Category Archives: Singer/Songwriter

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Míde Houlihan ‘Without Me’

Photo credit :Simon Curran

West Cork singer-songwriter, Míde Houlihan (pronounced ‘Mee-dah’) has released her new single, ‘Without Me’.This is the first single from Míde in 2021, following on from the success of her 2020 offering, ‘Idle Words’, which was co-written with Mick Flannery. ‘Without Me’ which is released on Cork’s Unemployable Records, is taken from the EP, “Shifting Gears”, and was recorded by Christian Best in Monique Studios, Cork. Míde and band closed out 2020 with an appearance at the online incarnation of the Liverpool Irish Festival, adding to past performances at the Clonakilty International Guitar Festival, The ExChange (Hosted by Folk Alliance International), Quiet Lights, and many more.

‘Without Me’ is a heartfelt number brimming with the emotive songwriting of Míde Houlihan. This melancholic slow burner is a well-crafted, tender tear-jerker. The track floats upon a bed of delicate instrumentation filled with country folk tones blended between smooth pop sensibilities.

Míde paints beautiful images with her poetic painful lyrics

– “feeding off our memories while you explore the seven seas without me” –

while injecting a sense of poignancy through the use of sombre tones. The sadness is greatly enhanced by Míde’s sincere and expressive vocal delivery which is backed by soft, innocent keys, steady beats, and sweet guitar laments.

‘Without Me’ is a captivating new single from Míde Houlihan. The track is a wonderful example of Míde’s musical talent. Simply divine.

Stream ‘Without Me’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Bobbi Arlo ‘Feel It’

22-year-old pop-rap artist Bobbi Arlo has released her new single ‘Feel It’. 2021 started off with a bang for new wave pop artist Bobbi Arlo with the announcement that she was selected by RTÉ 2FM as one of their ‘Rising Acts’ for 2021.

Saturated in infectious melodies and juicy pop, ‘Feel It’ is a glistening well-crafted gem from Bobbi Arlo. The song sparks into life with a dance-floor ready rhythm section before shimmering synths open up to provide a lush backdrop to Bobbi’s unmistakable vocal delivery. Her smooth, soulful voice glides effortlessly upon the bubbling foundation while the velvety melody seeps into the ears with a honey-sweet tone. Laced in swagger and upbeat, feel-good vibes, the track struts and flexes with funky grooves while oozing a 70’s chicness within the disco-esque rhythms, chiming keys, and jaunty guitars – Love it!

With lush backing vocals, catchy hooks, and infectious groove, ‘Feel It’ is an instant shot of enjoyable synth-pop at its finest. Bobbi Arlo is confirming herself as a diverse and compelling artist with each release. Looking forward to hearing more from Bobbi Arlo.

Speaking about the song Bobbi Arlo says: “Feel It is an infectious feel-good anthem for anyone who remembers the feeling of falling in love unexpectedly. When writing the song, I wanted to portray how it felt to fall in love with someone I never thought I would fall for. When I hear the song, it reminds me of how amazing that feeling really is”

Stream ‘Feel It’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Fears ‘vines’

Fears has released details of the highly anticipated upcoming album ‘Oíche’. The album is due for release Friday, 7th May 2021.  To celebrate, Fears has released her new track ‘vines’. This is the second single released from ‘Oíche.’ Fears’ first single ‘tonnta’ received staggering support on radio in Ireland and Internationally with plays on KCRW, NTS, Triple R in Australia, Tom Ravenscroft at BBC6 Music,  added to RTÉ Radio 1 playlist, added to BBC Radio Ulster playlist.  Support also came from RTÉ 2FM, Newstalk, Play Irish, Cork’s 96FM, Flirt FM, RTÉ 2XM, 98FM, KCLR 96FM, Raidió Na Life, Near FM, West Limerick 102 FM. 

‘vines’ ripples and pulses with the mysterious and enchanting sound of Fears. With tribal distant beats, palpitating between wispy haunting electronics, Fears creates an eerie and expansive soundscape for the listener to indulge in.

An intriguing aspect of ‘vines’ is the hypnotic effect it has on the listener: the dark tones and clean production draws you in, lulling you into a soothing, dream-like state. Fears has a unique and consuming style that builds upon layers of delicate melodies which in this case creates an ethereal yet muggy quality to the song. Fears’ pristine vocals anchor the listener within while cooing a melancholic melody that exudes a sweet sense of innocence and vulnerability. However, the listener is made aware of darker elements in the track. The soundscape quickly becomes ominous, heavy, and suffocating and the distant tribal beats become agitated and express a sense of panic which greatly enhances the message within the lyrics.

Depicting frustration, at times anger, and moments of clarity within confusion the lyrics give the listener a keyhole glimpse into the artist’s mind and emotions at the time.

