‘Queen’ is the brand-new single from Dublin bedroom-pop act Jacqueline Kennedy. The track is written, performed and produced by Kennedy and features vocals from Cork rapper Darce.
Jacqueline Kennedy made waves when she was the winner of the 2020 TilT Development deal with Sound Training Productions and 98fm’s Totally Irish. Now the Dublin producer and artist is ready to add her name to growing ranks of Female Irish pop acts, forging their own way.
Filled with R&B tones and a hypnotic soundscapes, ‘Queen’ is a confident, laid back tune from Jacqueline Kennedy. The song deals with the idea that anyone can be royalty against the backdrop of a changing society and this theme is expressed through Kennedy’s crisp production, knack for earworm melodies and sleek lofi musicianship. The artist sprinkles twinkling synths into a pool of ethereal electronics to create a chilled luring atmosphere while her soulful soothing vocals caress the smooth melody. As the track progresses the soundscape becomes lush with supple layers and samples, greatly enhanced by Darce’s punchy rhymes which pierce the hypnotic backdrop with a verse of intense potent lyrics. ‘Queen’ is a fine example of Kennedy’s blossoming and enticing sound. Looking forward to hearing more from this artist.
Alternative Pop/Hip-Hop act Darce has returned with his new single ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ which is the first single from Darce’s upcoming EP ‘Rural Wi-Fi’.The track is an all-West Cork affair with the song being produced and mixed by rising female artist Blakkheart and all revenue earned from the track will go to Irish Network Against Racism (INAR) (https://inar.ie/). The Bantry artist has been featured in numerous top publications with Spotify Editorial Playlists (New Music Friday UK), performances at festivals (K-Fest), support slots for the likes of Le Boom and industry showcase sets (Ireland Music Week, Music Cork) along with international TV appearances in both Brazil and The Netherlands, where he appeared alongside The Rubberbandits and David McWilliams of all people.
Floating in ethereal, clean soundscapes with hip-hop beats and fluid rhymes, ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ takes Darce’s sound to a lofi airy dimension. With haunting backing vocals, sticky reverb beats and wispy synths the track has an intriguing spacious atmosphere while Darce’s sharp raps provide warmth and wit through the songs introspective lyrical content. Darce is becoming known for pushing boundaries and crafting his tunes in a unique and dynamic way and ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ reinforces this. It’s a sleek and cool number exuding rich lyrical depth, subtle tones and compelling musicianship. I can not wait for his upcoming EP ‘Rural Wi-Fi’, if ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ is anything to go by then, it’s going to be a doozy.
Since his debut EP ‘Sunset’ Irish alternative rap/pop artist, Darce has offered a fresh perspective to the Irish music scene by showcasing his rural upbringing and it’s characters in the form pop/Hip-Hop shattering stereotypes and expectations in the process. Darce has played a number of shows from Hipster Cafés in Los Angeles and London (Kulak’s Shed, Café 1001) to Music Showcases to Ireland’s top venues numerous times (Whelans, Cyprus Avenue, Lost Lane) to support slots for some of the biggest acts (Sean Kingston, Example, Le Boom).
Darce is an artist to keep an eye on. His ambition and creative flair creates infectious dynamic tunes with lyrical depth. With his effortless charm and swagger as well as sublime guest vocalists there is never a dull moment within his songs. This live stream is going to be a real treat for sure.
After showcasing at Music Cork and Hardworking Class Heroes, playing support slots for major headline acts such as Le Boom and Sean Kingston and becoming the first artist ever to be streamed in Augmented reality. Irish alternative rap/pop artist, Darce returns with ‘Enlightened’ featuring vocals from up-and-coming Cork producer/artist Blakkheart.
The track which was mixed and mastered at Wavefield Studios is a chilled back number that floods with effortless charm and swagger while submerging you in a dreamy soothing state of ecstasy. Blakkheart’s immaculate vocals are a perfect fit for this track- she coos and lulls over flickering beats and ethereal soundscapes while Darce hops his rhymes over this tranquilizing backdrop. It’s mellow and smooth as silken electronics caress the rippling beat as the track unfolds into its calming state while Darce’s rap keeps it energetic and panache soaked. Well crafted and polished to perfection this glistening gem is a mature, refined number from the ever surprising talents of Darce.
Irish alternative Rap/Pop artist Darce has released his latest offering ‘Who You Loving Now’. The track, produced by Dale Holland and Wavefield Studios, features vocals from Becky Phillips and deals with the insecurities of the aftermath of infidelity. ‘Who You Loving Now’ is Darce’s most electronic venture to date as the addictive dance influenced beats slap and whack about the track setting a hypnotic steady foundation for the flashing electronics to rebound off. He’s brimming with confidence – his raps flow like melting butter over the dazzling soundscapes. It’s a summer ready jam that is both chilled and breezy yet sticky and sweltering hot all at once. Becky Phillips’ vocals are the icing on the cake- beautifully placed in the song she adds a creamy lush quality and melancholic airy sweetness that cools the tune down and sets a slow motion effect as you focus on the lyrics. Another sublime radio ready track from Darce.
Irish hip-hop/alternative artist Darce has released the first single ‘Valhalla’ from his forthcoming EP ‘Night’ which features vocals by up-and-coming Cork soul singer Eve Clague. In 2017 Darce released his debut EP ‘Sunset’ and it has been featured on blogs across the world including Ambrosia For Heads and The Irish Times via Nialler9 (Artist of the week). He has been played on esteemed radio stations such as 2fm,98fm, Cool Hype Radio (Chicago) and Fubar (London).’Valhalla’ has already got it’s UK radio debut on Fubar Radio along with it’s first Irish play on 98fm’s Totally Irish.
‘Valhalla’ is a tightly crafted, darkly hued track that smothers you in sparse haunting soundscapes. It’s a breezy biting number with honest lyrics and a smooth creamy chorus melted on top. The rap adds attitude and fiery emotion to the track while Eve Clague’s vocals soothe and coo with a lulling gentle sleekness. The sticky beat adds a rebounding spring to the track while the haunting aerial soundscapes swirl with a chilling icy sharpness. It’s a catchy laid back frosty display from Darce.
When asked about the track Darce said: “It captures youth in rural Ireland. From the nights of backstreet drinking in cold ghost estates to the creeping feeling of knowing you will have to leave eventually.”
Stream ‘Valhalla’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
