Soda Blonde have announced their newest single ‘Love Me World’ will be released across streaming platforms on September 24th alongside the band’s first live-streamed launch show. In celebration of the single release, the band will perform an exclusive launch show to be streamed from a secret location in Ireland’s capital on September 23rd.Tickets for the show are available now through this link https://sodablonde.veeps.com/stream/events/a517ce36fc67?ffm=FFM_4e10739c3f6fff7dafe6a81f48e253d2.
The single follows the band’s second EP ‘isolation content’ released in May this year. The EP saw support from BBC Radio One’s Huw Stephens, Janice Long of BBC Radio Wales and Ireland’s biggest stations RTÉ Radio 1, Today FM and 2FM.Soda Blonde emerged from the ashes of internationally acclaimed band Little Green Cars; whose debut album saw them sky rocket to number one in the Irish album charts. The band is fronted by singer-songstress Faye O’Rourke with Adam O’Regan on keys and guitar, Donagh Seaver O’Leary on bass and Dylan Lynch on drums.
‘Love Me World’ is an enticing example of the brooding sultry musicianship of Soda Blonde. The bubbly beat coils and simmers beneath wispy synths and sumptuous funky bass grooves while luring electronics unfold into a dark, slow jam that intoxicates and intensifies with each progression. Faye O’Rourke’s luring vocals coo over the velvet-textured soundscape with passionate longing while the rippling electronics exude an eerie, sinister tone. There is a glimmer of innocence expressed by twinkling keys and lush harmonies which creates brief sweet moments within this smouldering gem. This silky chic alternative pop number is another reason to love the musical prowess of Soda Blonde.
About the track Faye O’Rourke said “Love Me World’ is a song about acknowledging the darker moments of wanting to be loved by everyone. The idea of bending to fit the zeitgeist in the pursuit of acceptance and love.'”
I caught up with Norwegian singer songwriter Dagny [Norvoll Sandvik] ahead of the release of part two of her debut album ‘Strangers / Lovers’ which is out on the 2nd October. We discussed how she crafts her tracks, her emotional songwriting and how writing and potting plants has kept her busy over the last few months.
Dagny has officially solidified herself in recent years as one of Norway’s most exciting artists, live performers and songwriters: yielding over 450 million streams, as well as selling out international headline tours along with critical acclaim from Nylon and Billboard to The Guardian and Harper’s Bazaar. Her debut EP ‘Ultraviolet’ received unanimous praise from critics with features such as Billboard’s 10 Pop Stars To Watch In 2017, and VEVO’s Ones To Watch 2017.
When we spoke, Dagny was in Oslo. It was a beautiful day in Oslo while I sat facing a window displaying the gloomy dull Irish weather ( I was definitely experiencing weather envy). However I express my love for the beauty of the coming season, Autumn and we discuss the colours and magic that this time of year beholds as Dagny reveals to me it was London that sparked her own love for Autumn
“You know what, I’m the same actually, I love Autumn. My favorite time of the year and I lived in London for a long time. So, for some reason it just reminds me a lot of London weirdly, I don’t know what that is but this gives me a good feeling in my stomach this time of year.”
Dagny has been honing and perfecting her songwriting for a few years and she has been nominated for Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year at 2019 Spellemannprisen Awards (Norwegian Grammys) – the third year in a row Dagny has been nominated. Among her many achievements, she also co-wrote Katy Perry’s recent single ‘Never Really Over’ – racking an impressive 300 million streams on Spotify alone but only now has she decided to release her debut album ‘Strangers / Lovers’. This is a collection of tracks she has been crafting and perfecting all this time for the album
“Yeah, absolutely. I started on this album and decided that I was going to do an album around springtime in 2019 and then we went into the studio in October and that’s kind of where we’ve been since October last year, so it’s been a long process…the fact that you have to see it as a whole, instead of just concentrating on singles and you have to work on the story and development throughout the album and the track list and how the songs are transitioning between each other, so it’s been a very different process than focusing on the singles. I think for me it was so exciting and challenging and inspiring to work on a bigger project and have a bigger body of work basically, so it is something that we’ve spent a lot of time on, yeah for sure.”
