Author: Breffni Banks

Alt electro pop twins ROOUE give a wry middle finger to society’s idea of perfection with their new single ‘So Bad’, out Friday, 13 October, 2023. The duo are also preparing to release their highly anticipated debut EP in 2024.

Starting from a place of self-consciousness (“Never really liked looking in the mirror” ROOUE confess in the song’s lyrics), the pair are empowered as the pulsating beat grows beneath them: “Supermodels hate me / Cuz I would never change me.” Working with producer and co-writer Liam Geddes, ROOUE combine gritty electronic production, dark pop stylings, and glistening harmonization on the track. ROOUE’s bold vocals deliver raw insight into love, loss, and empowerment from vulnerability.

ROOUE say of ‘So Bad’: “This track is a manifestation, the sonic version of the ‘fake it till you make it’ mantra during a period of self growth. We wanted to represent our future selves after the mental wreckage is done, picking up the pieces after a really difficult year. Body confidence is such a fickle topic and being a woman in this world comes with such an intense pressure to be ‘perfect’ and look like ‘media-ready’ perfection.”

Splitting time between Dublin and London, Ro and Lulu grew up in a home warmed by music and creative expression. With a music psychotherapist mother and “jazz nerd” father, their life was soundtracked by myriad genres, including soul, jazz, traditional Irish music, and electronic experimental pop.

ROOUE pay homage to their colourful musical influences by drawing inspiration from the sounds of the past but injecting their own unique flair, crafting music that is both familiar and authentic. Despite their recent arrival on the scene, ROOUE’s previous singles have earned them millions of impacts on Irish radio, with their track ‘Orbit’ achieving number 4 in the Irish Radio Breakers Charts. With their career only beginning and the prospect of their upcoming EP, ROOUE have been hailed by Hot Press as “one of the most exciting emerging acts on the Irish scene.”

Listen to it below:

Chris Wong is fresh from a busy Summer of festivals and shows including Sofar Sounds San Francisco, Forbidden Fruit and All Together Now. He now brings us his 3rd single “Chance”. This new flavour comes off the back of “Been Here For Days”, which was released in April of this year and has seen great success including support from Spotify’s Top Asian editorial playlist “Jasmine”, and Fresh Finds UK & IE. The Dublin native continues to gather momentum with a stacked schedule of live shows. Wong takes to The Workman’s Cellar October 22nd to mark the release of “Chance”, for a joint headliner with Rob de Boer. Wong then heads across the pond for a debut headline show 16th November in London, Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney.

ABOUT THE NEW SINGLE

“Chance” exhibits Wong’s raw performance ability as a singer-songwriter. An honest performance, “Chance” is a feel good, yet chill, acoustic showcase. Live guitar, bass and vocals demonstrate the Irish/Hong Kongese artists soulful range. “Would you give me a chance or just no as an answer?” he asks, touching on the vulnerability of entering into a difficult conversation with someone you love. Wong also flew to Berlin to record a live performance of this song, which was shot along the river there and will be released with the single.

Speaking about the single, Chris says:

“Chance was written when I was 19. The single is about craving the security of knowing everything. I had strong feelings for someone. Not knowing how they felt and being too afraid to ask it’s something that hurt me. Back then, I was a lot more insecure in myself and I think wanting to know everything was my way of feeling less insecure.”

Up next for Chris Wong

As Wong continues to build momentum with releases and live shows, he is busy recording. He recently worked with a team of producers in Berlin carving out 2 new singles, as sets his sights on a debut EP release in 2024. The songwriter and musician is also breathing life into some of Dublin’s most exciting acts. A member of indie-rock group Papa Romeo, this band continues to excite coming off the back of performances at Another Love Story, All Together Now and Other Voices. Chris is also one half of the FRANK ZING team (alongside Rob de Boer); the pair just released a stunning new single and music video, following on from a collaboration with Khakikid.

