Northern Ireland alt indie-pop artist Lauren Ann, who signed with label Faction Records the same day she left school, has just released her first single with the label 'Lucy'.
Having built a following with songs she released herself while still in school, Lauren Ann began working with producer Declan Legge (Jealous of the Birds, Ciaran Lavery), who helped shape her raw songwriting talent into fully realised productions. By the summer of 2021, music was clearly Lauren Ann’s destiny and she put plans to study law on pause and signed to Dublin label Faction (James Vincent McMorrow, All Tvvins, Sorcha Richardson). A song about a love triangle among friends, ‘Lucy’ reaches new heights in her songwriting in every aspect - from the wider range and deeper emotion of Lauren Ann’s vocal to the gnarly rush of the guitars and a stripped-back breakdown. Lauren explains... “It’s about being in a relationship and then one of your friends is getting involved. You’re not angry at them but you’re also not happy about it and don’t know what to do. There’s also a bit of envy in there too, because they’re cooler than you and you’re scared that they might take this person that you like.” It’s a concept that’s indicative of Lauren Ann’s wider lyrical approach. Her own experiences are the launchpad for her imagination to take those stories into bigger directions. It’s also about staying true to who she is. “My songs are centred around heartbreak and anger. I didn’t want to write love songs as it’s not who I am. So I ended up doing break-up songs instead.” The 18-year-old always had a passion for music, her father’s love of classic rock being the impetus that inspired her love for Pixies, Nirvana, Suede and Muse. And she has been a budding musician ever since she hit her teens, when she traded violin lessons for her first sessions on guitar. Then when COVID hit, her family decided to shield to protect her vulnerable father. “I didn’t have much else to do, so I started writing songs,” she recalls. “I was hiding them from my parents because I didn’t want them to know. But then I wrote ‘Don’t Take It Out On Me’ and I was really proud of it. So I showed it to them, and everything started from there.” With a fiery mix of grunge dynamics, garage rock exuberance and a hooky pop edge, ‘Don’t Take It Out On Me’ feels like a natural hybrid between grunge’s original wave of killer bands, but with a flavour of contemporary practitioners such as Sir Chloe, The Regrettes and Milk Teeth. It’s an even more remarkable introduction when you consider that Lauren Ann recorded it at home on GarageBand, recording vocals, guitar and bass herself and adding programmed drums. Her second single ‘How It Works’ proved that her debut was no fluke, something that was underlined with ‘Angel Eyes’. The size of the reaction grew in tandem with her confidence. Seeing her school friends share the QR code for ‘Don’t Take It Out On Me’ was a boost, but things kept scaling up. Her first release of 2021, ‘Angel Eyes’, was chosen as BBC Radio Ulster / ATL Introducing favourite track of the month, while the first seeds of critical acclaim came when the new music bible Nialler9 included her in their list of the best new Irish artists. Having already earned praise from artists including Sir Chloe and Starcrawler, Lauren Ann’s upwards trajectory continues in the coming months with a set at the Ireland Music Week and the release of her debut EP. Between her limitless potential and people like Olivia Rodrigo reintroducing guitar to the mainstream, Lauren Ann’s talent can take her to the top. “Back at school, most people didn’t understand or like this music. I remember on non-uniform day, I’d turn up in grunge clothing and loads of dark make-up, and people would be like, ‘What’s she doing?’ But I liked it, so I did it. But it’s becoming a lot more popular. Now I want to play music for a bunch of people and become the best I can be.”
Hot on the heels of an RTÉ 2FM Track Of The Week with previous release ‘Breathe Easy’, Limerick four-piece Raging Sons are keeping the momentum with their new single ‘Square One’.
With their debut album ‘20:20’ set for release on 22 October 2021, ‘Square One', mastered by Robin Schmidt (The 1975, Sam Fender, Nothing But Thieves) is their fourth recent single, and a fire-starter. “We like to think about the ‘history’ of our songs, their story and musical evolution from one to the next,” explains Adam Reeves, the band’s drummer. “And this song… this is the sound we were striving for, all through the process recording of our album.” Guitarist Colum Kelly nods in agreement. “Yeah. ‘Square One’ is it, the sound we were working toward and a window into our future.” Raging Sons are a band that nearly weren’t. After splitting up for a period in 2018, the band reconvened. “Yeah, we split up actually, for a moment,” says Adam. “Then we were like, no, hang on – there’s something special here, something worth fighting for.” Colum chimes in again, “Yeah, it was silly, we knew we weren’t really done but we were frustrated with ourselves and how things were going. Shortly after we got back together we started working on the album”. Almost three years on, it's hard to believe Raging Sons ever faltered. ‘Square One’ showcases gorgeous synth melodies, roaring guitars, meticulous drums, all forming a hurricane around simply solid four-piece music making. Each of the band’s songs features a rock-solid musical core, with rich ornamentation. ‘Square One’ perfects their method. Both Colum and Adam speak openly about the bands that have helped them figure out the sound which is gaining them notice, whilst ironically sounding strikingly unique. They are brutally honest. “I hate that bullshit – when other bands and artists repeat the trope ‘it's hard to say what we sound like, our sound is so unique…’” says Colum. “We’re not really afraid to talk about other bands and artists who have influenced us. We're all influenced by something - we're a mix, of course, of who we listen to, both individually and collectively – and that’s good. We’re not entirely unique. How can we be? Everything is derivative of something.” Despite saying this, Raging Sons remain difficult to place. ‘Square One’ is evocative of bands like U2, Nothing But Thieves, and Muse, all at once. On top of this, the band have more recently steadily increased the incorporation of synth and electronic sounds into their music. “Yeah. It’s an evolution you’ll hear throughout the album.” "We love electronic based music. It's something in all of our tastes, in the band. We’re big fans of The Slow Readers Club, Public Service Broadcasting and Depeche Mode, for example. There was a time when we were writing music that wasn't really congruent with the music we listened to and loved. We were just writing to write, playing to play. Now we don’t do that. Now we play the kind of music we love. The kind of music that feels authentic." Colum says, contently. It’s a contentment that shows itself in the good health of Raging Sons rich songwriting. Long may they create music which is in harmony with what they love – alt rock, indie and pop listeners far and wide are the ones who stand to gain. Speaking of ‘Square One’, “a serendipitous, happy-accident moment," is how the band describe its creation. "We didn't have a prolonged amount of time to write, arrange and prepare this song, like we usually do, like many of the other songs on the album" Adam says. In fact, Colum, Adam and bassist Damo hadn't heard the song for longer than 72 hours, when it was brought to them by songwriter and vocalist Fint, before the four of them had it done, dusted and recorded. "There's a different feeling with ‘Square One’, a rawness, a naturalness which came about on the day. It was a really fresh song when we recorded it – we just had fun in the studio that day - this song is what came of that.” The lyrical message of the song concerns a call to arms. "It’s partly about challenging those around you to fight for a collective cause, to persevere through conflict and to raise the game for a shared goal,” says Adam. Fint Tynan’s emotive lyrics invite listeners to “choose your side, your side or mine.” ‘Square One’s’ music video further explores this - a devastating, black mirror esque production directed by Shane Serrano of Crude Media which explores how new technologies can destructively influence human behaviour and how the chase for viral moments can lead us down dark paths. A young child discovers a phone at a birthday party, and is driven by an excitement at the possibility of online acclaim for the bloody and brutal. It’s is not for the faint of heart, yet depicts a reality which hides under the surface of the social media services we all use. Raging Sons are using the medium of art they know so well how to wield, to observe the human condition, ask interesting questions and start uncomfortable conversations. the slow readers club return with their most anthemic single to date titled 'tell no lies'9/10/2021
Manchester’s The Slow Readers Club, are back with their latest and most anthemic single yet, ‘Tell No Lies’; a huge synth-driven alternate anthem ready-made in time for the band’s long anticipated – and three times rescheduled – UK Headline tour kicking off on 25 September 2021 at the Foundry in Sheffield. The tour was originally penned for Spring 2019 to coincide with the release of the band’s Top 10 album ‘The Joy Of The Return’.