“I think the songwriting was mostly the same because I first started out by deciding what my favorite songs were. I listened through, basically my old catalogue that I’ve been writing the last few years and then I very quickly saw that there was a theme and it became very clear to me what the theme was and this whole thing about splitting the album into two. As I started working and diving into the album more and more ( obviously in periods during the last year I’ve also been writing a little bit ) I think the process was a bit different because I already knew what I had and what I felt was missing and if there was a little part of the story that I felt wasn’t really being communicated well enough then I could dig a bit deeper into that specific theme or you know, whether it’s an upbeat song or a really melancholic song, so I think the writing that I’ve been doing throughout the period has definitely been different, I’ve put my mind into trying to make something very specific.”
“Before I started making the album, it was very much like going to the studio and just see what happens and letting yourself be inspired in all kinds of directions. So in that sense I guess it’s been a little bit different but I think in general, when I write I try not get too caught up in what’s happening in music in general. I never try and go in and be like ‘oh yeah let’s try and write a single’ and stuff, it’s just whatever mood you’re in, you have to let that take the lead I guess on what you end up doing that day”.
Dagny has already released the first half of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ earlier this year and the second half is due in October. I wondered why she chose to separate the album into two halves and if it was to give all the tracks a chance to be heard and appreciated
“ Well, it was actually when I started listening through all the songs that I’ve written and I found my 15 favorites or something. I just felt like there was a very clear story but it sounds like two sides of the story. I played it to some of my band members while we were doing festival season last year and I remember them giving me the same reaction like, ‘this feels great, but it kind of feels like two sides of the story’. So you have one side which is very much like the start and happy time of a relationship and then you have the other half which is showing a breakup or post a breakup. So it just felt like a natural way of telling the story even clearer. Also it felt very natural to put out the first half, which is very upbeat and happy, before the summer and then maybe leaving the more darker side of it to the autumn. Just because for me music can be a little bit season based, but in a positive way because I just want to enhance certain feelings that I have with different seasons.”
“So it was a lot of things that made me draw that conclusion and then working on the visuals and working on the album, I wanted to make it really clear that it’s an album and not an EP, that’s something that we really put a lot of time and effort into…. there’s a lot of stuff going on all the time, a lot of information constantly to take in and I want my album to be something that you sit down with and you listen to. In a way, I guess you’re right, it gives all the songs an opportunity to be heard which I think is a nice thought. “
‘It’s Only A Heartbreak’ is the first taste of what we can expect from the second half. It’s quite the empowering electronic pop track that was in fact inspired by the classic movie Casablanca.
“With that song I think we started with music and we were very inspired by the track and the sound of the track. It was funny because you can get inspired by lots of different things and then at the end of the day when you write it, it’s like, you put your own experiences and your own thoughts into it. So actually what first sparked that song, like the idea of that song was this old movie, a classic, it’s called Casablanca, it’s from 1942 or something and it’s a love story. The main character, the male character in the film he has this quote that he says several times throughout the movie where he goes “here’s looking at you kid” and I guess the way that we kind of interpreted that was, it’s something that he says when he realizes he can’t have the love of his life or they can’t be together but he can still look at her and admire her. It doesn’t really change how he feels about her and so I was just inspired by that”
The first half of the album is laced in shimmering sunny pop tracks with sugary synths and rich electronic beats. Dagny explains she gets her inspiration from anywhere and the format of how she writes varies with each song
“Actually, a lot of the time for me, both happen at the same time. I very rarely write a song like on a piano and then put production on it, because I find that I can equally get inspired by what’s happening in the track. The sounds and the feeling that I get from the track can be part of inspiring what the song is about or how I write the melodies and stuff, so it often feels like things happen almost at the same time. Once the song is written and for me, very quickly, I get an idea of whether this feels like something special or not and then you spend a lot of time crafting it after the song is there, but I think working with a team like me and another songwriter and a producer for example then, I love that. Those things kind of happen very much around the same time, I guess. On the record I think the only song that really changed was on the first half, there was a song called ‘Tension’ and that was actually a really upbeat super, kind of pop-y vibe. It just didn’t really feel right so we completely changed it and it became the most, I guess melancholic song of the first half but other than that, I think, a lot of the foundation of the song is already there from when it was written”
One of my favourite songs on the first half of the album is ‘Paris’. I love the swoony, dreamy, delicacy of the track. Each song on the album has a special place in Dagny’s heart and depicts a special emotion for her as well, its difficult for her to pick a favourite.