Connect with Chris Wong

Instagram | Spotify

Georgia G is a 22 year old singer/songwriter from Malahide, Dublin. Georgia has been writing songs for as long as she can remember, with inspiration from Roisin Murphy, Stereophonics, Sheryl Crow, CMAT and Sister Sledge.

This track is a follow-up to her most recent single release, “Johnny Bravo,” which was played on numerous radio stations nationwide, including RTE2fm, Cork’s 96fm, and FM104 to name a few alongside a sold out single launch in Whelan’s(upstairs) in May.

Being nominated for ‘Most promising of the year’ by Hot Press magazine music awards this year, Georgia G’s upcoming single ‘Someone Better’ will be released on October 13th.The track is infused with pop, soul and country complimented by raw vocals and all live instruments. This song has a mature and almost like an olden day feel to it.

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“Someone better” is a very personal song to me. This song tells the story about the ending of a relationship, and realising maybe things weren’t all that perfect whilst looking back. The song is an anthem for a breakup and how to cope with moving on. People tend to compare themselves to who their ex partners are now with, but, comparison is the thief of joy. It’s finally understanding that the new person they are dating is a better fit for them. You will also find someone better suited for you. “When I say someone better, I don’t mean better than me! I mean better for you, Naturally.”

Georgia G released her single ‘Johnny Bravo’ in May, gaining attraction from radio stations nationwide, including a live interview with select Irish (FM104) from her sold out gig in Whelan’s upstairs. Georgia recently played a set at Electric Picnic, also opening for Sophie Doyle Ryder London in May.

Georgia G released her track ‘Are You Single?’ Back in November, which was chosen as RTE2 FM’s track of the week and described as ‘a modern pop gem with retro influences from the 1970’s in the style of Nile Rogers’. Post release Georgia G sold out her first ever headline gig in The Workman’s Cellar on December 5th. Georgia G was chosen to play Hot Press’ ”Young & Emerging’ series on April 2nd of last year, being described as a ‘hotly tipped’ artist by the music magazine. She also supported Sophie Doyle Ryder in Whelan’s, (upstairs) in October 2021. Georgia G is “about to take the music scene by storm” -Fingal Independent.

Georgia G has a BA (hons) degree songwriting in BIMM Dublin. Georgia was chosen for both BIMM’s ‘Live and Lyrical’ gigs in 2021 amongst many applicants, one which was aired in May & recorded in The Grand Social, other held in Opium Rooms in November. Georgia G has been gigging all around Dublin these past few months, including being chosen to play as part of Whelan’s “Full Irish” on St.Patrick’s day 2022.

Georgia has been performing for nearly all of her life. With her passion for musical theatre, she performed in many musicals including her sister, Lauryn Gaffney’s original musical `Big Shot’. Performing in Feinstein’s 54 below and OFF-BROADWAY in summer of 2019, with her sister and other talented cast members.

Connect with Georgia G

TikTok | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify

County Meath based artist Martin Moran is to release two new singles, “Everytime you go/Tooth and nail” as a double A-side release from his upcoming 6 track E.P., “Mixtape No. 1”. The E.P. is described by Moran as “an experiment of sounds, songs and poetry” as is evident from these latest tracks.

Everytime you go is a fast paced riff driven rock song that opens with a classic sounding rock guitar riff that carries through the verses before making way for a more melodic counter melody that plays along under the chorus. Influenced by the likes of Manic Street Preachers and the earlier more heavy sounding days of Goo Goo Dolls records, the song deliberately adopts the classic format of having a repeated chorus and middle section breakdown that builds into an energetic guitar solo.

“There are a lot of different styles of songs on this E.P. hence the title. This one is just a straight forward rock song”.

In contrast, Tooth and nail is a song very much of two halves. Fading in with synthesized strings and sounds of guns and warfare, it features spoken verse performed by Juliette Moran. Depicting scenes of the aftermath of some conflict the lyrics draw parallels between the wake of a violent battle, a personal struggle or that of a broken relationship. A somber tone underlies, emphasized by the heavy piano bass notes dropping like exploding bombs. At the halfway point, electric guitars, drums and string melodies come crashing like a flashback to the scene preceding the events.