The single, co-produced by Steven Ansell of Blood Red Shoes and the band’s long-term collaborator Phil Bulleyment is accompanied by a brand-new music video featuring Line of Duty star Craig Parkinson aka DI Matthew “Dot” Cottan. Parkinson plays the extravagant faith healer who meets his match when he encounters protagonist and lead singer of the band, Aaron Starkie. The collaboration with Parkinson came about through an unlikely meeting between BBC 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins and The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess: “I met Craig at Kendal Calling, he was stood talking to Chris Hawkins and Tim Burgess at the time. It was one of those weird things where you feel like you’ve met before, I think Chris saw me trying to figure it out and then pointed out that I would know him from Line of Duty” Starkie recalls. “We since got chatting on Twitter and he let us know that he was a fan of the band and kindly offered to be in the video. He’s a top bloke, so generous with his time and brought great energy to the shoot.” ‘Tell No Lies’ provides a step forward for the band, a fresh new larger sound, one that is made for a live audience - yet still stays true to a blueprint that has become synonymous with the band’s success to date. Speaking of the track, Starkie notes: “The song is about music’s ability to transport you somewhere else and take away your anxieties for 3 minutes or so. Lyrically it’s a bit of a conscious departure from our more introspective, existential, doom-laden stuff that we are known for. Feels like the world needs upbeat tunes now, as real life has been bleak enough.”
Irish indie pop artist Brí has just released a stunning single and accompanying video for her new song 'In My Head' and is also announcing her highly anticipated debut album 'Hide', which will be released on 22 October 2021.
Following on from her debut track, 'Low Supply', Offaly artist Brí sold-out her Whelan's headline show, received high praise from a multitude of blogs and radio and was selected to perform at Beatvyne's Music X Tech Experience. While 2020 saw performances at Whelan's Ones to Watch, The Ruby Sessions, headliners in The Sound House, Spirit Store and festival line-up announcements such as Vantastival, 2021 has seen Brí building momentum for her anticipated debut album. About her debut album, Brí says..."'The theme of my debut album grew from my song 'Hide'. I've always held other people's opinions above my own and let fear hold me back both in music and in life. This album embodies the fallout and the resolutions that stemmed from this into many facets of my life. A loud theme that has been reinforced since the album's inception; the entire process of making 'Hide' in itself, has forced me to trust my gut and to honour my vision. '..From now on I won't hide.'' Her new single and video 'In My Head' continue Brí's journey as one of the country's most exciting artists. With each of her previous 5 releases Brí has gained more and more plaudits and more and more fans, as people appreciate a true original artist that mixes stellar song writing with fascinating visual accompaniments to bring the listener deeper into her world of self discovery and awakening that most can relate to.
Cork (Ireland) based singer/songwriter/producer Fintan McKahey returns with a new single “Lost Balloons”. The lo-fi acoustic song is emotive and nostalgic, featuring Fintan’s signature smoky vocals and pristine production. A mellow beat is met with layered guitars and ambient sounds.
In this song, Fintan reflects on how the pressures of modern life can get overwhelming. If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that things aren’t always within our control. Fintan says, “‘Lost Balloons’ is an ode to the slow life, a gentle reminder to take a breath and let life unfold at its own pace. Letting go can be the most liberating feeling there is.” The song was recorded and produced by Fintan in his newly built space, Ivy Hill Studios. Built by Fintan and his team during COVID-19, the studio offers a variety of audio and visual services. Fintan McKahey is a low-fi indie singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. An active artist since 2016, his 2019 sophomore EP “God Games” received critical acclaim as did his several 2020 singles, achieving national radio play and press acclaim. He has performed in major venues across the country, including support slots for the likes of The 4 Of Us, The Scratch, Junior Brother, and Roisin O. Though Fintan loves performing, his true passion lies with creating in the studio. Writing and producing from a young age, Fintan creates music that is spacey, chill, and at times experimental and psychedelic, incorporating influences of bedroom pop and trip-hop. Since the onset of COVID, he has been busy building Ivy Hill Studios. He was also named as a Hot Press Magazine “Hot for 2021” artist, performed at the Hot Press Y&E Series, and did some successful ticketed live streams.
"When I started out, this is what I wanted to do."