“Oh, that’s a tricky question. I think for me, honestly, it has changed very much throughout the process. I think I’ve probably had a phase with all of them like there’s been, one month that I’ve been listening to this song and it’s like ‘oh this is my favorite’ and then maybe another month where I don’t listen to that song at all and I listened to one of the other songs, I’m like ‘no, this is my favorite’. I mean obviously they’re all picked because they’re special to me in some way, and there’s some songs that I’m very excited to play live, while other songs that you know, just hit me more emotionally. I often find that about stuff in a live sense and I think, ‘Come Over’ has always been special to me I guess. I don’t know why, and ‘Somebody’ too. So, I don’t know, I love them all in different ways.”
Dagny’s passionate vocals exude an effortless sweetness. It would seem she was always a strong singer and confident vocalist however singing is not where she feels at her best
“Oh no, not at all. Absolutely not, for me songwriting was probably what grabbed me first and singing was just the way of communicating what I was writing, I guess. I’ve never been like a schooled singer and I’ve had so many issues with my voice so sometimes I can be really like ahh!. It’s just so annoying because I get so hoarse but I guess throughout lots and lots of years of songwriting I’ve just found my thing and what kind of works for my voice. But yeah, I think sometimes I also pick songs because they feel right for my voice, you know”
Music and writing is an art form and an expression of ideas and emotions etc. They are born from the creative genius and experiences of the artist. I have always wondered if it is difficult for an artist to hear someone else singing their songs as they may not sing or express the song the same way the songwriter would or even understand or correctly interpret the mindset the musician was in at the time of writing the song. Dagny is not as bothered by this as I might have thought, she wants the best for her songs. Almost like children she wants them nurtured and the best brought out in them even if its not her voice to do it
“I definitely know when I can’t do justice to a song. If I write a song and I feel like i’m not nailing this song and feel it would be so much better if someone else has sang it like I’m not precious with that stuff at all. The most important thing I do always is to make sure that the song is the best that it can be, whether it’s me singing it or someone else so sometimes I make songs and I quickly realize one out of three things, one, no, this lyrically does feel right to me, or two, this song I just cannot sing as good as it needs to be sung or three, it just doesn’t really fit in or, it doesn’t really hit me in the right way or it just doesn’t feel like a Dagny song. That’s how we explain it. It’s either a Dagny song or it’s not, but I think most of the time I always go into the studio thinking that I’m writing something for myself and then sometimes it just happens to come out differently. So then obviously I want that song to find another home so it doesn’t just lie in some inbox and never get heard. So, yeah that’s like my main focus to just try and do whatever is best for the song.”
“If I then ended up giving a song away then, in a way, I want that artist to make it their own and to communicate it in the way that they feel is right, so the second I give it away it’s not really up to me to decide anymore. Yeah, so I don’t think I’m precious with that because I feel if a song, felt right and I was able to do it in the right way, then I probably would have just kept it for myself. I mean for me, I obviously mainly focus on my own project but I do love writing for other people. I feel it’s a different type of creativity, where, I can just have a flow of ideas but I’m not the one who has to filter it and I don’t have to think about, ‘oh no I wouldn’t sing that line’ or that’s not how I really felt or you know those kind of things. So, sometimes it’s almost easier to write songs if it’s not for you.”
Dagny has released stripped back versions of her tracks; she recently released a beautiful version of ‘Somebody’. This version focuses on the lush quality of her melodies while also showcasing her rich vocals and the depth in her lyrics. Sometimes with a pop song these important elements can fall deaf on listeners ears and get lost in all the musical production. These moving, stripped back versions of her tracks truly display just how talented an artist Dagny is.