“I wanted the music to say as much as the lyrics do” explains Moran about Tooth and nail. “I believe the music should be telling the story whenever the lyrics aren’t”.

Everytime you go and Tooth and nail are released on Friday 13th October 2023 and will be available on all streaming and download platforms.

Follow Martin Moran on social media at @soy.martino for further information and updates on more single & E.P. release dates.

Mayo singer RACHEL has had three number one singles in the Irish charts. RACHEL is known for her upbeat, refreshingly-unique Pop songs, displaying catchy melodies and distinctive vocal range.

RACHEL has been accredited by Hot Press, Goldenplec,Chordblossom RTÉ 2FM (Track of the Week) , BBC Introducing and SPIN 1038 Plan B’s ‘One to Watch’, Galway Bay FM, RosFM, Midwest Radio and IRadio (Track of the Week) as one of the next big up and coming Irish female artists. RACHEL performed at Workman’s Club ‘Next Big Thing’ Festival and has been chosen as an Irish Music Month finalist by Galway Bay FM in 2022 and Midwest Radio in 2023. RACHEL has accumulated over 30k organic streams to date on Spotify.

RACHEL, who has been releasing music since 2019 has performed her originals in venues such as Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, The Crowbar, The Royal Theatre Castlebar, and supported Paddy Casey in Garbo’s venue Castlebar. She also sold out her first headline show in WHELANS last May 2022 and is working towards another headline show there in the Autumn of 2023.  Now with a large online following, and recent support & praise shown by some of Ireland’s biggest radio stations, RACHEL also headed to Chicago to gig for the summer as she did in Boston last summer and hopes to build on her momentum with the release of her brand new upcoming single ‘No Returns Policy’ releasing October 20th.

NO RETURNS POLICY

‘No Returns Policy’ is the second single release from her upcoming EP- ‘Would You Be Happier?’

RACHEL’s latest single ‘Would You Be Happier?’ hit number 2 in the Irish charts. This is RACHEL’s 6th single release to hit Top 3 in the Irish charts upon release.

You can watch the music video to RACHEL’s last release here:

Her new upcoming single ‘No Returns Policy’ is filled with metaphorical lyrics, catchy melodies and an unusual beat.

This sound is inspired by singers like Tate McRae, Holly Humberstone and Maisie Peters. 

Rachel says:

“This song means so much to me as it was the first song my producer, Dylan Connolly, and I created when we started working together back in 2019! I introduced him to an artist called Tate McRae and it inspired us to create the beat and style of this track. It has grown and evolved so much from the original version as we have come back to it many times over the years to add in more harmonies, instruments and production. We are so proud of the final version which was mastered by Peter Montgomery.”

The song resembles what it feels like to have your heart returned to you after it’s been broken. This track was written reflecting on past relationships and displays a sudden realisation of the way you were treated. It’s about picking yourself back up after heartbreak and no longer settling for less than you deserve.

“A message for listeners going through a similar situation would be to realise that you can pick yourself up and be stronger than you ever were before. “

UPCOMING GIGS

The Workman’s Club– (main stage) – Dublin

21st November

with Ex Oh Promotions

HEADLINE SHOW (EP Launch)

Sound House in Dublin

December 16th  

She is also set to headline Whelans in February 2024!

Elliott Mo returns with his 5th single ‘Circles’ arriving to all platforms October 11th.

After a brief hiatus last year to find balance in life, let go and create more freely, Elliott Mo returns with clarity on the artist he would like to be within music. Informed by live performances at this time, most recently on stage at Electric Picnic, Elliott intends to deliver more energy and fearlessness into the music he creates and presents to the world.

‘Circles’ is a vibrant electronic exploration of the patterns in which we live and the emotions that we frequently orbit and arrive back to.

Drawing influences across Electronic, Downtempo and Electronica, Circles is grounded in the movement of the drums and uplifting moments of the chorus.