Gavin Conway never dreamed he'd be able to play music as a career. But before long, the young Dubliner began receiving attention as a house DJ in his early 20s. "The DJing took off, so I went with it. And don't get me wrong - it's been great. But writing my own songs, as a kid, was always the goal. Now that I’ve done this, these songs that are on the way, it’s really exciting.” On ‘Throw A Stone’, Conway’s very first song as a singer-songwriter, guitars and his distinctive knife-like tenor are front and centre. ‘00s and ‘90s flavours are present, as well as nods to classic Manchester acts like Stone Roses and The Charlatans. Donal Bowens, long-time friend of Conway and popular drummer on the local Irish music live scene, delivers a stylish performance on the drums, and Conway’s thoughtful and accomplished vocal soars over the top. The chorus hits lightly, confident in its power. A bright feeling pervades, as Conway invites his listeners to 'throw a stone'. Asked about what this means, Conway is visibly pleased. "One thing I'm proud of on this song - there really is meaning in every line. It's for each person to find their own version of what this song means. Metaphors, metaphors, metaphors." The second verse introduces a reserved but palpable electronic bass line, keeping the track engaging from start to finish. Conway began his exploits in music in secondary school, whilst playing music with friends, before attending Ballyfermot Rock School. Once his ability as a DJ was discovered, he began being asked to run his own nights, before going on to play the well-loved Ultrafestival in Croatia, hosting shows on Phever Radio and DriveTime, and setting up the Dublin house music collective, Seshin. Gavin Conway has also become known for his work raising vital funds for Cystic Fibrosis through 5K runs. All the while, a desire to play classically crafted songs on the guitar never left him. "I had loads of songs written. I just never got a band, never got around to doing anything with them. That was until the pandemic hit." "Dan Cullen came onboard to help with production, and really helped me craft the song, and get it to the finish line. He’s always had my back through the process, and been a good friend to me. We recorded it with Chris Browne in Studio 44, in Swords.” All this is just the beginning for Conway’s new chapter as an artist, and he bears all the energy of someone with dreams that won’t go away in a hurry. “Playing someone a song you wrote is personal. It's really special, and I’m so glad to be finally able to do this.” zach james douglas releases third single 'anyone else' prior to his debut ep '6x3' due in september8/23/2021
Dublin songwriter and producer Zach James Douglas has just released his third single 'Anyone Else' and with it is announcing his debut EP '6x3' which will be released on 10 September 2021 on ZJD Records via Faction Records. The new single features guest vocalist Manamon, a childhood friend of Zach's and lead singer of their old band Little One.
About the song Zach says "In “Anyone Else” I consider the unexpected feeling of self shame that ensues once you have been broken up with. It is a retrospective comparison of the sentiment felt by both parties in the aftermath, with a focus on the bitterness and resentment that I had to deal with. This resentment is not, as some may presume, towards her new partner, but instead is directed towards how seamless the transition was for her. It describes my struggle to come to terms with how quickly she was capable of moving on and meeting someone new, while to this day, I still struggle to engage in a conversation with a woman without feeling an insurmountable sense of guilt, shame and sadness." A recurring theme throughout Douglas’ first furor into the moody abyss of a solo songwriter, is the concept of nature versus technology. This is best illustrated through the stark contrast and combinations of natural, conventional instrumentation and synthetic glitchy soundscapes. However, it is also seen through Z.J.D’s desire to dispel the natural feelings of shame, anxiety and depression and instead compartmentalise and methodically process these emotions in a way that humans are generally not capable of. With the promise of lots more music to come, and the much anticipated return of live music on the horizon, 2021 has been an exciting year for Zach James Douglas, even if the first half of it has been enjoyed through his aging laptop screen, while sitting at his parent’s kitchen table.
Based in Dublin, pop-rock duo Idle Dream went through a few line-up changes to arrive at its current incarnation. Formed by Chris McGrath (vocals) as a bedroom project, he found himself uninspired and in need of adding a fresh face to the mix. Connor McCabe joined on guitar in January 2020, giving the project a renewed purpose and energy.
Influenced in spirit and sound by pop legends Bowie, Bush, and The Pet Shop Boys, the melodic and arrangement aspects of art pop as an aesthetic are important to Idle Dream in a big way. Building up a repertoire of new songs during lockdown, the duo are raring for the material to be heard, starting with ‘The First Time’, which was released on 20 August 2021 and captures a wild abandonment tempered by responsibility. Prior to Connor McCabe joining the once-solo project, Chris had already written and recorded ‘The First Time’ with producer Ben Haynes. The duo then put the finishing touches on the song together in Dublin’s Soundcaster Studios. The essence of the song is underpinned with far more anxiety than the melody’s hopeful, uplifting feel would portray. It deals with the ideas of young love in its later stages, inspired by the idea of falling for someone wholly as you could when you were younger, but being faced with the push-backs and complications of responsibility and personal history. On the verse, Chris affirms ‘I wanna know you when you’re sober’, digging into the ways in which we mask our trepidation and anxiety at the beginning of a burgeoning romance. The crashing guitars are powerfully emotive, driving the force of this feeling to peaks and troughs throughout. The duo is working on a new batch of upcoming singles – and possibly what's shaping up to be an EP. Stay tuned.
Ryan Sheridan has shared a brand new single ahead of his first gig in two years, and it's as gripping as his back catalogue of gems. 'Fine Wine' beat the likes of fellow contemporaries Dermot Kennedy and Ed Sheeran to No.1 on the iTunes chart when it landed.
The new song is an Americana country-tinged track which heads in a new direction for Sheridan; one which the musician intends to explore further on his forthcoming third album for Rubyworks Records. Initially finding success as a busker, the multi-instrumentalist has built up a reputation as one of the country's most popular performers – releasing two acclaimed albums, The Day You Live Forever and Here and Now, through Rubyworks. Despite rescheduling his German headline tour to May 2022, Sheridan has released a concert souvenir 'Live In Dublin' to keep his fans content until then. Two years of no live music has meant Sheridan has spent most of the lockdown writing and recording from his home studio and with that has found himself delving deeper into his love of some great American songwriters such Chris Stapleton, The Black Keys and Nathaniel Rateliff. His third album, due out in 2022, is a love letter to those greats and a collection of personally curated cover songs that traverse decades and genres. Sheridan makes them his own by his mastery of the acoustic guitar along with his emotive vocals. About his new song Fine Wine, Sheridan says.."‘Fine Wine’ is about the people that make your life better. The people who pick you up when you're down, listen to you when you need to talk and tell you some hard truths when you need to listen. It was written on the back of a new Americana covers album that I produced over lock down. It was a new direction I was exploring and this is the first song I wrote in that style." little thief releases new rock single 'freak' from debut album 'under the patio' due in september8/13/2021
Hotly tipped as ‘ones to watch’ by CLOUT, Bristol-based rock outfit Little Thief have released their latest single ‘Freak’ today, the leading single from upcoming debut album ‘Under The Patio’, due for release in September.
