Category Archives: Alt- Pop

A Chat With: LYRA

Irish pop-dance sensation LYRA has released her new single ‘Chess’, which is taken from her highly- anticipated upcoming album. I caught up with the singer-songwriter to discuss the new single, what we can expect from the album and what she has planned for her upcoming tour. 

“So this song is about the mind games I was going through at the very early stages of my career in the music industry trying to make it as a female artist. I wanted to write about it but I didn’t want to write about it in the way of like pointing the finger and being like, Oh, I can’t believe you all told me to lose weight. How dare you kind of finger wagging style. I wanted to do something that told the message, through my style, which I suppose in this song a bit darker, a bit poppier. My dad taught me how to play chess when I was younger, and I was like, Well, this is a perfect way to say what I want to say, but not have to do the whole finger-wagging thing. So I sat down on my sofa and put the two concepts together and started writing about my experience. The lyrics say exactly what I want to say so there’s no hiding there, so it’s all out there like, “Would it make a difference if I was the same sex” It’s unfortunate us poor women seem to be pitted against each other? I don’t know why because I would love if we all got the lime light, it would be fantastic. And actually another one; “I dont want the lime light I just want a fare fight”, you know, I just wanted my chance, my opportunity to show them what I could do. So that’s the main inspiration behind the whole song, just me wanting to get there.”

 Whether it’s energetic dance elements, bright pop soundscapes or moving ballads, LYRA’s music is filled with dynamic and passionate instrumental arrangements that express the tone of the track.  ‘Chess’ is a fine example of this. LYRA has wrapped the darker subject matter of the lyrics in pulsing beats, tense synths and ethereal soundscapes to create a track that is mesmerising and moving while balancing darker tones throughout.

“Yeah, I knew that I wanted to have dark elements in it, but I also didn’t want it to go too dark. Because obviously with the message being dark, you don’t want the instrumentation to completely go to the dark side because you just end up with a track that you know, it’s not very uplifting and I didn’t want it to be a woe is me kind of thing. I also wanted to have the uplifting side of it. So when I was going about producing this with Dan Priddy, who is a producer on it, I was very much expressing that to him. There are certain sounds that I knew would sound good in this track, like, the bass and clicks and stuff like that. So, I’m very, confident in myself to be able to express that when I am in the studio, in order to make my songs sound very much like me. I have had a massive input in it. When I’m writing songs and when I’m sitting at home on my iPad, when I was coming up with the lyrics and the melody, I can almost hear how the song should sound. So it’s very easy for me then to just portray that to a producer and be like, Okay, this is how this song needs to sound because that’s how it will get the story across the best.”

“ I’m not going to sugar coat it. It is telling a darker message. It is telling a message of, being a woman and, being kind of battled up against other women, which is something that I am not for. I am all for women supporting women and, you know, going through being told to lose weight to fit in this box that they wanted to put me in or you know, things like that and it was a struggle, so that’s why I did want to bring the production down the darker side of things because it is a dark side of the industry.”

The melody within ‘Chess’ is luscious and oozes emotion. It’s a powerful pop song that boasts a catchy refrain and striking melodic flow.

“With this song when I sat down at home, I knew what I wanted to write about and I had written down some words. Then I just started singing the words and the melody just came. I actually didn’t have the chorus for a while, which actually is the easiest part of the song because it just says “chess you want to play chess”. I don’t know how I didn’t come up with that at the start. But it was more about telling the story for me in this one than finding a melody and then hoping that the words fit. For me, this one was all about the lyrics. So I started with that. Then I just threw down a few chords on my iPad, and it just came about. They just all seemed to match together. It didn’t take me that long to write which is great when you have one of those. Not all of them are like that, but this one, I think I was so passionate about what I wanted to say that I was like, right? Here are the lyrics, lets find the melody for it and that was it. “

‘Chess’ is an exciting glimpse into what we can expect from LYRA’s upcoming album.

“Oh, that album. It’s gonna be so bloody juicy. It’s a nice little introduction to the album for sure. This is the start, it’s kind of like okay, we have a little flavor here. The flavour is gonna get more and more and more intense until your mind is blown.”

