudes of musicians today." 

Using a guitar, harmonica, trumpet and a loop pedal along with her unique voice, her own songs veer from blues to soulful folk and she describes herself and her music as natural and expressive.

"I love to tap into the essence of what music is about when playing, which for me is enjoying yourself and feeling free," the 28-year-old said.  

Her voice is husky and resonates with energy, and for as long as she can remember she has been singing, humming and whistling to herself or to anyone who would listen.

Singing in school, after school; there was always a song in her head.

"It was so natural that it took a while to realise this was not the same case for everybody," O'Neill said.  

"When I was 16 I joined a gospel choir, we practiced after school and it was here I began to really feel my heart soar with the power of a community of people sharing vocal sounds.

"Living, loving and singing together." 

She grew up in County Clare, the same part of Ireland as button accordion player and member of The Waterboys Sharon Shannon, who is also scheduled to appear at the Cobargo Folk Festival with her. 

From the age of 12, O'Neill was part of the Ennis brass band so while she was surrounded by traditional music she was being influenced by classical and brass sounds of a band, specifically the cornet.

Practice was three nights a week for two hours a night, then as she began college she worked at bars in Ennis where there was always a traditional session on. 

"I was blessed to be surrounded by world-class musicians playing in the corner of the bar. Beautiful music, beautiful people," she said.  

"I was very lucky, there was always a song in the air. Clare people, in my experience, have a huge fondness for a sing song and a music session." 

O'Neill has made a name for herself at home and overseas - she gave standout performances at last year's National Folk Festival in Canberra.

Reaching such a level does come with its challenges and, as a young woman breaking into the music industry, she did see room for improvement, but said industry aside everyone was all still learning as humans.  

"On my path so far I have received great encouragement, inspiration and help along the way," she said.  

"There have been tough times, but that is life. Someone said to me recently, the harder you work, the luckier you get.

"Seems appropriate to me."

When O'Neill performs at the Cobargo Folk Festival, she plans to try out a few new songs she has been working on as well as getting lost in the music and getting into a special resonate zone as much as possible.

"That is what makes a great show for me," she said. 

The Cobargo Folk Festival is on March 1-3 at the Cobargo Showground. For more information visit its website.