Formed in 2015 by long-time collaborators Charlie Fitzgerald and Rhii Williams, Little Thief have created their own brand of raw, gritty and soulful alternative rock that defines itself. They have a handful of successful singles under their belts which have seen them play live sets at Glastonbury and Liverpool Sound City Festival, as well as receiving support from the likes of Steve Lamacq (BBC 6), BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio. With interest in the band quickly growing, they soon began working with independent record label Funnel Records, who shaped them into the band that they are today. With the financial pressures of Covid decimating the arts industry however, Funnel Records sadly are no more, and so as a newly independent band, Little Thief had to turn to Crowdfunder to help to create their debut album, raising a whopping £5,000. Recorded with heavyweight producer Stew Jackson (Massive Attack) at Rockfield & Invada Studios, Freak, taken from the album, was written for “that wild-card lover. We wanted to capture the feeling of excitement and fear that comes with those explosively beautiful people. We all know that person or group of people that have the ability to bring out our “fuck it” side. I’ve had a load of people like this in my life, Rhii being one of them. They are magnanimous and that knock on the door on a Friday night always feels like the beginning of a superhero film", explains lyricist Charlie Fitzgerald. From the get Freak sees Little Thief’s unmistakeable soulful swagger shine through, blending crunchy, jagged guitars with Fitzgerald’s cathartic, raw vocals, visceral lyricism and Williams’ signature groove in a potent encapsulation of alternative-rock; taking the listener on an exhilarating journey through the protagonists “wild-card” encounter.
Lurgan based indie alternative artist BECAH has just released her stunning single and accompanying video 'Reminders'.The second single from her upcoming debut EP 'Freak', due out later this year, 'Reminders' uses BECAH's hypnotically tender vocal, backed up by electronic synths, electric guitar and vulnerable lyrics to tell of her experiences, digging deep and drawing into those darker parts of us we like to keep hidden away.
About the song BECAH says "I wrote ‘Reminders’ in the aftermath of a very toxic relationship with a past girlfriend. The coinciding music video, filmed by Chris McCann and directed by John Dynes and Chris McCann, presents a glimpse into that story - the good times I had with her in the beginning, to its violent turn. The lyrics speak of the struggle I had to feel like myself again, and how all my attempts to push away all the little details and memories of that time felt futile." Having cultivated her art playing the local scene over the last number of years, BECAH has in that time secured support slots for renowned acts including that of Aslan, The Four of Us, and Brian Kennedy, most recently playing on the same bill as Brian Houston, Sam Wickens and Amy Montgomery. With inspiration drawn from the likes of Jeff Buckley and MUSE, BECAH has found her own unique sound - with a hypnotically tender vocal backed up by loud electronic synths and electric guitar. Lyrically vulnerable, BECAH sings of her life experiences, digging deep and drawing into those darker parts of us we like to keep hidden away. a lover of old school, rnb and afrobeat, irish singer/songwriter wendy godfrey releases 'venus'8/9/2021
‘Venus’ is about indulging in being in a whole different world when you have a special connection with someone. The lyrics portray you seeing the world in a different perspective when you’re content, especially with that certain person.
“‘Venus’ came about in the studio as my producer, Solow The Astronaut, was creating the beat. I was just freestyling the melody with a few lyrics here and there, then when the beat was done, I started writing to the beat. I came up with the second part of the chorus first, then the first verse, then the rest of the song,” Wendy comments on the track. Wendy Godfrey is a young recording artist, singer-songwriter, and performer born and bred from the beautiful town of Drogheda. Inspired by performers such as Beyonce and Michael Jackson, she has been singing and performing from the age of seven. At her early age, Wendy has written, recorded and performed some originals she wrote as a young girl practising and living her passion. The RnB/AfroSwing artist, launched into the pop scene in July 2020 with the release of her debut single ‘How Far’. She later released the follow-up afro swing track ‘Bad Guy’, taking a big step towards global pop stardom in 2020, with the release of her debut EP, Purple Emotions. Wendy was LMFM’s Artist of the month in August 2020 and performed on DCUFM’s Wavelength in aid of Doras. She was in the top 10 artists on the 2nd Annual Snow Globe Awards 2020 by Hot Hits. She is featured on the HotPress Magazine’s ‘HotFor21’. Lastly she was one of the nominees for HotPress’ Most Promising Act for 2021. Over the last couple of months, Wendy has been working on collaborations with some up and coming artists like Evans Junior, Andre Fazaz, IK3. She is now embracing live performances as the country opens up gradually with her recent electrifying performance at Rhythm Encore. She aspires for her music to impact people in a very positive way by giving others the encouragement, support from what she learns in the music industry to build and empower. novacain's 'shine on me' - a tasty riff driven delivery from britain's new purveyors of joy8/6/2021
“It’s indie rock’n’roll. But I’d like to believe it’s different to anything else out there right now.”
These are the words of Lloyd Lock, guitarist for Novacain. The band officially formed in 2020, but these four friends have been playing venues together in various bands across Portsmouth and beyond, forming part of the fabric of their local rock scene for more than seven years now. What sets them apart? “Everyone is trying to be different, now more than ever. We aren’t different.” Lock is not unaware of the paradox of standing out by not trying to stand out. He insists on it. “We’re just classic. Classic rock. Classic pop. And… we think we’ve gotten pretty good at it.” The band’s newest single, ‘Shine On Me’, is their fourth since the group’s formation in 2020. Featuring shades of everything from blues to 2000s pop-rock, the track is a system of cheeky upbeat riffs, and is laced with a crafty beat, a gorgeous vocal, and a lot of fun. ‘Shine On Me’ strikes a personal chord, while touching on universal themes, arriving as it does right now – as the nation looks forward to moving into some sort of new life, looking for reasons to hope. “I need a resurrection for my pride/I’m like a treasure chest hidden at the bottom of the sea, so shine on me,” Daniel McTaggart sings in the chorus. The voice is reassuring, without being preachy. ‘Shine On Me’ has rebellion in its veins, but doesn’t feel like conscription to a cause. This is a catch-free celebration of freedom. Novacain have put together a proper summer anthem for those ready for good weather - not just for the body, but for the heart and soul too. The hard work of these four Portsmouth locals is paying off. Jokers in everything except dedication to their craft, they say, “We do it because we just love it. Working, holding down jobs, and making music together,” Lock explains, summing it up. “We muck about, yes. But when we make a song – we really go for it.” Their bassist, Andy Sharp, pauses, hesitating. “Is this a bad time to say I’m quitting the band?” PRAISE FOR NOVACAIN’S PREVIOUS RELEASE: “Extremely riff-driven, fast-paced, and utterly catchy.” - Words For Music “Wearing their influences on their sleeves and taking cues from pop music, Novacain have created an incredibly fun track that’s one of the catchiest I’ve heard in a while. Track of the day.” - Mix It All Up “Will leave you singing along within one listen… making it easy to envisage a crowd going mad for the release.” - Love Music Love Life “McTaggart’s smooth vocals add a degree of sexiness to the single, making it even more enticing.”- The Other Side Reviews irish singer/songwriter partland releases upbeat, modern rock sound single 'after the movie'8/4/2021
Indie-pop/folk songwriter Partland has just released his single, ‘After The Movie’, which is a sonic telling of untold endings, about the reality of love that maybe movie magic doesn't completely dictate.