“I’m really excited for it. I actually had to stop myself from listening to them, like don’t listen to it now you’re gonna ruin it. You’re going to ruin it for yourself and I keep picking out things. I’m like, oh, that bass could have been higher. Oh, that beat or whatever and I’m like stop listening to it now. But I’m very excited for everyone else to listen to it. It’s definitely gonna tell a journey and it’s going to tell people a lot about me and my life. So people are going to get to know me and I can’t wait to tell them what every song means and why I wrote it and where I was in my life when that happened to me etc. All of them are personal journeys to me. It’s what I’ve been through the past couple years so I’m looking forward to sharing it with you in a musical way because it makes it not so scary when its a musical way”

UK producers Mark Crew and Dan Priddy who have also worked with Bastille, Rag ‘n’Bone Man and Freya Ridings, worked on the record with LYRA. We discussed what they brought to the songs and how they influenced her sound.

“Yeah, you know, in fairness credit to the boys. I started Chess at home on my ipad and it literally was just a melody, lyrics and chords. When I brought it into Dan he was like, this idea is amazing, lets go with it. I know the production I want and I’m very good at vocalising it but it was you know, trying to go through the libraries and catalogues of sounds and stuff like that. It’s fantastic to have him on board saying, okay, I get what you mean there, I think this sound is what you’re looking for. So to have that from them is really good. Sometimes I suppose, me being so close to the music, I need somebody on the other side to have a fresh set of eyes and ears. I really appreciate [them], they’ve worked on songs with Rag ‘n’Bone Man, Bastille the new Shania Twain stuff. I know they know what they’re doing. So it’s really nice to also ask their advice and pick their brains with things like, oh, how would you think this would sound bigger or wider or what reverb do you reckon we should use on my voice? I love things like that. That’s why I love collaborating and finding new people and it originally started with me and Dan creating Chess. Then when I went to reproduce it for the album, Mark Crew came in, so it was really nice to have another fresh take.  It’s nice knowing that they’re so well up in their game, and I feel very confident with the choices that we make together as a team, which I love.”

To celebrate the release of ‘Chess’,  LYRA will be heading out on a twenty-two-date Irish Tour this Spring including two dates at 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin. This is huge for the singer-songwriter and a wonderful opportunity for her fans to see her charismatic stage performance and mesmerising presence.

“Oh my god. I’ve actually started to do spin classes because my mom was like, you’re doing 22 shows and I suppose I didn’t really sit down and let that sink to my mind. I was like, oh my god, I’m doing 22 shows. I’m going to be found dead in the bush somewhere if I don’t get my cardio up because getting on stage in thigh high boots, heels, and belting out the songs is a lot. So I was like, right, I need to get myself in shape. So I actually started these spin classes. I hope they don’t mind me there in the back and any track that I know I’m like trying to sing along quietly to try and get my lungs working while I’m sweating myself on the thing. So it’s going to be a great tour. I think [the] tour is actually one of my favorite times because you get to sing your songs. You get to see the audience you get this initial reaction and communication with them and its such a life experience. I’m always bawling, crying when I come offstage. Everyone’s like, oh my god, you give her a minute. She’s bawling. But I’m never sad. I’m so overwhelmed with happiness just seeing people have your back. It’s a very lonely industry that we’re in. So to get on stage and see all these people who have come to support you, and love you is just mind bloody blowing, like the best ever. So it’s my favourite time. I’m going to really live up these 22 days.

LYRA is a passionate and compelling songwriter who pours all she has into her art. ‘Chess’ is a fine example of first-rate musicianship and is a delight to listen to. With this track as a tantalizing appetiser, it’s sure the album is going to be a triumph for her. LYRA is gaining momentum and has a lot more exciting things to come.

“When we’re selecting the album, we had so many tracks to choose from. So this is chapter one of LYRA. Then I’m just going to keep going and spend this whole year doing my album, it’s all about my album and it’s all about getting out there singing it for people, getting people to know it. Getting people to know me as an artist. This is what this year is about. It’s about everything LYRA and I’m so excited I finally get to do this. I’ve been waiting for so long. I feel like this is the time now. It’s so exciting. I just feel I’m living the dream.”

“Obviously, all this was supposed to happen the year that we were stuck inside and covid got us all locked down. I thought that maybe that was me done. I thought I’m never going to build up momentum again. Two years of lockdown. I’m not very great at social media. People are gonna forget about me and I couldn’t get into the studio and do my album. The bans got lifted. I had to go back out on the road just to get people re-familiar with me. So the album took another backseat. Now I’m finally happy to say that this year, we’ve spent so many months working on it and it’s actually coming out. It’s weird. It’s actually so surreal. Every time I post anything about it. I say to my sister, I feel sick. I can’t believe this is actually happening. Even yesterday when I posted the album cover for the first time I was like I feel sick. Eight months ago I was in a photo shoot and now with one click of a button everyone has seen it. It’s just weird, but it’s great. I’m really just going to enjoy it and live it up because you never know when it can be taken away from me again so I’m just going to go hell for leather girl.”