– “I don’t wanna live my life like this” ….. “I dug that hole I buried those seeds, Now they’ve grown to fully fledged vines” –

The sincerity and poetic delivery in each lyric is powerfully evocative, hits hard, and carries such emotional weight it sets the pace and tone of the track.

‘vines’ is a superbly evocative number that boasts the enthralling and captivating musicianship of Fears. The track is such an enjoyable listening experience and is a mesmerising display of musical skill from Fears. The artist is certainly one to keep an eye on. Fears’ music keeps getting better and better with each release. Looking forward to the upcoming album ‘Oíche’.

About the track Fears says : “This track was written before a breakdown. It chronicles a stage where one blames themselves and sees that it is only them that is the problem in a situation. Listening back, I hear myself drowning in confusion as to why I can’t control my feelings and want to shed those thought patterns.” 

Watch the video for ‘vines’ below.


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Colin Andrew ‘Nothing Sweeter’

Kerry singer-songwriter, Colin Andrew, has released his new single, ‘Nothing Sweeter’. Since releasing his debut single ‘Too Far from Kind’ in 2019, Colin has performed live on TG4 and BBC 2 NI, received notable radio support from Radio Kerry, RedFM and Quarantine FM. 

‘Nothing Sweeter’ is a fine example of Colin Andrew’s melodically lush musicianship. Boasting tropical refrains and intricate buoyant rhythms the track is cinematic in scope and bursting with vibrant instrumentation. The sublime melodies within flow with an undercurrent of heartfelt sincerity portrayed through supple guitar plucks and elegant piano. A combination of which is a joy to listeners’ ears.

Colin’s emotive lyrics paint a vivid and beautiful image within the listener’s imagination ” fills me up with love she pours it in me, when everything around me seems so bleak” which is enhanced greatly by lush backing harmonies and heart- fluttering soundscapes. His warm, soulful vocals coo a dreamy melody while the fluctuant backdrop builds in intensity until the dramatic and passionate crescendo takes over – a truly gripping display of musical prowess that showcases Colin’s deft musical ability. ‘Nothing Sweeter’ is an impressive, dynamic tune from Colin Andrew. Looking forward to hearing more from this artist.

Stream ‘Nothing Sweeter’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Peter Nemeth ‘Believe’ Album

Written to inspire and motivate others, ‘Believe’ is the debut album from Australian country rocker Peter Nemeth. Following a divorce and family separation, Peter Nemeth recorded these songs as a way of communicating with his children. 

Exuding heartfelt songwriting ‘Believe’ is a sweet and emotional collection of tracks from Peter Nemeth. From the vibrant bounce and country warmth of opener and title track ‘Believe’ to the motivating power rock of ‘You Can Be Anything You Want To Be’, Nemeth’s wholesome musicianship shines brightly through delicate tones, buoyant drums, and tender guitar. His soothing velvety vocals coo over the sweet uplifting tracks such as ‘Hey You’ while exuding swagger and emotion for others – the jaunty rock n roll sass of ‘Hiding Places’ is a fine example of this. With a twanging country guitar embellishment tying the songs together between moving refrains or powerful zesty stings on guitar, Hemeth balances the upbeat bops and moving ballads with ease. Consumed in catchy choruses and a tight blend of country/pop-rock, the album is brimming with cosy warmth and rich instrumentation.

  Within ‘Believe’ Peter Nemeth creates a passionate and uplifting collection of country rock tracks. These intimate tunes are beautiful and soothing, making for a satisfying listening experience.

Stream ‘Believe’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

FYA FOX ‘Body

Irish Act FYA FOX has released her new single ‘Body’. Inspired by sparse electronic pop with emotive lyrical themes ’FYA FOX is a new exciting artist from Ireland. Her successful debut release of ‘White Lies ‘received radio play across Ireland and the UK with a world exclusive play on BBC Across The Line by Gemma Bradley (BBC Radio 1).

Masterfully crafted and shrouded in dazing psychedelia, ‘Body’ showcases the mesmerising alternative pop of FYA FOX. Blending layered vocals with intoxicating electronic soundscapes, the song builds superbly. Delicate synths ripple between pulsing beats as the track unfolds into a gloriously dark and luring tune. FYA FOX’s sweet vocals coo and whisper with a velvety texture while her sharp yet pristine falsetto echoes through the enticing soundscape.‘Body’ is an enthralling and wholly consuming new single from FYA FOX. Her magnetic sound and compelling musicianship mark her as an alternative pop starlet to keep an eye on. Love it.

Stream ‘Body’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Ward ‘In Two Minds’

Ward has released his new single, ‘In Two Minds’.Ward is the alias of Sean Ward, a Waterford-born and based multi-instrumentalist. The 17-year-old became proficient in guitar, bass, piano and drums in recent years.Ward writes, performs and produces each element of his bedroom-pop injected tracks. Signing to Waterford’s independent Egg Twelve Records at the top of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 saw Ward cut his teeth with his debut single ‘Romeo’, followed shortly thereafter by his Summer sophomore single ‘Light Switch’.

