Pathfinder Artist Development is dedicated to helping artists develop their own careers in the music industry. Our experience includes extensive work in the Irish and the U.S. music industries, and we’re passionate about sharing our knowledge and expertise with artists at any step of their career.
Launched in April, 2026, Pathfinder Artist Development is Ireland’s one-stop-shop for musicians who want to make the most of their career. Whether you’re releasing your first single or looking for ways to improve a flourishing career, we’re here to help. Check out our services, or contact us today—we can’t wait to hear more about your music.
Our Team
Dr. Kara Shea O’Brien: C.E.O.
Kara O’Brien is a scholar, traditional singer, writer and music industry professional. Originally from Colorado, U.S.A., she now lives in Kilkenny, Ireland.
Kara holds double major in Music Industry Studies (specialising in Management) and Commercial Voice from the University of Colorado at Denver. She then moved to Limerick, Ireland, where she attended the Irish World Academy at the University of Limerick. In 2017, she gained an M.A. in Irish Traditional Music Performance (specialising in Song), and followed it in 2023 with a Ph.D. in Irish Traditional Song and History. During her studies at the Irish World Academy she taught extensive courses in various aspects of music business, career planning for artists, and more.
Kara started the U.S. company RootStrings Management in 2014 as a senior project for her undergraduate degree. She worked with a variety of artists, including traditional jazz bands, indie rock groups, and a 4-ton carillon. After she relocated to Ireland, she joined Pathfinder Artist Development as its C.E.O. and lead manager. She teaches at the University of Limerick, writes reviews for the Journal of Music, and can regularly be found at traditional singing sessions around Ireland.
Carl Corcoran: Director
Carl Corcoran, a music industry professional whose extensive experience spans songwriting, publishing, management, performance and broadcasting.
Carl Corcoran’s music career started in the mid 70s when under the moniker of Jamie Stone he recorded three albums for EMI that featured original material and collaborations with various co-writers. In the late 70s he moved to New York, where for twenty years he pursued a career in songwriting, publishing, management and performance. He also developed a passion for radio, which he continued on his return to Ireland in 1999, presenting shows on RTÉ Lyric fm and RTÉ Radio 1 including The Lyric Breakfast and the acclaimed late-night programme The Blue of The Night, until his retirement from RTÉ in 2017.
Beyond his broadcasting experience, Carl spent 5 years as the inaugural Course Director of the MA in Songwriting in the Irish World Academy at University of Limerick (2017-22). Following that tenure, he studied at Kingstown College in Dublin and was awarded a Professional Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring (with Distinction) in 2023. In 2025 he joined Pathfinder Artist Development as Director.