“ For me the more singer songwriter approach has always been how I started out and so that’s something that I really love doing, stripping things back like that. But I think, as you say, I believe if it’s a really strong song, then you can basically do it almost in any form and it will still shine through in a way. But I think, doing the more stripped back stuff you can convey a completely different emotion. I remember when we did an acoustic rendition of ‘Somebody’ people were like ‘oh that’s actually a really beautiful song’ and I think because the production is so up and kicking ( the way that it is on the main record), then as you say maybe people don’t really take in the emotion as much or that kind of emotion or maybe they don’t listen to the lyrics and the melody as much. So in a way, when you strip it back like that it suddenly becomes almost a whole different song or a whole different emotion, which I think is really nice and something that we’ve been doing with a lot of my singles. I think we’re gonna hopefully continue doing that.“
During this crazy covid time and lockdown Dagny got to focus on her album and spend time just taking a breather from all the chaos life can bring
“ In the beginning I was in quarantine so I had to stay at home. And it was actually for me at the time much needed. I think I needed to just slow down a little bit and, you know, re-pot some plants and sow and do other things that were just non music related and really just breathe a little bit. So, for me, that first period was actually really important. But then after that, you know, obviously the summer, not being able to do festivals and stuff, which I love and I missed a lot. I just kind of dug into the album even more and I started doing a lot more writing this summer so I’ve kind of kept busy for the whole time and been working a lot so it’s been very creative and just musical in a different way than I thought.”
“I think I prefer a non-Corona year if I’m going to be honest like most others, but I really feel at the same time that there has been some really nice parts of it as well. It’s just like slowing down sometimes you know when you travel all the time and you work all the time, sometimes it’s nice to just remember that there are other things to life too. People are feeling a lot of pressure as well because everyone’s constantly keeping busy and doing so much and being social and we’re always getting all the best sides through social media and I think a lot of people are feeling a lot of pressure. So I felt those first weeks when everyone was just staying at home we were all just in the same boat and there wasn’t so much pressure on constantly doing stuff and being social and all these things. I think it’s important sometimes to just stop and breathe, but it’s hard when you feel like everyone else is moving so fast and being so productive.”
“In a way I hope we can take with us in some degree and maybe remember that it’s okay to stop a little bit sometimes. I just found that when Corona was happening, people were getting really crafty. They were like doing a lot of handwork whether it was knitting or sewing or potting plants and stuff and I just think there’s something really meditative with all of those kind of hobbies. A lot of people have continued that even after we were able to go out and meet people again.”
So what advice would Dagny have for aspiring songwriters and musicians?
“My advice would be to learn your craft, Just go out and write and write. At the end of the day the song is the most important thing; your music and the song. So constantly develop as a songwriter. Also play your instrument or play shows live and get training, that is really important or at least it has been for me. I also think not giving up is the best advice I can give because I was 25 when I released my first single, which, for a lot of people they would have probably just stopped, even before they reach 25 because they felt like, they needed to get on with plan B or whatever. But for me if I’d done that then I probably would have never been doing music like I do now, so just keep at it and persist and follow your gut and have fun with it.”
“At the end of the day we make music which is like, – I’m not a doctor or a nurse and like saving lives – but music really makes a difference to people’s life and emotionally its important for people. You can write a song to make someone feel uplifted or you can make a song to make people feel it’s allowed to just cry their heart out or whatever and that’s a really nice thing to do. For me at least, I try not lose track of that and not be too caught up in all of the other sides to music, you know, social media and business and all of that, but just remember that all I’m really trying to do is put sounds to an emotion, I guess. So, enjoy it.”
Dagny’s well-honed songwriting teamed with her mature, fun, synth-pop production creates vivid and passionate tunes. Each track is carefully crafted to present a relatable theme and energize the listener with a rush of emotions while giving something delightful to dance to at the same time. The first half of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is an invigorating surge of deft instrumentation and wonderfully infectious songwriting, I can’t wait to hear what the second half brings.
Part two of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is set for release on October 2nd. Until then check out the first half below
Darkroom Data have released their new single ‘Hydrogen’. Darkroom Data is the retro synthpop science project of Irish vocalist Gillian NoVa and Brazilian composer Márcio Paz. The duo have been writing and recording together for two years, developing a synth heavy sound that is lofi, synthpop at the core.