‘In Two Minds’ is a mellow bedroom pop track that cruises into West Coast/Hip-hop territory as Ward fleshes out his infectious chilled sound. Exuding swagger and charm, this effortlessly cool track drifts upon lush melodies, breathy percussive embellishments, and biting beats. Ward displays his intelligent songwriting through witty lyrics which artistically tell the story of an unsettling love triangle. His warm vocals rap over a jaunty guitar for the verses creating a humid sun-kissed atmosphere before a refreshing swoosh on keys chills the song, making way for the catchy laid back chorus. Boasting intricate layering and warm guitar flirtations within a dreamy melody, ‘In Two Minds’ is a satisfying and fun new single from Ward.

Stream ‘In Two Minds’ below  


Author : Danu

Electronic, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Magnetik Zu ‘Let You Go’

Magnetik Zu has released her new single ‘Let You Go’.Magnetik Zu is the creator of the Zunique sound which is a blend of electric guitars with dark sexy edgy elements. Magnetik Zu is most known for her energetic live performances, often jumping up on the tables to dance with the crowd.

Doused in dark muggy electronics with an indie-rock edge ‘Let You Go’ is a luring new track from Magnetik Zu. The song floats through haunting melodies and melancholic atmospheres as deep whispered vocals reinforce the eerie mysterious tone while a lamenting piano exudes a sense of innocence in the background. Dynamic guitars provide a raw powerful element to the track alongside punchy drums and shadowy electronics which creates a thick muggy wall of sound. Well-crafted and intricately layered, ‘Let You Go’ is an expressive and emotive new song from Magnetik Zu.

Stream ‘Let You Go’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Laura Elizabeth Hughes ‘Days’

Dublin songwriter Laura Elizabeth Hughes has released her new single ‘Days’. ‘Days’ is taken from Laura’s upcoming EP ‘We, Myself I’, due for release on 5th March. Laura’s last single, “Pandemonium”, reached over 80,000 streams since its release in May and was featured on major playlists such as Spotify’s “New Music Friday UK” and “A Breath of Fresh Éire”, Amazon Music’s “Acoustic Chill” and Deezers “Chill Out” as well as airplay on RTE Radio 1 and BBC Radio Ulster. The build-up to the release saw Hughes perform an intimate live show across her Instagram account as part of Culture Ireland’s #IrelandPerforms series.

With just nimble plucked guitar accompaniment and lush backing vocals, ‘Days’ is a beautiful piece of music that showcases Laura Elizabeth Hughes’ mesmerising ability to convey emotion through unembellished instrumentation and deft songwriting. Without overpowering the listener’s ears Hughes’ ethereal soundscapes lie within the spacious elements of the song; the pauses for breath, the sweet tone of Hughes’ voice, and soft, almost haunting backing vocals all create an expansive wispy atmosphere. The song discusses the nothingness and mundane moments when Hughes was out of work. She gracefully translates those feelings into intimate moments of personal emotion through the spectacular use of guitar which mindlessly roams throughout the track as if searching for an elusive meaning, purpose, or distraction. Composed, elegant and precise, Hughes’ vocals hold a steady pace. Her sterling voice conveys the emotion buried deep within the crevices of the song through a few short yet powerfully evocative words, “Breathless, lost it to the distance”. 

Laura Elizabeth Hughes is a songwriter to treasure. She is a master of her craft. There is a richness, depth and maturity to her work that is simply awe-inspiring and exceptional to behold. I’m looking forward to the ‘We, Myself I’ EP.

Speaking about the record ‘Days’, Laura explains: “Days was a step at confronting the nothingness routine that hit when I was out of work for 4 months. It’s repetitious, a choral of my own voice, my own thoughts, day in and day out. It’s the losing sense of time. It’s that limbo between Christmas and before New Year’s but in the middle of May. It’s all work and no play freneticism.”

Stream ‘’Days’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Gavin Fox ‘Make Me Believe’

Irish singer-songwriter Gavin Fox has released his new single ‘Make Me Believe’, ahead of his debut EP ‘On Second Thoughts’ due March 26th.

‘Make Me Believe’ is a moving indie-folk number announcing Gavin Fox’s powerfully emotive songwriting. Driven by a foot-tapping beat the track exudes a cosy and soothing tone as Fox spreads uplifting guitar melodies over soft lamenting keys while soulful rasped vocals coo the lyrics with incredible warmth. Within the lyrics, Fox deals with themes of freedom and empowering oneself. Fox certainly has a way with words. His poetic lyrics soothe and inspire all at once while displaying depth and a thought-provoking perspective “You find the courage from deep within to feel so alive under your skin“. Showcasing earnest songwriting and warm, passionate musicianship, ‘Make Me Believe’ is a stirring track from Gavin Fox. Looking forward to the EP.

Stream ‘Make Me believe’ below


Author : Danu