Category Archives: Singer/Songwriter

New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Rory and the Island ‘Call My Name’

Irish artist Rory and the Island has released his new single ‘Call My Name’, alongside announcing the release of his highly anticipated new album ‘Centre Falls Apart’ – which is set for release on 11th March on new Irish indie label Voices of the Sea. Donegal singer/songwriter Rory Gallagher, who has been releasing music since 2011 under the project name Rory and the Island has had quite the 17 months since the global pandemic began. After moving his family to Edinburgh in Scotland to open a brand new live music bar in the city called “The Wildcat” in March 2020, the venue never saw it’s official opening night due to Covid19 and Rory Gallagher found himself locked down in a new city and very very lost. Like most musicians, Rory and the Island began live Facebook gigs every week and opted for “escapism” in his shows making them very colourful, upbeat and quirky as opposed to holding a mirror up to the depressing situation. Rory and the Island gradually built up 30,000 facebook followers with some of his shows averaging up to 50k views on FB watch playback during the week.This huge outpouring of new interest has led to Rory and the Island having 7 sold-out shows in Ireland and the UK, with his Dublin and Belfast shows in Opium and the Blackbox selling out in less than 48 hours.

‘Call My Name’ is a musical gem from Rory and the Island. There is something utterly soothing and elegant about this track. Tender songwriting is enhanced by passionate vocals, delicate violin and warm cello accompaniment while supple beats and mellow acoustic guitar chime in the backdrop. The track is a glorious, easy listening treasure that oozes emotion and the beautifully expressive musicianship of Rory and the Island. Love it.

Speaking of the single and the announcement of the album Rory and the Island said: “I’m so delighted and shocked that 25 years after releasing my first self funded album in Donegal at the age of 18, and then moving on through “The Revs” in the noughties that I am still able to write and release my own original songs into the public domain. I have become immune to supposed failures and rejections and I still have the exact same love for it as I did when I was 18, it’s the music and the communication that matters”

Stream ‘Call My Name’ below


Author: Danu

Indie, Indie Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Peter Richardson ‘The Coast’

Peter Richardson has released his new single, ‘The Coast’. Peter Richardson is a 22-year old singer/songwriter from Dublin. An avid songwriter since the age of 15, Peter grew up surrounded by music. After testing the waters with his original songs at a college open mic, Peter began properly recording his music at home in the summer of 2020.

Filled with warm string melodies that drift atop softly plucked guitar and soothing acoustic soundscapes, ‘The Coast’ is an utterly compelling new single from Peter Richardson. Within this track the singer/songwriter doesn’t hide behind an abundance of production or instrumentation; his minimalist approach allows the richness in his vocals and the magic within his delicate lyrical content to take the limelight – the effect is a wonderfully immersive track for listeners to enjoy again and again. Filled with calming backing vocals and lush folk tones that swell into a cinematic crescendo, ‘The Coast’ is a hair-raising, enjoyable tune that highlights the emotive musicianship of Peter Richardson. Looking forward to hearing more from this exciting artist.

Stream ‘The Coast’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Fintan McKahey ‘Amber’

Cork-based singer-songwriter, producer Fintan McKahey has released his new single ‘Amber’. The song was recorded and produced by Fintan in his newly built space, Ivy Hill Studios. Fintan McKahey is a low-fi indie singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer from Cork, Ireland. His EPs and several singles have achieved national radio play and press acclaim. He has performed headlines and showcases in major venues across the country.

‘Amber’ ripples with delicate ambient soundscapes and rich instrumental moments. The track is a fine display of Fintan McKahey’s emotive musicianship and deft musical prowess. Delicate in its approach, the song drifts around soft soundscapes while sharp mournful pangs on pedal steel guitar create an element of loneliness that contrasts the warmth of McKahey’s vocals. The track is a well-crafted ballad that reveals many instrumental gems with each subsequent listen; ethereal keys, folk dipped acoustic guitar and gloriously haunting dark embellishments to name a few. ‘Amber’ is simply a joy to listen to again and again. Press play and enjoy.

Stream ‘Amber’ below 


Author:Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Ryan Egan ‘Soft Power’

Photo Credit: Hugo Cohen

Ryan Egan has released his new single, ‘Soft Power’.The song is the third single and title track off Ryan Egan’s debut LP ‘Soft Power’ out April 8th, 2022. The song was produced by Ryan Egan and Kevin Basko (Foxygen,The Lemon Twigs). The track follows up the album’s debut singles ‘Weeknights’ and ‘Alone For the Last Time’, which generated immense buzz, with features including Spotify’s New Music Friday, Kings of A&R and more. 