Elliott Mo attempts his most honest and fearless journey toward full artistic expression within Electronic Music and beyond. His music is a testament to the fusion of diverse influences, meticulously crafted to transcend the confines of genre and deliver an immersive, emotive experience that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.

Elliott Mo is an electronic musician.

It was either music or a monastery.

Elliott’s introduction to music production occurred during his university years, where he delved into the intricate world of sound creation. As a student, he meticulously studied the production techniques of iconic figures like Kanye West and other legends of classic hip-hop. However, his artistic palette extended far beyond the confines of a single genre.

Elliott drew inspiration from a diverse array of artists, including the genre-defying sounds of Four Tet, Jamie xx, Bonobo and Burial.

It was during this formative period that Elliott Mo began crafting his unique brand of electronic music.

Fate took an intriguing turn when Elliott found himself under brief mentorship of legendary producer Mike Dean, known for his work with industry giants like Kanye West and Travis Scott. This invaluable experience during the Yeezus European Tour, where Elliott not only absorbed priceless knowledge but also gained access to a treasure trove of instruments and sonic archives, served as both inspiration and a catalytic force for the music to come.

Today, Elliott Mo attempts his most honest and fearless journey toward full artistic expression within Electronic Music and beyond. His music is a testament to the fusion of diverse influences, meticulously crafted to transcend the confines of genre and deliver an immersive, emotive experience that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.

New Music 2023

A Hybrid Symphony for Crash Ensemble and Halo Track, with Diamanda La Berge Dramm as Guide, composed by Sam Perkin, inspired by the writing of Charles Eisenstein.

Available on Bandcamp (digitial & limited edition CD), Friday 3rd November 2023 

Pre-order on Bandcamp: https://crashensemble.bandcamp.com/album/children-in-the-universe

Pre-save on streaming platforms: https://lnk.fuga.com/childrenintheuniverse

She goes into nature, into the dunes, and talks to the clouds.

She talks to the wind. I think it’s something adolescents do.

– Bavo Defurne

Composer Sam Perkin has announced the release of a hybrid symphony for Crash Ensemble and Halo Track, with Diamanda La Berge Dramm as Guide, titled “Children of the Universe”, due for release Friday 3rd November 2023 on Bandcamp (digital and limited edition CD).

Speaking of the release, Perkin says:

“Composed between 2020 and 2022, I have gone deep for this work. There are two years of life in here. Our Guide, Diamanda, will take us on a sacred journey to a place where only music can.

She will act as a medium through which, with open ears, we can dream much needed counsel.

Together, we can use this guidance to create the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible.”

TRACKLIST

1. We Howled Like Wolves
2. Lifeblood
3. Tears Of Pure Intuition

CREDITS

Solo Violin – Diamanda La Berge Dramm

Violin – Larissa O’Grady

Viola – Cian Ó’Dúill

Cello – Kate Ellis

Double Bass – Caimin Gilmore

Flute – Susan Doyle

Clarinet – Leonie Bluett

Trombone – Roderick O’Keeffe

Percussion – Alex Petcu

Guitar –  Barry O’Halpin

Piano –  Eliza McCarthy

Conductor – Ryan McAdams

Artwork and Design: Gareth Jones

Recorded at St. Nicholas’ Church, Galway on 22 July 2022 at Galway International Arts Festival

Recorded by Ian Dowdall

Edited, Mixed and Mastered by Brian Bolger

Artistic Director: Kate Ellis

CEO: Siân Cunningham

Production Manager/Crash Records Label Manager: Rob Kearns

Producer/Concerts Manager: Matt Rafter

Marketing & Community Manager: Mariana Parás

ABOUT SAM PERKIN

Based between France and Ireland, Sam Perkin composes music for leading musicians and ensembles in Ireland and abroad. He completed a residency in 2022 with Crash Ensemble, Ireland’s leading new music ensemble.

