Glen Hansard is renowned for his work as the songwriter behind Once, the musical and the movie, which has garnered its fair share of awards. The highly lauded play Once, The Musical won eight Tony Awards including best direction of a musical, best lead actor in a musical and the top musical prize itself. Once, The Musical is based on the feature film Once, with original songs written by Hansard including “Falling Slowly” for which he won an Academy Award. Hansard is also known for his work as principal songwriter and vocalist/guitarist for the Irish group, The Frames, who have established themselves as one of the most influential bands in Ireland. Hansard garnered a reputation as not only an unparalleled front man, but also for his dedicated following and his grounded, real-life songs. In addition to The Frames, Hansard is also one half of the acclaimed duo The Swell Season.