‘Soft Power’ is a lush, R&B-hued laid back listening experience. Soft beats bounce off a psychedelic soundscape of hazy guitars and loose keys while a smoky bass smoulders in the backdrop. The song exudes an irresistible melody with Egan’s warm vocals at the forefront expressing the tracks clever lyrical content, “Who took your money? Who put you to the test? One sip of gin for while your head’s a mess and spinnin’ like a carousel”. ‘Soft Power’ is an expertly crafted tune and a fine display of musicianship from Ryan Egan. 

Stream ‘Soft Power’ below


Author:Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Luke Clerkin ‘Fall in Line’

Luke Clerkin has released his new single, ‘Fall in Line’. The track was recorded remotely between Dublin and Berlin with producer jaako. It will be their 4th release together since the pair began collaborating in late 2020. Previous releases have gained critical and radio success getting support from Spin, RTE and BBC amongst others. Luke has also announced a headline show at The Cobblestone on February 24th.

 ‘Fall in Line’ exudes tense soundscapes, crisp production and the catchy songwriting of Luke Clerkin. The artist’s eloquent lyrics set the scene, taking the listener down an emotional rollercoaster through well coined lyrical content, “condensation fogs up the window, write your name and mine in hearts” while suspenseful pulsing beats simmer beneath soft chiming keys and warm guitar refrains before giving way to a sweet, infectious chorus. With electronic fluctuations and an adrenaline-driven crescendo, the track has a compelling cinematic sound that is sure to charm its way on repeat. 

Talking about the release of ‘Fall in Line’, Luke said ‘This song explores the contemplation of doing something you shouldn’t and imagining the consequences of that action. More specifically, it’s about someone who is contemplating getting involved with a person who is already in a relationship. They imagine the heartbreak that it would cause for the other person in the relationship, and the feeling of guilt and shame that would surround the cheating couple.’

 Stream ‘Fall in Line’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Emma Hynes ‘Sometimes’

Emma Hynes has released her second single,’ Sometimes’. The song was written by Hynes, and produced and arranged by Martin Quinn at JAM Studios, Kells, Co. Meath. Hynes released her first single, ‘Don’t Forget’, in May 2021. The song enjoyed airplay on RTÉ 2XM and Radio Nova in addition to a number of local stations across Ireland. It also made The Nova Guestlist’s Top 100 Irish Songs of 2021. Hynes gathered momentum in 2019 with opening slots for Brew in The Workman’s Club, and folk rock two-piece Native Harrow at The Underground Venue. In January 2020, she was the sole support to HAIL THE GHOST on the Whelan’s main stage. In August 2021, she returned to live performance at SIN É as one of sixteen featured artists at the Dublin Quays Festival. This was followed by a support slot for Dublin power pop band, StereoType at The Grand Social in September.

’Sometimes’ is a delicate and moving single from Emma Hynes. She spreads emotive lyrics over a lush sweeping backdrop of warm strings supple percussion and acoustic guitar to create a truly compelling listening experience. Her voice exudes a soothing lamentful tone as she croons “with you I feel I have won something, I’d like to hold on to‘’ while lush harmonies coo in the backdrop. It’s a well-crafted song brimming with rich musicianship and poignant songwriting. ’Sometimes’ is a magnificent new single from Hynes.

Stream ’Sometimes’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Giorgio De Palo ‘Monster’

Giorgio De Palo is set to release his new single, ‘Monster’ on February 4th. The track has been self-produced over the months of lockdown with the aim to preserve the authenticity of an organic singer-songwriter sound while bringing in electronic elements. Born in Rome, Giorgio released his debut EP ‘First Waves’ in Berlin in 2019. Later, he moved to Lisbon. Living closer to the sun, alongside the nurturing sea, his music took on new tones: soft guitar strums, melancholic melodies and warm vocals. ‘Monster’ is the first single off his upcoming EP ‘A Spirit Will Rise’.

‘Monster’ showcases the passionate and compelling songwriting of Giorgio De Palo through majestic instrumentation and refined, intricate production. Delicate guitar strums create warmth within the track while a rich backdrop of rumbling rhythms build to a haunting chorus as De Palo’s velvety vocals croon the striking lyrics, “I’m on a loop and it won’t stop unless my life does too”. Perhaps one of De Palo’s most compelling and earnest releases to date ‘Monster’ displays this artist’s remarkable depth and poetic musicianship.