Sam holds degrees in Composition from CIT Cork School of Music in Ireland and an Artist Diploma from Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Lyon in France. He was a participant composer at Ostrava New Music Festival Czech Republic in 2013 and at New Music On The Point Vermont in 2018 in where he worked with Roomful of Teeth and members of The Jack Quartet. In France he was awarded The Prix Salabert for Composition in 2016 and in Ireland he was awarded The Next Generation Bursary from The Arts Council of Ireland in 2017. He has been in residence with Crash Ensemble, Music For Galway, Irish Association of Youth Orchestras, ConCorda Chamber Music Course for Strings, and The Tyrone Guthrie Centre.

ABOUT CRASH ENSEMBLE

Crash Ensemble is Ireland’s leading new music ensemble; a group of world-class musicians who play the most adventurous, ground-breaking music of today.

Amazingly ordinary people doing extraordinary things – Crash is innovative, adventurous and ambitious.

Led by cellist and Artistic Director, Kate Ellis and Principal Conductor, Ryan McAdams, the ensemble commissions, collaborates, explores, investigates and experiments with a broad spectrum of music creators and artistic collaborators: ‘We love to innovate, with quality always at the heart of everything we do. We are passionate about the music we play. We create experiences; exploring new ways of presenting music and bringing our audiences on new adventures. Community for us is key – our community inspires us to create and experiment more. We value our audiences and our connection with them.’

Crash perform both in Ireland and internationally. The ensemble’s music is available on their own label, Crash Records and they have recordings on Nonesuch, Cantaloupe, NMC, Ergodos and Bedroom Community labels.

Many well-known artists from diverse musical backgrounds have performed with the ensemble; Terry Reily, Gavin Friday, Dawn Upshaw, Diamanda La Berge Dramm, Laurie Anderson, Lisa Hannigan, Íarla Ó Lionáird (The Gloaming), Bryce Dessner (The National), Richard Reed Parry (Arcade Fire), Sam Amidon and Beth Orton.

As well as performing throughout Ireland, Crash regularly perform internationally, with appearances in the last few years at the Edinburgh International Festival, The Royal Opera House (London), The Barbican (London), Carnegie Hall (NYC) The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington DC), Virginia Tech (Virginia), GAIDA Festival (Lithuania) and residencies at The Huddersfield Contemporary Music festival (UK) and Princeton University (NJ).

Crash Ensemble is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland and Dublin City Council, is a resident ensemble at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, Ireland and at Kilkenny Arts Festival, Ireland.

Follow Crash Ensemble on social media:

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Charles Boulevard release today their second single of 2023 “Do As The Romans”. The band with members from the Czech Republic and Ireland have  selected this track from their forthcoming album “Where The Bell Tolls Free” due in early 2024.

“Do As The Romans” is a sweet rocker with a summery feel that takes a humorous look at the North/South divide. Lyricist Dermot Condron explains “I think it is the same wherever you go, be it Ireland, Europe or America . Northerners and Southerners feel they are different from each other.” The lyrics play on the idea of the serious northerner versus the laid back southerner with lines like “I see it’s hard to take the weather cold than tanned”.

Musically the songs is broken into two distinct parts which almost reflect that contrast between north and south. Pavel Holada on rhythm guitar and vocal cleverly creates this musical contrast as each verse begins with a harsh syncopated electric guitar groove reflecting the hard north, which gives way to the serene steel guitar sound of the chorus, where the free flowing rhythm of the south takes over.

As the chorus suggests, one day those serious northerners will hopefully find the time to grab some of that southern philosophy and “Do as the Romans”.

Following the success of their recent live show on YouTube and with their second album “Where the Bell Tolls Fee” now completed the band are already working on new material for a third album. More news to follow.

“Do As The Romans” is now available on all digital platforms.

http://www.charlesboulevard.com

In a dynamic collaboration, two emerging Irish music talents, Alicia Raye hailing from Drogheda, and Becky McNeice from Belfast, have proudly announced the upcoming release of their fresh single, “Faucet,” scheduled for launch on October 13th. This soulful track heralds the inception of their joint EP, “Love Letters,” a profoundly intimate musical journey spanning four captivating tracks, set to unravel from August to November.