‘Hydrogen’ is a retro synth pop number generously dipped in the rhythmic and atmospheric musicianship of Darkroom Data. With pulsing beats puncturing the sugary rush on synths the duo create a chilled airy atmosphere while the sultry lull on vocals, coo and caress the ear worm melody. The song builds becoming more effervescent and heavy allowing the electronics to fuzz, creating darker undertones to this 80’s – esque tune. Darkroom Data have a tight and cohesive sound that is well crafted and layered to create a fluid, groovy listening experience. The track exudes moments of dynamic synth explosions which will coax you up to dance. ‘Hydrogen’ is a modern love story set to retro beats, ethereal synths and lush pop melodies and is a fine example of the compelling sound of Darkroom Data.
Dublin-based five-piece TOYGIRL are back with their third single out to date, ‘Poison’.Comprising Cork natives Aran Hopkinson (Bass), Ciaran Whelband (Guitar), Fiachra O’Mahony (Guitar), and Cian O’Leary Hegarty (Drums), and British / French lead singer Hannah Worrall the band have already notched up over 250K streams on Spotify and have been firmly established on the Irish music circuit, TOYGIRL is ready to extend their reach across international borders.
With layered ethereal synths shimmering over a rhythmic soundscape, ‘Poison’ ripples with the mesmerising musicianship of TOYGIRL. The majestic soundscapes fill the crevices of your mind with soft caresses while haunting whispered backing vocals lull in the backdrop creating a tranquil atmosphere for the listener to indulge in while the rich intricate drums build the tense and darker undertone.
TOYGIRL craft and layer their songs superbly so each listen reveals a new sound or hidden sonic delight which makes every replay just as compelling as the first. Chiming guitars delicately meander through the song’s vast pool of musical intricacies. Only for Hannah Worrall’s vocals (which exude passion, soul and rich tones) it would be easy for the listener to become lost within the track. Her sultry coos anchor and guide the listener through the tracks abyssal depths.The song builds in the later half. The intoxicating synths and bass intensify as the dark and sinister undertone bares its teeth and becomes more apparent.
‘Poison’ is an excellent display of the refined and immaculate musicianship of TOYGIRL. With each release TOYGIRL display musical prowess well beyond their years. Their music evokes a myriad of emotions and stimulates every sensory factor of the listeners imagination. ‘Poison’ is a joy to listen to again and again and again…
About the track Hannah Worrall said : “For me, this song is about deep infatuation, platonic, or romantic.The feeling that someone has accepted your purest form and loves you unconditionally. It’s one of the first songs that I wrote where my words felt transparent and straightforward, in some ways that makes me feel more vulnerable but also more connected to the song ”
Liverpool’s POLAR STATES have released their new single ‘Sellotape The Skies’. This is the bands second single recorded remotely during lockdown, working from their bedrooms, following, ‘2020’ which was championed by Huw Stephens and featured on Spotify’s Hot New Bands and Fresh Finds (Global). Since their formation the band have had strong support from Radio 1 including a feature on the best of BBC introducing playlist, entered Spotify’s Viral 50 Chart, and have played a number of major UK festivals, supporting Wolf Alice, The Japanese House, and Clean Cut Kid.
‘Sellotape The Skies’ is ethereal, anthemic and surging with gripping indie vibes. With raw biting guitars rushing through an intense sonic build the track erupts with kinetic adrenaline and invigorating indie rock. The soaring guitars flourish and ricochet off the buoyant punchy drums while the rooted bass lines create that hip coaxing groove.These guys always pack oodles of passion and youthful energy into their tracks and they have out done themselves with this new release. Exuding a catchy uplifting melody and smooth emotive vocals ‘Sellotape The Skies’ has that blood rushing state of suspense that is sure to spark something within the listener. The band build tension superbly through the verses before the powerful anthemic chorus bursts with jubilation of epic proportions. Robust and packing a hefty punch ‘Sellotape The Skies’ is a joy to listen too.