Recorded a year ago and delayed due to Lockdown, the more time that the artist was left to sit with the song, the more it evolved. Its original mood was indie, but with valuable input from producer Dave Skelton (Amy Dillon, Conor Ward), a more upbeat, modern rock sound took form. Borne out of Partland’s musings on the fairy-tale story arc of romantic films, ‘After The Movie’ considers what happens after the couple overcome their struggles and get their happy ending. Once the credits stop rolling, do they stay together? The full, cinematic production carries the powerful emotions attached to these unanswered questions as the songwriter’s lyrics fill in the blanks: ‘Please don’t let this be your final act… / Oh darlin we could just pretend / Or is this how It ends?’ In keeping with its movie origins, the single is as much about the visuals as it is the sound. Lockdown gave the musician the time to focus on other aspects of the art – he hand-created a stop-motion video for each and every song on the forthcoming album, ‘The Empty Atlantic’. The accompanying visuals for ‘After The Movie’ illustrates the couple’s trajectory, their movie-based expectations and the sometimes painful reality. Based in Galway, Thomas McPartland has been writing and performing for over 15 years. Gigging all over Ireland and further afield, he has supported the likes of Damien Dempsey, Ham Sandwitch, Picturehouse, and Heathers. His debut full-length release as Partland, ‘Sing Me to Shore’ received critical acclaim featuring on Charlie McGettigan’s radio show as his Album of the Month. McPartland’s artistry has stretched from the sonic elements into new creative realms, thanks to the time bestowed by Lockdown. His next full-length will be a visual album, each track accompanied by a stop-motion music video put together by hand by McPartland himself. Originally only intended for the four singles, the artist then decided to go all out, spending roughly 80 hours on the resulting venture. Currently putting the finishing touches to the album, Partland’s sophomore album ‘The Empty Atlantic’ will be released toward the end of the year.
Co. Down artist CeeV (pronounced like 'leave') is releasing her new single 'Twenty Three'. CeeV, who's real name is Caoimhe McAleavey, is based in Newry but began her music career in Manchester studying songwriting at BIMM. Although immersed in music in one of the most creative and music rich cities in the world, CeeV was reluctant to showcase her own songs and instead took a more backseat role while playing in several bands in some of the most recognisable venues in the city. Although she didn't perform her own songs live while in Manchester, CeeV plucked up the courage and shared her work with real live people on Soundcloud and was astonished when her music reached over 30,000 listens.
With her confidence growing, CeeV moved home to Newry and began performing her own songs, slowly building a loyal following. Now with her craft as a performer and songwriter improving, CeeV decided for an adventure away from the safety and security of home and moved to another city rich in music and creativity, Ottawa, Canada. Determined to improve her craft she performed in every bar, cafe and restaurant that she could, learning every time she stood on stage. Now back at home CeeV is finally releasing her songs to the world. About her latest release, Twenty Three'. CeeV says... "Twenty Three is a story. But it’s also a lesson. It shows two different perspectives of leaving a relationship. One might think it’s the end of the world but the other knows there is a future out there for both of you even though it’s apart. I wrote this song as a lighthearted reflection. With influences from musical storytellers like Picture This and The Jezebels, I felt this meaningful story was best told alongside uplifting melodies and heartwarming lyrics.". This year will see CeeV support Liam Ó Maonlaí, Lisa Hannigan and Gloria Gaynor on Irish stages. dublin based singer/songwriter and rapper neolithic releases new groove heavy single 'thots'7/12/2021
Dublin-based singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Neolithic (Neo Morake) has just released his second solo single, “Thots.” He has been active in the Irish music scene for over a decade with several projects including his band Nobody’s Heroes, as a well known busker, and now his solo project.
A laid back beat made up of layered guitars and vocals meets Neolithics’s signature playful swagger. His quick and clever flow amplifies the groove as he raps and sings about experiences he’s had as well as his evolving identity as an artist. He says, “Growing up with my name I’ve been referenced to the Matrix a lot. Neo’s task was to mess up the system so that’s what I’m gonna do. It's also a kind of post-introduction-intro into my rap side with Lithic as an alter ego of Neolithic. It’s my own way of saying “hey world, I’m ready. Let’s do this…” you know?” He goes on to say, “This side of my music is really about letting loose and being free with yourself. The song really is about feeling goofy, it’s also about some odd moments, particular sessions that I’ve had in the past. Thoughts of those memories - even the freshest - get you feeling good.” The song was recorded and produced by Neolithic in his home studio. Bio: Neolithic has been active in the Irish music scene for over a decade both solo and with several projects including his band Nobody’s Heroes. A singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and well-known busker, Neolithic’s music blends genres and influences to bring listeners a groove-heavy and truly engaging experience. His solo project satisfies his hunger for more flavours and experimenting and fuses genres such as rap, hip-hop, jazz, lo-fi & indie.
Following up on the 2020 release of their second EP ‘All Hail To Your Queen’, Bristol-based atmospheric Alt-Pop quartet Ålesund have just returned with her new EP ‘A Thread In The Dark’.
After the untimely curtailing of their European Tour in Spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Ålesund travelled back to the UK feeling uncertain. Although things were going so well with a new offering and an extensive touring and festival schedule to get stuck into, the timing of the unplanned hiatus was less than ideal. Rather than take it to heart, the group’s vocalist and songwriter Alba Torriset retreated to her hometown of Hastings to try and reconnect with music in a positive way. “With all the negativity in the world, I wanted to create something uplifting and optimistic,” she says, and so the four track EP ‘A Thread In The Dark’ was created. Alba and guitarist Lloyd Starr started to put together demos with a euphoric and festival-tinged edge. They then engaged with long term collaborator and producer Jake Bright to help build the record. This is the first time that a batch of songs have been created in this way for the band. Due to the inability to all be in the same room, Alba tried her hand at Logic and demoed her ideas to send to the others. She went back to basics creating rhythm and texture by layering up clapping and even using wooden spoons to get the percussive sounds she was after. She also layered up lots of backing vocals to flesh out her ideas. These all became features within the record and the rest of the band liked how the lockdown restrictions had actually pushed the sound forward in ways it perhaps wouldn’t have if they had all been able to jam the ideas in the same room. Throughout the EP Alba’s intoxicating vocals take on totally different auras that interchange based on the musical landscapes they’re placed against; soaring atmospheric synth-laden soundscapes, shimmering guitars and tantalising grooves. Lyrically, the songs were inspired by being so still and so quiet in lockdown and being able to hear and see things that would have previously passed you by. “The usual hustle and bustle of life can drown things out, but with everything and everyone stopping, it brought a magnificent clarity. Hearing the birds sing, watching the trees blossom, following the cycles of the full moon. Thinking more about what is real, what is important, human instincts, human interactions, the natural world and how we all work together within it”, states Alba. Prior to the EP’s release comes their next single Rhythm, which was released on 2n July 2021. “I had read a beautiful poem called In A Northern Bay by Arthur Symons, about how life is held together by natural rhythms and it fascinated me. I researched it more and found that the idea was also an ancient Korean concept of how the earth came to be. It's called YullYeo and it literally means "The rhythms of the Universe." These ideas inspired the song into existence and it felt incredibly poignant as I was writing it in lockdown. When I was feeling lost, restless or unproductive, I could look to the patterns and rhythms nature is always presenting us, they help us find our place in the world and make us feel more content within it too”, explains lyricist Alba Torriset. 5x irish itunes charter ger (gerard o'hanlon) releases beach party pop anthem 'love tattoo'7/7/2021
“I’ll be honest. I recorded the idea for this song at 4am, drunk, in a bathroom at a party with my friends.” Honesty is always a feature with Ger, the 22-year-old singer-songwriter from Cork, Ireland. This summer sees him release luminous summer pop single, “Love Tattoo”, and it’s the fusion of forthright personality and unabashed fun on offer which makes this track feel special.