“Faucet” and the forthcoming EP harmoniously blend the unique musical styles of Raye and McNeice, encapsulating the very essence of their collaboration. Seamlessly fusing elements of R&B, and vibrant afro-pop melodies, these musical powerhouses provide an authentic glimpse into their personal odysseys of love and life. Their music beautifully captures the individual experiences of romance and intimacy, offering a truly genuine and relatable musical journey.

Alicia and Becky are on a mission to elevate Irish music to a global stage. As part of their project’s grand unveiling, the dynamic duo recently celebrated their presence at Ireland Music Week, just after embarking on their journey to New York City. The city, renowned for its creative pulse, offers them the perfect backdrop to cultivate new fan bases, establish strategic partnerships, and bring their project to life through visually stunning music videos. Their adventure in the United States will also lay the foundation for an eagerly anticipated nationwide tour.

“With“Love Letters” we are not just creating music, we are creating a transformative movement that celebrates diversity, bridges cultures, and amplifies the presence of Irish artists around the world. Our individualities harmonised into something truly captivating, an authentic artistic synergy that mirrors the beauty of our creative partnership, both as artists and as business allies”

This release is an invitation to people to witness the birth of a new era in Irish music, as Alicia Raye and Becky McNeice revolutionise the scene. “Faucet” serves as the sonic invitation, teasing the masterpiece and transformative journey that is the “Love Letters” joint EP.

“Faucet” will be available on all major streaming platforms on October 13th

Alicia Raye

Born Alice Esambe, Alicia Raye is an Afro-Irish singer-songwriter, and rapper also known as “Alicia Taqueilla”. With unapologetic lyrics and a hybrid of trap-soul and jazz infused vocals, Alicia is a rising sensation.Alicia Raye began working with Irish label Trust It Entertainment early 2020 and has since consistently released highly anticipated singles and collaborations that have positioned her as the future of the Urban sound in Ireland.

In 2020 Alicia Raye released her debut mixtape ‘Alphabet’ , a collaborative tape with 35 Irish artists. Following on from this, 2021 was graced with Alicia releases of ‘Nobody 2.0’ featuring some of Ireland’s finests rappers such as Smilez , Reggie , Larry Alabi and A92 Dbo Fundz directed by Ovie. The video premiered on UK platform GRM Daily (5.2m subscribers) and has over 165k views.

Alicia Raye was recently featured as the cover girl for the Independent and for Spotify’s editorial playlist “The New Éire”, which speaks volumes on the impact her music has had on the Urban genre. The young artist has appeared in big Spotify editorial playlists such as New Music Friday UK, Afro Bashment, Who We Be and The New Eire.

Originally from Cameroon, Alicia Raye began residing in Ireland in 2006. Alicia Raye grew up in a direct provision centre near Drogheda, where she attended both primary and secondary school. Her love of music grew from an interest in English literature and rap. As she grew, Alicia’s style transitioned to softer melodies and grooves, which was a decisive moment in her music career. Alicia Raye is also a mentor at NOISE Music funded by South Dublin City Council, helping other youths pursue their dreams and talents.

Instagram | TikTok 

Becky McNeice

Existing within the cross-section between alternative pop and mainstream sensibility, Becky McNeice represents the new wave of Ireland. Distinctive, heartfelt and with an ear for glitter-littered lyricism, she is uniting the worlds of Pink Pantheress/Biig Piig-styled  breakbeat-pop with her own characteristic, hyper-pop friendly addictiveness, ear marking her as one of the most exciting artists to emerge from Ireland in recent years.

With Becky, the beauty is in the small details. Her lyrics aren’t overly complicated by any stretch of the imagination, but there is an irresistible charm to their subtle nature and delivery.