LYRA’s grandmother has been at the forefront of her mind and career since she started releasing music. Her first single ‘Emerald’ was about her grandmother and even today as we discuss her stunning album cover she feels her grandmother is watching over her and blessing her music endeavours.

“Thank you. I think it was like one of the first shots that we actually took and we all, well I didn’t because I couldn’t bloody see it. I was bloody blinded by that light that was in my face. But everyone in the crew just went, that is it. I was like surely not. We’ve literally just started, that can’t be it and they were like, that’s it. I looked at it and I was like yeah, that’s the one. I’m all about my nan being with me for this whole experience because I wrote Emerald about her which was my first song which started my career. So I feel like she’s been there and that happening, I was like yeah, for me, she’s making it happen.”

LYRA is a diverse and captivating artist who isn’t defined by a genre. ‘Chess’ showcases an emotional and powerful ballad aspect to her sound and teases an exciting glimpse into what is sure to be a brilliant album.

Stream ‘Chess’ below


Author: Danu

Under Starling ‘Trick of the Light’

Off the tail end of their latest EP “Mongrel” Under Starling have released their new single ‘Trick of the Light”. Hailing from the Viking City of Ireland, Under Starling are breathing fresh air into the Irish music scene with their unique brand of alternative rock.“Trick of the Light” is a metaphor for the fantasies of a hopeless romantic. Throughout the song the band tether the line between the dream world and reality. Contrary to the Hollywood trope, the underdog does not get the person of their dreams. The closing message is one of self-growth and learning how to move on.

‘Trick of the Light’ pulses with the enchanting sound of Under Starling. The band take an 80’s pop undertone encased in their signature atmospheric sound to create a compelling tune that is glorious to listen to. With emotive vocals caressing a wonderful melody, the song surges with passion as the band rush flickering synths over reverb tones and propulsive beats to produce suspenseful soundscapes that keep the listener’s heart in a euphoric state. ‘Trick of the Light’ is an utterly time-stopping and beautiful new tune from Under Starling.

Stream ‘Trick of the Light’ below 


Author: Danu

modernlove. ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’

Irish indie band modernlove. have released their new single ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’ along with announcing their UK and US Spring 2023 tours. When modernlove. were formed in 2016, they reacted to the lack of opportunities for live music in their hometown of Drogheda by effectively creating their own scene. By organising packed DIY pub gigs and encouraging other local bands to step out, they provided a creative outlet for themselves as well as a vibrant community for young music obsessives in their area. That ethos of making something from nothing still serves them well to the current day. And now their music is being embraced on a much bigger platform – including support from Jack Saunders at Radio 1 for their recent single ‘Take Me Far Away’.

Saturated in earworm melodies modernlove. present an impressive alternative pop track that is simply a joy to listen to. ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’ is a fine addition to the young band’s musical repertoire. The tune is an exquisite example of their enviable musical prowess. Sonically the song is a musical gem as with all of the band’s tracks to date. Expressive guitar elements immersed in a soundscape of shimmering synths, dynamic rhythms and edgy riffs create an 80’s post-punk-hued soundscape that reveals much to the listener with each subsequent listen. The soundscape is quite poetic and cinematic at times and is complemented by earnest lyrics that hit hard through a smooth nonchalant vocal delivery. These combined musical aspects are a delight to the senses and easily beckon repeat plays from the listener. Once again modernlove. knock it out of the park with ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’.

About the track modernlove. commented, “until my heart stops beating’ is a song about losing feelings. It chronicles the moments of tension leading up to a breakup. The lyrical narrative of the song explores arrhythmia and cardiac arrest as metaphors for the end of a relationship and invokes that sudden wrenching feeling when something goes terribly wrong. The song is stark, realistic and unromantic. It’s clear that the relationship is beyond hope and beyond saving. The lyricism and sonic composition of the tune are extremely minimalist, almost as if there’s nothing left to say. “

Stream ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’ below


Author: Danu

FYA FOX ‘Like Loving Jesus’