About the song, Ger says it came from a desire to write a love song – but one which would resonate with where he’s at, and where he wants to be. “I’m not gonna write a sad love song. That’s not me,” he says. About the lyrics, he goes on to say, “It’s about when you meet someone you can’t get out of your head. When it’s a practically physical feeling, and you can’t remove them from you. Like a tattoo.” “I felt nearly infatuated with someone,” Ger shares. “And he was playing with me.” Ger smiles as he discusses a small detail in the song: a Dua Lipa reference, “dance to Dua til we hallucinate”. “He was obsessed with her. I wanted that to be in there too.” The track winds its way through smart and gorgeous synth melodies, wrapped up with Ger’s own unmistakeable world-class vocal performance. Through it all, Ger’s highly personal brand of lyrics and melodies shine, amidst the glitter of a rich production. Once Ger had listened back to his recording of the melody for ‘Love Tattoo’, captured hurriedly in a bathroom, he knew he had something. “It’s catchy. It’s a song for when you’re driving in your car with the sun blaring down on you.” He wrote and performed the song, with Cian O’Donoghue producing and mixing the track, and mastering done by F.O.B (Matthew Nolan, uppbeat). Ger (née Gerard O’Hanlon) is a 22-year-old singer-songwriter from Cork, Ireland, currently based in Greece. He moved into a foster home at a young age, after the passing of his mother at 33. “Music was the one thing which always brought us together.” Ger decided to study music at the University of Limerick in 2017. In 2018, he gained the online attention of British singer Jessie J for his vocal ability, and 6-octave vocal range, and moved to the noted commercial music institute BIMM Dublin in 2019 to focus his studies. Since his debut in 2020, Ger has secured 5 Top 10 Hits on the Irish iTunes Charts. “To Be With Him” and “Suffocating” took No. 1 on the Top 100 Singles and Top 100 Pop Singles charts respectively, and his latest single, “When Ash Turns Into Diamonds” achieved a No. 1 position on the Top 100 Alternative Singles chart in January. Ger is a powerhouse of positivity, and one of the most exciting songwriters to emerge from the art city of Cork in recent years. Ger’s music is inspired by a long-time love of iconic vocalists like Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston. Traces of Dua Lipa can also be found in his songs, as well as nods to 2010s-era pop in the vein of Katy Perry and Ke$ha. His personal and powerful delivery has drawn comparisons with Sam Smith and Adele. online beat battle leads to unexpected collab. new single from pop wallace 'out sick' with boyfrens7/7/2021
Pop Wallace, R&B/pop artist from Carlow, Ireland, just released his latest single, “Out Sick”, in collaboration with Dublin synth-pop artist Boyfrens. The song is a smooth blend of pop and R&B, with nods to early electronica, and a dreamy, trance-inducing feeling throughout.
“I left space. I wanted a feature on this,” Wallace says of the track. As for how he met his collaborator, it was when Soft Boy Records producer Gaptoof ran a series of ‘beat battles’ on Instagram in early 2021, to bring Irish musicians together online in the midst of lockdown. Gaptoof issued a sample, and producers had one week to reimagine it as a new song. The tracks were played on the night, with the best being placed on a mixtape sold on Bandcamp, with proceeds going to MASI (Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland). The event was a success, and brought together many unlikely new friends – including an R&B artist from Carlow based in Arizona, and a synth-pop singer from Dublin. “Out Sick” features effortlessly smooth production, by Pop Wallace himself, and further developed by Shaun Hennessy (Poxy Records). The song’s lyrics deal with self-sabotage, excess, and self-worth. “My portion of the lyrics are really about binging – being aware of the damage I’m doing, and going through with it anyway.” “I know I’ve done this to myself, always picking from the bottom shelf”. Boyfrens’ verse hides a heart-wrenching reflection on the reality of self-loathing (“if I could I would leave me”). Wallace says of the track’s raw themes, “this song, though hard, is really beautiful for me, because I know it’s real. It’s been therapeutic.” Pop Wallace is a singer/producer from Co. Carlow, currently based in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2013, he moved to the US, after meeting his American wife in Ireland. “I used to write and play a lot. And then I moved to America and… did nothing for eight years. But the pandemic made my friends start making new music. Soon we’re thinking of starting up a label, and last year, I started learning to produce music.” He co-founded Poxy Records in 2020, alongside hip-hop producer Willhouse and songwriter/producer Lenny Melon. “Link Up”, Wallace’s debut single, was released in June 2020. It was popular enough to warrant a successful crowdfund for an entire full-length album for Pop Wallace, “Good Boy”, whose limited edition vinyl record became Poxy Records’ first physical release in less than half a year of its existence. He has received airplay on Cork’s RedFM, John Barker’s Totally Irish Show. on 98FM, and KCLR, and been featured by outlets including Nialler9 and Pop On Down. Wallace has gone on to collaborate prolifically, with other artists on the Irish scene including Cheesmore, Absentee, Sam Healy, Mila Moonlight and WIllhouse. As part of Poxy Records intelligent approach to crafting top-tier Irish R&B and hip-hop, he is fast proving them a force to be reckoned with on the Irish and international scene. Pop Wallace’s influences include Joji, Frank Ocean, Brockhampton, D’Angelo, Kelis, Justin Timberlake, Blue Hawaii and Craig David. His work thus far has drawn comparisons with artists such as No Rome, Crumb, DIIV, Joji, Frank Ocean and Kean Kavanagh. His music is a blend of emotionally-charged pop and contemporary R&B, most often with a dash of dark wit. ali comerford releases her third and final single 'come home' before debut album drops on 29 july7/7/2021
Classical violist turned folk troubadour Ali Comerford is releasing her third and final single 'Come Home' on 8th July 2021, before her eagerly awaited debut album 'Knots' drops on 29th July 2021. Having toured the world performing viola in classical ensembles for 14 years, Ali moved back to Kilkenny in 2020 and has recorded her debut album of original folk based but classical influenced songs.