Breaking onto the scene with single Long Days – which garnered support from Spotify editorial playlists New Music Friday UK and New Pop UK, in addition to also being playlisted on Vogue and H&M and gathered nearly 60,000 plays – the emerging star has recently been linking up with Irish producers Spireview and Eulogy, together quietly crafting tears-in-your-eyes bedroom pop, alternative R&B and emotive 2-step & drum & bass. Becky’s ability to transform the simplest phrase into a moment of complete inward contemplation and self-thought is not only a beautifully intimate quality, but it’s honest and genuine delivery ensures that it is entirely believable. Internet-kid sonics delivered through a contemporary lens.

Spotify | Instagram | TikTok

Galway alt-folk musician Reylta self-releases her debut album Everything Unsaved Will Be Lost   today, 11 October, 2023 . She describes the LP, which is years in the making, as a “macabre lullaby.”  The dreamy focus track,  ‘Pinstripes’ , explores the trope of the “historical hysterical woman”  over whimsical ukulele. Reylta will be celebrating her album launch with an intimate gig at the Dublin Unitarian Church  on Sunday 22 October . Tickets are available here.

To date, Reylta has captured the attention of Irish media with her singles ‘October’ , ‘Lucifer’s Love / Leannán an Diabhail’ , ‘Closer’ , and ‘Sightseeing’ , with the latter being featured on the RTÉ Radio 1 Recommends list. These tracks have been championed by Irish radio, including RTÉ Radio 1 , RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta , RTÉ 2XM , Galway Bay FM , and KCLR FM . LOUD WOMEN praised Reylta’s “smooth guitar tones and enchanting vocals” on ‘Lucifer’s Love / Leannán an Diabhail’, while Americana UK noted that she gives “a modern makeover” to the Irish tradition of storytelling. She has also been featured in the Irish Independent , Irish Examiner, and Sunday Times. Reylta was previously highlighted in the Three’s City Stages initiative and tipped as one of Radio Nova’s New Local Hero finalists.

It’s difficult to pinpoint when exactly Everything Unsaved Will Be Lost began. Some songs were written during Reylta’s first years of college as she transitioned from life in rural Galway to the clamour of Dublin 8; others while she was in Cambridge, feeling unmoored; and still others while she was sitting next to her late grandfather at his wake, taking notes on what mourners said. In truth, Reylta has been writing since she was 11, and the album is just a snapshot of her work.

Everything Unsaved Will Be Lost was recorded in Donegal in May 2022 at The Song House, a restored cottage where Seamus Heaney and fellow poets used to gather. Reylta found the setting fitting, since “I always describe myself as a failed poet, because if I was good enough as a poet I wouldn’t have to hide behind a melody and harmonies and all that.” 

Producer Darragh Nolan (Daithí, Ailbhe Reddy) uprooted his home studio from Gorey, Co. Wexford and brought it up to Donegal for the occasion. There, Reylta, Nolan, and her band practised like mad and gave themselves over to a whirlwind recording process. Most of the songs were completed in a handful of takes with the full band—Marc Mcgirr (percussion), Louis Younge (tin whistle, violin, saxophone, guitar), William Ryan (guitar), Kaitlin Cullen Verhaus (cello), Frank O’Flaherty (bass), and Nicole Lyons (guitar)—playing. Reylta wanted it to feel like a “Gaeltacht experience,” and the whole group of musicians ended up turning it into a proper party atmosphere. ​​“It isn’t a live album, but it absolutely is,” Reylta says. “Every mistake on the album, every sound is from people being together and sharing their energy and just giving everything they have as in a live performance.” With Nolan’s keen production, Reylta and her band light up the record just as they would an intimate gig.

Track List:

1. Introductions
2. Holy
3. Lucifer’s Love
4. Closer
5. Pinstripes
6. Bruised
7. October
8. 01
9. Goodbye Godbless Goodnight
10. Rain
11. Sightseeing
12. Make Me Feel
13. Leannán an Diabhail
14. Gracious

Connect with Reylta 

Spotify | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter