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