About the song 'Come Home' Comerford says "I wrote this song with someone in mind, but really it’s for anyone who wants to return home but feels that they can’t because too much has happened or too much time has passed. It is a reminder that home will always be there for them. The lyrics are filled with a hopeful longing, “Your bed’s still made, Your place is all set” but as the song continues with the persistent plea of “Come home”, the message gets lost in a sea of turbulent strings". Born and raised in Co. Kilkenny, Ireland, Ali started playing and studying classical music at the age of 4. After obtaining a Masters of Violin Performance from London's Royal College of Music, she relocated to New York, completing a Masters of Music in Viola Performance at the Manhattan School of Music on scholarship. Ali’s journey in music has seen her grace the likes of New York’s Carnegie Hall, London’s Royal Albert Hall and Dublin’s National Concert Hall. She has toured the world with Lincoln Center Stage, playing sold out shows around Australia, New Zealand and the United States. After years as a freelance musician for various string ensembles and chamber orchestras in New York, January 2020 saw Ali come home to her native Jenkinstown in Co. Kilkenny. Faced with her biggest stretch of free time in 14 years, Ali used her artistry to process and bring closure to the various ups and downs of life she experienced during her time traveling the world with her craft. Ali has spent the last decade of her life playing other peoples' music and the time has come to share some of her own. She wrote, sang, played and produced every note on the album, finally exploring the full scope of her musicality. The single was recorded at Crossroads studio Kilkenny with recording and mixing engineer Shane Tobler.
The third single released by the Offaly trio (consisting of brothers Arthur, Theodore, and Ademar Stones), “White Oil” is drum and bass rallying call by KinetiX for listeners to retake the initiative within their lives.
Upon first listen, “White Oil” draws immediate comparisons to British drum and bass quartet Rudimental, specifically their 2012 hit single “Feel the Love”. Both songs functionally serve the same singular purpose; to be uplifting. However, where “White Oil” differs from a track like “Feel the Love” and many others in the drum and bass genre is entirely down to the context in which the former was written. A by-product of the ongoing pandemic, “White Oil” lyrically tries to look beyond this unprecedented period and encourages listeners not only maintain connections with people however they can, but to use the easing of lockdown restrictions as a launchpad to start living in a way that makes life worthwhile: “We are trying to convey a simple message in this song…it's time to open up your arms again and let people in. If you have had any negative thoughts or were being hard on yourself for the last few months, it is time to let that all go and start living your life again…get out there and start living your life for you.” The message alone makes “White Oil” a timely track, especially as it appears that the reopening of society is intended to just not be fleeting but is meant to last. Sonically, “White Oil” contains almost all the major hallmarks expected of a modern drum and bass/pop song, with the instrumental serving primarily as a backdrop to allow the song's message to be communicated clearly. However, the track can feel a little formulaic structurally, and does underplay the group’s willingness to venture out into other forms within the genre. For context, check out 2020’s “Strive”, piano-based, ambient-inflected track. Before KinetiX formed in 2017, the Offaly trio started out as traditional musicians to great success, winning 23 All-Ireland at various Fleadh Cheoil na nÉireann competitions, as well as appearing on The Late Late Toy Show in 2010. Arthur would go on to have the most success prior to KinetiX, going on to form Ruaile Buaile, which would release two studio albums, extensively tour North America, Europe, the UAE, and New Zealand, and gain a viral hit with a cover of Mark McCabe’s cult classic “Maniac 2000” in 2017. As KinetiX, the trio work out of their studio in Offaly, having previously worked in Diffusion Lab Studios alongside producers Chris Bubenzer and Marcin Ciszczon. The trio plan to release up to a dozen singles before the end of 2021, while continuing to perform gigs via live stream, with the aim of returning to physical gigs at the first opportunity ahead of the 2022 festival season.
Ambient folk collective Pine the Pilcrow (Kevin Murray, Rob Campbell, Shay Sweeney & Hannah Ryan) present their latest track “Black Hills”. It follows the bands April 2020 single “If It’s True”, a postcard from their journey into seismic sonic territory.
As a further departure from the quartet’s minimal beginnings, a host of new instruments and techniques are deployed in Black Hills. Peppered generously with producer Alex Borwick’s impish wizardry, the piece is alive with percussive pulsing rhythms from pizzicato strings to foot stomps, sparkles of piano to banging hunks of metal… like a tapestry woven from nature's chaotic fabric. About his first contribution to the group as singer and songwriter, cellist Rob Campbell had this to say…. "Most people have a place, or places they go for head space. Ardgillan Castle is one of mine. I’d often walk its boundaries, off the beaten track… this area is called Black Hills. The song is about going there as my therapy when life feels shitty. I just pass through and watch nature carry on regardless of the world around… life in full voice. It breaks the walls down, resets perspective, reminds me that I’m just a tiny part of something incredible and unfathomable. There’s comfort for me in that." It is the second of three songs recorded in late 2019 with the acclaimed Alex Borwick (Parliament Funkadelic, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Niamh Regan, Lankum) as producer. The songs were set for consecutive releases in late spring / early summer 2020 but amidst the unfolding uncertainty, the band postponed the release of all but the first song from these sessions. “If It’s True” was met with overwhelmingly positive reviews and reaction. Despite the cancellation of their summer tour dates and further 2020 bookings, Pine the Pilcrow remained as active as possible, recording a selection of covers including John Lennon’s “Isolation” which they used to raise money for charity and having their music featured in the Donal Moloney documentary “Let The Rest Of The World Go By”, airing on RTE television on January 11th. It included a version of the Willie Nelson track of the same name recorded especially for the film. The brief easing of restrictions in 2020 allowed Pine the Pilcrow to complete work on their sessions from 2019, paving the way for further releases later this year. Like all artists they look forward to the eventual resumption of live performance and future appearances around the island.
Italy-based Irish singer-songwriter David G Buckley is releasing his third single of the year, “Boomshot”. The sunshine-filled folk-pop anthem features clever storytelling, gorgeous and grounded vocals, and to top it off: real Italian trumpets.