Photo Credit: Lucy Curran

FYA FOX has released her new single ‘Like Loving Jesus’.Following a stellar set of releases, sold out Whelans Dublin headliner (Nov 2021), showcased at Ireland’s leading festival for emerging artists Ireland Music Week and selected to play the BBC Introducing Stage at OutPut & Stendhal Festival, FYA is gearing up to play her 1st ever UK festival Live At Leeds (Oct 15th). Gaining major support across Irish national and regional radio stations along with plays on BBC Radio 1, ‘Track of The Week’ features on RTE 2FM, Spin South West and Today FM, to mention a few. To date FYA has gained over 203K Spotify streams with playlisting on ‘New Music Friday’, ‘New Pop UK’, ‘EASY’, ‘Chilled Pop Hits’, ‘New Pop Revolution’, ‘Fresh Finds’ and ‘Fresh Finds Pop’, along with playlisting on BBC Radio Ulster ‘Where Music Matters’.

‘Like Loving Jesus’ is powerful alternative pop at its finest. FYA presents a soul-filled tune brimming with catchy melodies and R&B tones that is a joy to listen to again and again. Melancholic verses brood atop a lamenting piano and ethereal soundscapes before a vibrant punchy chorus kicks in. The track is an emotive-filled banger from start to finish enhanced by gospel elements and lush textures throughout. Produced to perfection with FYA’s compelling vocals at the helm, ‘Like Loving Jesus’ confirms FYA FOX as a true force to be reckoned with. 

About the track FYA said:  “I wrote this song over zoom with Bill Maybury (Cian Ducrot, Ryan Mac, Lenii & Fia Moon) & Matt Weir during lockdown. I’d been listening to a lot of Noah Cyrus at the time, so I feel like some inspiration for the session came from that”. 

Stream ‘Like Loving Jesus’ below 


Author: Danu

Amoodi ‘Give You My Love’

Amoodi has released his debut single ‘Give You My Love’.Amoodi is the new solo project by Irish singer, songwriter and producer Michael Hopkins. Hopkins has spent 20 years writing music and playing in bands including Planet Parade, Too Fools and Tropolis. More recently he has been focusing on writing and producing for fellow Irish singer and actor Slaney. He has spent the last few years hibernating in his home studio working long hours everyday to improve his songwriting and production skills. He has built up a massive collection of work that is now ready to be released.

‘Give You My Love’ is a glorious sultry tune. Hopkins blends bubbling rhythms with dreamy melodies and lush soft vocals to create an easy-listening musical delight. Vapourous electronics wisp atop layered rhythms, R&B tones and indie flirtations while cooing backing vocals chime throughout. ‘Give You My Love’ is a joy to listen to and an exciting glimpse into the musical world of Hopkins. Looking forward to hearing more from this artist.

About the track, Hopkins says: ” I’ve written so much music over the years that I haven’t released and thought it would be such a shame to just leave all these songs on a dusty hardrive forever, so I decided to set up Amoodi and finally get them out to the world. Revisiting these songs has inspired me to rewrite and produce them to a whole new level I never thought possible at the time”

Stream ‘Give You My Love’ below 


Author: Danu

modernlove. ‘Oh My Mind’ EP

Following a wave of highly-praised singles over the last few months, including ‘Don’t Wanna’, ‘Us’, ‘Follow You’, ‘Islands’ and ‘Familiar’, Irish indie-pop-rockers modernlove. have now released their eagerly-awaited new EP ‘Oh My Mind’ through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura). modernlove. will also be embarking on their first UK and Ireland tour in November later this year. Demand for these shows has been so overwhelming, the band have added a new date at London’s Camden Assembly on the 8th November, with their Manchester performance which was upgraded to YES! (Basement) has now sold out.

‘Oh My Mind’ is a fizzing collection of fantastic indie pop songs full of earnest lyrics, heartfelt melodies and invigorating sonic embellishments. This band craft their songs meticulously and the result is exhilarating musicianship. From the effervescent electronics on ‘Island’, elastic bass grooves in ‘Don’t Wanna’, brooding atmospheres in ‘Familiar’ and rush of instrumentation in ‘Us’, each song possesses glorious musical moments that are a joy to listen to again and again.

However, it is ‘Take My Hand’ and title track ‘Oh My Mind’ that steal the show. Boasting fluttering rhythms, shimmering synths and sun-kissed guitar elements these two tracks highlight just how good modernlove. are as artists. The expressive instrumentation and deft production is a delight to listener’s ears and offer a spine-tingling listening experience to indulge in.