On the song and the experience of recording remotely, vocalist Paul Tong commented: “When I was a kid, I used to think Sellotape could fix anything. It even held my BMX together at one point, till someone stole it. I guess when you don’t really understand a problem, you think it can be fixed so easily. ‘Sellotape The Skies’ is like my way of going back to that simplicity.I wrote it at 3am in my bedroom in a bit of a hazy state. I woke up the next day and was like, ‘where did that song come from?’ It didn’t have a chorus for a while, and was more just like a big poem. It sat around unfinished for months, but we went back to it during lockdown and recorded remotely from our bedrooms. It’s weird releasing a song that we’ve never actually played together from start to finish. The lads were like, ‘we’re gonna get sued for this title’, but then we figured The Kinks sung about Coca Cola and they got away with it. “
Isaac Butler has just released his highly anticipated new single ‘Change The Past’, produced by Philip Magee (Kodaline, The Script, The Academic), today. The release comes hot on the heels of recent radio hit ‘Paranoid’ which has racked up 4.86M impressions to date and broke into the Top 50 of the Overall Airplay Chart – at the time the only self released single in not only the Top 50 but the only self release in the Top 100 – as well as climbing to 13 in the Top 20 of the Irish Airplay Charts.’Paranoid’ was also chosen as ‘Song of the Week’ on 2FM’s Breakfast with Doireann and Eoghan and as the Select Irish ‘Track of the Month’ for June.Isaac Butler’s show at The Sound House is now rescheduled to 11 March 2021, with all original tickets valid for the new date. It is his second headline gig, having sold out his debut in Whelan’s last November and follows a jam-packed festival season in 2019, which saw Isaac Butler play a host of dates around the country including Electric Picnic and Kaleidoscope.
‘Change The Past’ builds on Isaac Butler’s cinematic pop as he continues to perfect his musicianship by spreading emotive earnest lyrics over synthesisers and lush melodies. Lamenting piano introduces the track which then blossoms into a smashing pop banger. With twinkling guitar, biting electronic soundscapes and trademark backing vocal hooks the song maintains that epic live audience sing-back the lyrics aesthetic we have come to know from Butler.
The passionate yearn of his vocal delivery distinguishes him from other aspiring songwriters as his velvety tone can croon like the best of them, however it’s in his hair raising dynamics for the mighty chorus where the power in his vocals truly shines. Butler captures timeless relatable moments within his songs whether it is candidly detailing the breakdown of a romantic relationship in ‘Paranoid’, that sense of freedom in ‘Young Forever’ or the gut twisting emotions which surface if one asks themselves the question “what if I had done this differently? ”- in ‘Change The Past’; Butler gives his unique view on these universal thoughts and emotions.
The track displays Butler’s knack for catchy dreamy melodies as it swoops and swirls sonically into an intense crescendo and an ending that will surely give you goosebumps. Isaac Butler is quite the impressive singer songwriter. His ability to create emotive music which is relatable to anyone who hears it is admirable. ‘Change The Past’ is another elevating and impressive track from Isaac Butler.
Speaking of ‘Change The Past’ Isaac Butler said: “I recorded the song in the Mill Studio’ with Phil Magee. This is the second track we’ve done and he’s become a great friend and mentor to me. He’s been so important in shaping my sound and I can’t thank him enough. He’s also just the nicest man in music. Doesn’t matter who you are/what you’ve done, Phil treats everyone the same. A legend in the Irish music scene!”
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From INSIDEAWAVE
Following the release of singles ‘Ivy Honey’ and ‘Bright Windows In The Night’, Dublin five-piece indie rock band, INSIDEAWAVE have released their self titled debut EP with lead single ‘Tour Guides’. To date, the band have amassed over 15,000 streams on Spotify, with ‘Ivy Honey’ having achieved 4,000 streams in 2 months.Their mid-tempo, heartening indie vibes have led them to performing extensively in premier music venues in Ireland such as Whelan’s & The Grand Social, The Bello Bar, Workman’s Club, The Wiley Fox, Bruxelle’s, Tramline, Spirit Store and many more.