About the track, De Palo said: “ ‘Monster’, depicts the labyrinths of the mind, which all of us had to face during this pandemic. Stuck between four walls, our mind feels like our only companion, one day monster, one day friend. The music video develops this concept further, with the medusa, beautiful and scary at the same time, as a metaphor for the mind that wanders uncontrolled through highs and lows.”

‘Monster’ is set for release on the 4th of February. For more, you can follow Giorgio De Palo on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/giorgiodepalomusic


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack West ‘Montreal’

Jack West is set to release his new single ‘Montreal’ on February 25th. Doused in washes of synths, bouncy keys and a heartfelt melody ‘Montreal’ is a sublime glimpse into a more electronic facet to West’s sound. Smooth vocals are dipped in moments of auto-tune while sticky beats and jazz speckled keys create a sonically intriguing backdrop. With fuzz laced electronics fleshing out the tracks ethereal soundscape, ‘Montreal’ is an enticing and earnest bop from Jack West. It’s interesting and always a joy to hear this artist experiment and express his diverse musicianship and style. He creates such fresh and exciting tunes with each release and ‘Montreal’ is a fine addition to the singer’s repertoire. 

About the track, West said: “I started writing Montreal In September of 2020 in NYC with a few band members. I remember writing the lyrics, walking along the Hudson River looking at Manhattan …. It was a great feeling, writing this new music, in NYC, with people who are great at what they do ( Matt Bent and Abe Nouri). The main picture I guess of the song is running back to someone, and trying to get back what we had …”

‘Montreal’ is set for release on February 25th. For more follow Jack West on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/jackwest32/


Author: Danu

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

Cade Hoppe ‘Hurts’

After closing out last year with his debut EP ‘Tell Me How It’s Worth It,’ emerging indie-pop artist Cade Hoppe is back with his new single, ‘Hurts’.Originally hailing from Sacramento, CA and now based in New York, Cade originally moved to the East Coast to pursue academic and athletic opportunities. He’d been writing songs and playing piano, guitar, bass and saxophone since childhood, but it wasn’t until 2020 that he started to explore the possibility of recording and releasing his own songs to prioritize his true passion. After putting out a few experimental releases with his stepbrother, Nick Adams, Cade connected with producer Harper James — one half of Eighty Ninety — and began to develop his indie-pop sound.

‘Hurts’ is a fine example of Hoppe’s cinematic and luxuriant dream-pop sound. Filled with intricate electronics, soft twinkling keys and an intense bubbling beat the track pulses with moments of suspense throughout while Hoppe’s warm vocals almost whisper over the bittersweet melody. The song broods and simmers within a state of nostalgia enhanced by warm guitar tones that glimmer through the dense electronic backdrop while Hoppe croons “ I would do anything to have you here to see if I still love you”. Well crafted and deftly produced, ‘Hurts’ is a catchy and emotive new single from Cade Hoppe.

 Written from the point of view of someone who has recently broken up with their significant other, “Hurts” grapples with feeling the weight of their absence. Cade elaborates on the track: “‘Hurts’ is about experiencing that strange post-relationship purgatory for the first time and realizing that anyone you love is going to hurt to lose, whether you were both meant to be or not. The thesis of this song is: ‘It’s not easy losing somebody, it always hurts.’ I think we all have to learn that lesson at some point in our lives and this song is about when I learned it for myself.”

Stream ‘Hurts’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Eoin Devereux ‘Set My Eyes On You’

Waterford musician Eoin Devereux has released his new single, ‘Set My Eyes On You’.

This alternative bedroom pop tune is a fine example of Devereux’s edgy, immersive musicianship. In true Devereux manner, the track balances a myriad of rich tones and sounds to create a brooding slow bop saturated in guitar distortion and swirling electronics. His melancholic vocals hold an air of nonchalance, creating an enticing contrast to the psychedelic hued alternative pop backdrop. Boasting irresistible guitar melodies, poignant lyrics and a catchy chorus, ‘Set My Eyes On You’ is a soothing, sombre and well-crafted tune that is a joy to listen to again and again.

About the track Eoin Devereux said: “It is about how we obsess over someone we like and end up loving them more than we love ourself. It’s really a truthful love song that doesn’t have a happy ending.”

Stream ‘Set My Eyes On You’ below


Author: Danu