Not only do modernlove. deliver on lush dynamic pop backdrops and intoxicating melodies their lyrics are deep and speak of heavy themes; mental health, loneliness and yearning. Well phrased and evocative songwriting is delivered by Barry Lally’s emotive vocal delivery. He pours tenderness and passion over the poetic lyrics and truly brings the subject matter to life.

“She left his room when he lost his balance and She didn’t move back in again when he found it” – Island, “Babe something feels strange drank wine but then you spilt your cup, had a good time but never carpet is stained, it has to be torn up” -’Us’.

Throughout ‘Oh My Mind’ modernlove.’s honesty, vulnerability and deft musical prowess leaves much to be admired. This heartfelt body of work that is filled with spectacular musicianship, keeps modernlove. on the ones to watch list. 

Speaking about the new single, they said, “Oh my mind explores the modern day neuroses of young people and the mental health challenges brought upon them by pop culture, the internet and most recently, the coronavirus lockdowns. I think we all went a little mad over lockdown and most of this EP was written in that state of social isolation. Without distraction or release from cycles of negative thought you can begin to spiral to the point of derealisation and being in a constant state of panic. But then we kinda juxtaposed that by a brighter and more playful sonic composition. I think as young people, we tend to joke about our mental health as a way of relating to one another and not feeling so alone in all of it. So it felt natural to write a poppy, upbeat song about such dark themes rather than treating them with a forced solemnity and formality.”

modernlove. will be embarking on their first UK and Ireland tour in November later this year. See the dates below 

UK

  • 2 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
  • 3 – Manchester – YES! (Basement) ***UPGRADED VENUE / SOLD OUT ***
  • 4 – Glasgow – The Garage (Attic Bar)
  • 8 – London – Camden Assembly ***NEW DATE***
  • 9 – Bristol – The Louisiana – SOLD OUT
  • 10 – London – Camden Assembly – SOLD OUT
  • 11 – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club

IRELAND

  • 12 – Belfast, The Deer’s Head
  • 13 – Derry, Sandino’s
  • 17 – Listowel, Mike The Pies
  • 18 – Limerick, Kasbah Social Club
  • 19 – Cork, Winthrop Avenue
  • 24 – Galway, Roisin Dubh
  • 25 – Dublin, Button Factory

 Stream ‘Oh My Mind’ below 


Author: Danu

JNR ‘Fallin’

Renowned session musician Jake Richardson, who has worked with Dermot Kennedy, Lyra, Mark Feehily, Robert Grace, Ryan Mack, and Tim Chadwick, has released his original Project “JNR” with his new single ‘Fallin’.

‘Fallin’ is a slick alternative pop tune that glissades along infectious grooves and wonderous melodies. The track is a fine display of Richardson’s fresh, immersive sound and is a joy to listen to. Smooth vocals coo between warm guitar lines, a buoyant bass and punctuated beats to create a laid-back, easy listening experience for listeners to indulge in. Boasting soft R&B tones and groovy jazz embellishments ‘Fallin’ is a musical gem that showcases Richardson’s exciting musicianship in all its glory.

Richardson states the track is “…about investing too much of yourself in someone too early when you’re not sure if the feeling is mutual”

Stream ‘Fallin’ below 


Author: Danu

Ria Rua ‘chaos/control’ EP

Ria Rua has released her new EP ‘chaos/control’ on the German indie label MPM. Ria Rua is a modern Irish female hyper pop singer, songwriter and producer.

‘chaos/control’ is a fantastic display of Ria Rua’s irresistible electronic pop. Showcasing slick production, attitude-saturated lyrics and intoxicating soundscapes the EP is a knockout that is a joy to listen to again and again. ‘Boss’ and ‘Breathe’  ooze attitude through dense soundscapes with the electronic beats venturing at times into EDM territory. However, it’s ‘I Don’t Care’ that is the holy grail of the EP.

The lyrics create a dark tone over a building cinematic backdrop, as Ria whispers ” I can feel your hands around my neck. Squeezing tightly. I hate it”. Sultry and at times sinister the song is an evocative number that is simply goosebump-inducing and a fine example of Ria Rua’s mesmerising musicianship.

Ria’s sound is truly thrilling. Within her music the tight brisk rhythms are executed with such skilful precision it is awe-inspiring. Ria Rua is a force to be reckoned with and ‘chaos/control’ is an exciting keyhole glimpse into this artist’s talents. 