"It was such a bright song – I need to add some shades to this." Buckley says of how he felt writing the song. "It’s a song which I hope people will get stuck in their heads, and enjoy at face value. But if they look deeper, they'll find it's maybe not as pretty as it sounds.” It’s surprising, given that – at first glance - it appears to be the Dublin native's most upbeat release to date. "The musicians I've played the song with say to me, ‘that song... that’s the one that’s still in my head!’” He explains, “It's the most 'pop' song I've ever written." “Boomshot” was recorded and produced in London and in Blue Music Studios, Rome, and mastered in Cube Studios, Rome. Buckley allowed himself to feel free when writing it, wanting to write a piece which simply feels good. And it shows. Its smooth and well-considered arrangement, from boisterous guitars, to exceptional live drums, to full on trumpets, brings a warm and adventurous sweetness to the single. The result is the feeling of a sleepy coastal town being hit with a dance party – appropriate, given that Buckley’s single is about the times we need a wake-up call from negativity. Buckley explains, “It’s about two people. The one in the chorus is being really negative, and the one in the verse is trying to pull them out. They've had enough!" David G Buckley is a Dublin-born singer-songwriter, with a quickly growing reputation for captivating melodies and a rich pop awareness. Buckley released a well-received debut EP ‘Different Shades of Nothing’ in 2013. He subsequently moved to Italy, for love, and took some time to adjust to new life in Rome. Now ready to take the next step with his music, he has made a cracking return. “Boomshot” is the third single of his 2021 return. The first was "All Our Yesterdays", followed by "Lift Me" - which received national coverage from RTÉ News, for its heart-wrenching and powerful message on cyberbullying. With coverage in national publications such as RTÉ, as well as on local radio stations like Dublin South FM, David G Buckley is becoming known for his blend of arresting songwriting, unforgettable hooks and intricate lyricism. David G Buckley’s music is inspired by a range of artists, including R.E.M. and Counting Crows, as well as contemporary artists like Phoenix, Foster the People and Ben Folds.
From the furthermost regions of Romania... From the mountainous peaks of Scotland... From the darkest corners of a Boards.ie forum... comes a band desperately trying to create new music together whilst practicing social distancing due to the Covid-19 worldwide pandemic….
Founding members Ally Pender and Alex Burcea met whilst in another band and found there was a creative spark when they worked together. They decided to form their own project in the summer of 2018. They spent the next year writing songs & auditioning band members. The current lineup was completed when Evan Cassidy, James O’ Gorman & Shane Waldron joined in June 2019. Legend says if you took Muse, The Editors, The Killers and Manic Street Preachers and baked them into a cake at 180 degrees you would create not only a lawsuit, but something that bears a mild resemblance to Afterbliss. Afterbliss spent the first 18 months of their existence writing songs, recording demos and shaping their sound based on their collective influences. Melodic rock is how they best describe their sound, taking notes from the aforementioned bands and creating a style that is uniquely theirs. In September 2020, Afterbliss entered Windmill Lane Recording Studio to begin recording sessions with producer Alan Kelly. They released their debut single in November 2020, Until Sunrise. Until Sunrise was well received by fans and critics and received radio play on many local and national stations. In February 2021 their second single Kiss & Tell was released. Their third single Remnants has just been published to continue their musical journey. Remnants is a dynamic and complex track blending together a wide array of musical genres, from classical to dance. Remnants will take you on a ride as it’s galloping verse morphs into a chorus that will have you on your feet. All while retaining the classic Afterbliss melodic undertones. jack tiernan's new single 'insecure', is heartbreak perfection tied up in a summer pop ballad6/18/2021
“I would have always been sports, sports, sports.” Jack Tiernan never expected to find himself opening up through the medium of music. And yet, spurred on by a growing desire to be honest with himself during the first lockdown of 2020, that’s exactly what began to happen to the singer-songwriter.
At 18 years old, and hailing from the small town of Bealnamulla, Athlone, Tiernan has been on a journey that has taken him from pretending to be more interested in sports than anything like music, in order to blend in at school – to releasing three successful singles on Spotify, achieving hundreds of thousands of streams on TikTok, and writing a song for Pieta House’s 2020 fundraising effort. “I was always ‘one of the lads’; But I knew really, I wasn’t being myself,” Tiernan says. His newest song sees him achieve remarkable honesty. The young Irish Midlander has an ability to express himself compellingly. “Insecure” opens immediately and brightly, as Tiernan cuts straight to heart-breaking, pressing questions about the new object of his beloved’s affection. He sings in the chorus, with a note of growing acceptance, “He’s everything you’ve ever wanted, everything you’ve dreamed of, I’m a little insecure.” ‘Insecure’ is a blend of moving melodies, paired with searing delivery and sensitive and intelligent production. Tiernan’s vocals are confident and well-formed, and a classic take on contemporary pop - reminiscent of both Frank Ocean and Dermot Kennedy at once. Electric guitars are evocative of summer and emotions running high, and run alongside a tastefully restrained beat, which varies intelligently. This gives plenty of room for Tiernan to tell a story, using all the power his voice offers. ‘Insecure’ was recorded and mixed in Lakeland Studios, by Michael O’Dowd, with mastering by Michael Heffernan (Dermot Kennedy, The Script, Gavin James). Jack Tiernan is an eighteen-year-old singer-songwriter from Bealnamulla, Co. Athlone, Ireland. His first single, ‘It’s Ok’ was written and released to raise awareness and funds for mental health for Pieta House, to great success. He followed this up with ‘Broke By Love’ and ‘Meant to Cross’, the latter of which was No. 1 on the iTunes Irish Singer/Songwriter chart the week of its release. He has covered such outlets as the Athlone Advertiser, and the Westmeath Independent, and is heavily supported by local radio (Athlone Community Radio). His cover of Alexander 23’s ‘IDK You Yet’ has also achieved over 250,000 streams on TikTok. Tiernan thanks his father for supporting him on his path so far. “The success, and his support honestly, helped me to take things more seriously. Whenever I’ve needed to go to something, no matter how far, my dad would say, ‘Alright. I’ll give you a lift.’” It’s fitting that the young artist, whose music all bears a mark of healthy humility, should be so disarming humble in thanking those who have helped him come as far as he has so far. “Insecure” marks his fourth single, ahead of his upcoming debut EP, which is slated for a late 2021 release. Tiernan’s music draws influence from Dermot Kennedy and Clinton Kane, and has been lauded for creating “positive music” with “raw music singer/songwriting talent in abundance” (Athlone Advertiser). |
Archives
December 2024
Categories |