‘Tour Guides’ is an intriguing listening experience. Presented within clean production the band create a spacious and airy track with soft falsetto vocal coo’s and dreamy melody. Guitar stings slice through a wispy atmosphere as the band blend dark psychedelic elements with raw indie to create an invigorating soundscape.The rumbling bass entwines the track in an ominous sense of mystery while the rich rhythm and percussion create a bubbling foundation. There is a wonderful contrast between the brooding darker verses and blossoming burst of the chorus as the band slip effortlessly into a brighter luminous soundscape. With haunting vocals wailing as the track fades to its end INSIDEAWAVE keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through. These guys are master musicians.Their ability to compress so much wonderful sounds and elements into one track is impressive. INSIDEAWAVE are a band to keep an eye on.
Irish brothers Harry and Alfie Hudson-Taylor keep up the momentum with the release of new track ‘Where Did It All Go Wrong?’ taken from their number one album ‘Loving Everywhere I Go’. The release was triggered by some intense listening surges on streaming services, which has seen the song rise into their second most popular tune online. (‘Old Soul’ is currently their most-popular track in case you were wondering.) Their singles ‘Back To You’ and ‘What Do You Mean?’ (both included on the Number One album “Loving Everywhere I Go”) are in the Top 40 most-played Irish tracks of 2020 thus far.
With cinematic strings, disco hues and a lonely western – esque coating ‘Where Did It All Go Wrong?’ is quite the catchy ditty. Charming guitar innocently twinkles through lamenting strings as the track blends icy isolated undertones with a buoyant pop beat to create quite the dramatic musical expression. With a catchy chorus, intense crescendo and swagger-filled rhythm, ‘Where Did It All Go Wrong?’ is beautifully sculpted to provide a mirage of emotions and soundscapes.The duo once again display their proficient and passionate song writing with this infectious number as the lyrics question personal experiences and relationships. ‘Where Did It All Go Wrong?’ is another thought provoking, emotive and radio ready gem from Hudson-Taylor.
Following the success of his recent single ‘Platinum’, Irish singer/songwriter Fintan McKahey returns with his new single ‘Goodbye’. The song was written and recorded in McKahey’s home studio in West Cork, where he is continuing the family legacy as the son of Stump drummer, Rob McKahey and the nephew of Cousteau singer, Liam McKahey. Fintan started playing and writing music at a young age, and has been releasing music since 2016. An artist and producer, he is proficient across several instruments. His EP “God Games” received critical acclaim from national radio and press, as did his 2020 single “Platinum.” He has performed in major venues across the country, including support slots for the likes of The Scratch, Junior Brother, and Roisin O.
‘Goodbye’ is a vaporous lo-fi pop number which smoulders and broods through rich acoustic guitar, laid back beats and hazy mellow elements. McKahey has created a groove-filled number set for candlelit evenings. The track simmers through sultry tones and melancholic moods as the lyrics observe the struggle at the end of a relationship, when both sides are clinging on, in hope of salvation. Light guitars weave a zesty sting between the rich smooth tones while the sticky beat and R&B elements create a humid atmosphere within the track. ‘Goodbye’ douses intoxicating bedroom pop and soft twinkling keys in night-time tones to create a chilled and absorbing gem to listen to. Irish singer Ava Archbold provides a sweet and lush contrast to McKahey’s smoky tone as precise guitar lines ooze heartfelt passion between the tracks rooted groove. ‘Goodbye’ is a wonderful, intimate, ambient track and another sublime example of Fintan McKahey’s deft songwriting ability.
Robert O’Connor has released his new single, ‘Over (Before It’s Begun)’.The track is the third in a series of collaborations with EDM artist Skynem GT, who won a competition to remix Robert’s single “Real Good Fight” in 2019. The pair went on to enjoy streaming success with “Older ‘20”, which proved a slow burn hit, landing on Spotify playlists and receiving steady radio play.
Glazed in summer soundscapes ‘Over (Before It’s Begun)’ is a bittersweet electronic number from Robert O’Connor. A soft acoustic intro blossoms into a lush electronic jam as tropical synths shimmer around ethereal soundscapes and danceable beats to create a laid back radio ready track. O’Connor’s vocals exude a velvety tone while a soft tender melody bubbles in the backdrop. ‘Over (Before It’s Begun)’ is another emotive and full bodied track from Robert O’Connor.
Stream ‘Over (Before It’s Begun)’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