Stream ‘chaos/control’ below 


Author: Danu

Moncrieff ‘Ruin’

Photo Credit: Luca Rapisarda

Moncrieff has released his new single ‘Ruin’ via energie. The song comes hot on the heels of his smash single ‘Warm’ which went to the top 10 in Irish Radio and saw the up-and-coming musician perform live on Germany’s ARD Network (“Frühstücksfernsehen”). Following his recent Irish nationwide tour, Moncrieff is set to take to stages across the country this summer including Indiependence Festival, and is appearing as a special guest for Stereophonics at Fairview Park. 

‘Ruin’ showcases the passionate and diverse sound of Moncrieff. The track twist and turns through elegant ballad-esque tones and vibrant indie-pop outbursts to create a wholly immersive listening experience. Moncrieff’s knack with melody is on full display as he drizzles lush tones over a bubbling rhythmic foundation and shimmering synths to create a catchy tune sure to revolve in the listener’s head for days. His powerful vocals soar across the dynamic backdrop and anchor the listener within the track’s expressive soundscape as the song rushes to a cinematic crescendo. Moncrieff is a master of his craft. He captures heart-racing emotion through compelling hooks, evocative lyrics and emotive arrangements that stir the soul, ‘Ruin’ is an excellent example of this.

Stream ‘Ruin’ below 


Author: Danu

Daithí ‘Sunset’ Featuring Ailbhe Reddy

Daithí has recently released the video for his new single ‘Sunset’, featuring long-time collaborator Ailbhe Reddy. The single is already receiving widespread radio play across Ireland, having been added to the RTÉ Radio 1 Recommends list and airplay across 2fm, Today FM and more. The video for ‘Sunset’, directed by Michael-David McKernan features the American actress Annie Ryan (who was in seminal 80s film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off).

‘Sunset’ is a bittersweet anthem filled with mesmerising musicianship. The track pivots around a hypnotic beat while hazy synths build and intensify throughout. Daithí meticulously layers the soundscape to create pockets of soft tropical beats and sunkissed tones that delicately enhance the sweet vocals of Ailbhe Reddy. Reddy’s vocals are almost nonchalant at times as she pierces the song’s sonic textures with a warmth that is both heartbreaking and soothing all at once. Her vocals effortlessly convey emotion while the dreamy melody and dance-infused backdrop create a weary atmosphere before the bubbly chorus kicks in. Exuding soft, refined production ‘Sunset’ is a laid back irresistible tune that boasts the exquisite talent of Daithí and Ailbhe Reddy.

The video for the song is a beautiful, touching film that follows a woman in middle age coping with loss and grief in the most hopeful way, taking full advantage of the Irish landscape to tell the story visually. The video was shot on film at The Beekeepers artist retreat in Daithí’s native Co. Clare. Daithí owns The Beekeepers and runs it with his partner, the filmmaker Norma Howard, who is the producer of this video. 

Director Michael-David McKernan says: “For Sunset I wanted to offer a different perspective on the end of a relationship; to showcase the solace that can be found in solitude and the healing power of nature.The song feels both intimate and epic so it was a terrific challenge to get to create an accompanying film. From the beginning, we wanted to create a visual poem and impressionist piece, rather than following a linear narrative. We’re totally focussed on the character’s inner psychology throughout, but the opening ‘ring scene’ helps to anchor the piece. All of the detail shots then paint an emotional landscape and remind us of growth. The ocean scene was definitely a technical challenge given we were shooting on 16mm film. But Director of Photography, JP Quill, built a custom underwater housing for the shoot and we [are] really proud of the results. I think you really feel like you’re in the water with the character (but hopefully not to the point of sea sickness). The film is about hope, surrendering to nature, and cleansing oneself of the past.”

Daithí says: “‘Sunset’ was written during a writer’s weekend at the Beekeepers Artist House in Co. Clare. Ailbhe, Sinead White and I had a beautiful weekend, back working together after a few years of being apart. The natural energy from that really shaped the song: The synths build into this euphoric moment of celebration, which is countered with Ailbhe’s bittersweet lyrics. When she started singing ‘These things are never easy’, it just broke my heart. The song really became about everything we’d missed, and how happy we were to be able to do it again. It’s the opening of my new album, which is all about your place in time, and what makes you who you are.”

Daithí is set to play a number of festivals this summer: Vestrock (The Netherlands), Sea Sessions and Body & Soul, to name a few. He is also touring Ireland as one half of HousePlants, his project with Bell X1’s Paul Noonan, throughout May and June. 

Watch the video for ‘Sunset’ below 


Author: Danu