Author: Breffni Banks

HearOne are proud to announce the second single ‘Close To Me”’ from singer, songwriter and rapper Alicia Raye, from album project ‘Hear Us Roar’ .

Single released on October 27th, now includes official visuals and an interview available to stream on YouTube.

Hear Us Roar (or H|U|R ) – A musical collaboration like no other, is an extraordinary Album featuring six incredibly talented female artists from Ireland, ELKIN, Alicia Raye, Jackie Beverly, Laura Elizabeth Hughes, Dena Anuk$a, Lisa Gorry for release on March 29th 2024.

Alicia Raye who’s Known for her fierce rhymes and unapologetic swagger, takes a slight detour from her signature style as she opens herself up to vulnerability and experimentation in the single. Get ready to experience the evolution of an artist unafraid to push boundaries.

This unique, meaningful project, which began its creative journey mid Covid in 2021, with endless Zoom conversations brought to real life in Camden studios shortly after where the tracks were recorded. 2023 saw the artists come back to finish the project with performance videos being filmed in Newmarket studios (One Productions). The project highlights the immense talent of these artists while pushing the boundaries of their individual styles. The Album promises to deliver a fresh and exciting sound that is sure to captivate audiences worldwide.

Under the visionary direction of Lia Lieghio, (artist manager, video director and producer) Hearone Music, the project emerged as a beacon of creativity during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inspired by the desire to foster connection and innovation, the project brought together six exceptional Irish artists for a unique musical venture that has since become a celebration of talent..

The musical director for the Album, Theodora Byrne (James Vincent McMorrow, Saint Sister, and Sorcha Richardson) skillfully reworked the already released tracks from the artists, rearranging and transforming them into new and compelling compositions. By encouraging the artists to explore uncharted musical territories and push beyond their comfort zones, Theodora ensured that each track takes on a fresh and distinctive sound. Theodora gathered other well known Irish musicians to play on the tracks (Violin – Maria Ryan, Cello –  Laura McCabe, Harp – Gemma Doherty)

The recording of the album took place at the renowned Camden Studios in Dublin, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional sound engineering by Elise Mollé (Sam Ryder, The Blizzards).

One Productions and HearOne Music, two influential names in the Irish music and video production scene, teamed up to create captivating visuals that will accompany the EP’s release through live performance videos, interviews and captivating content. To align with the first single a live performance video is available to watch on YouTube (link above)

This launches HearOne’s entrance into a new service that supplies authentic digital assets to support signed and unsigned music acts with goal orientated visuals.

Lia Lieghio expressed her excitement for the upcoming release, saying, “From the very beginning, the goal of this project was to showcase the immense talent and creativity of female artists in Ireland. We believe that by uniting their individual strengths and pushing boundaries, this EP will be a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the music industry. I’m excited to see where this release takes HearOne and its new service.”

The Album will feature the diverse styles and backgrounds of the participating artists. Listeners are in for a musical journey unlike any other.

Stay tuned for the first track from the Album on September 29th, 2023, available on all major music streaming platforms and YouTube. For further updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow HearOne Music on social media and visit www.hearone.com

At 21 years old, Sophie Doyle Ryder hails from Malahide, Dublin, Ireland and is a talented singer-songwriter. Following the success of her chart-topping hit single ‘Insecure’ and “Happier” released this year, she has just released a fresh and exciting single titled “Falling From Hell”. With various radio DJs around the world comparing her to music icons like Rihanna, Ariana Grande, and Anne Marie, we expect “Insecure” to evoke a nostalgic feeling of the early P!nk and Avril Lavigne pop-punk days.

Sophie has been making strides in the Irish alt-pop scene since her debut EP “Beginner’s Luck” was released last May. Her talent has been recognized and lauded by RTÉ 2FM, and her music has been included in several Spotify editorial playlists. Sophie’s song “Sucker” earned a nomination for “Song of the Year”, she was nominated as the “Most Promising” and “Groundbreaking” artist by Hot Press Magazine. Sophie performed at Electric Picnic recently and has gained praise and acclaim throughout Ireland, the UK, and beyond.

Sophie’s previous releases have been successful with over 50 million Irish radio impacts and she continues to be “One To Watch”.

Her newest single, “Falling From Hell,” co-written with Lauryn Gaffney is about warning loved ones about the possibility of being difficult to love due to owning up to one’s flaws and baggage. Sophie and her band recorded this song in Windmill Lane recording studio, which was a dream come true for her. She also spent extra time with Sean Behan, who produced most of her songs, to perfect the vocals and backing vocals. “Falling from Hell” is important to Sophie as it represents moving on from insecurities and owning one’s imperfections.

Connect with Sophie Doyle Ryder

YouTube l Spotify l Instagram l X l Facebook l TikTok

Think Parliament meets Local Natives….

Blessings was written and recorded in Ireland and Malawi. Earlier this year Rain travelled to Malawi to finish the recording of this song, however his guitar did not survive the journey. The Malawi sessions could not happen without the guitar, but as is always the case, the Universe provides.

A Malawian man named Blessings who had hand built an acoustic guitar reached out to lend his creation so that the recording could go ahead. The session was saved, and the song was named in honour of the Malawian guitar builder!

This song is about synchronicity, and how things can slot into place when we’re living good. Promotion: Liberty PR.

Sound recordings mastered by Seán Mac Erlaine at Studio Saile (Jape etc.) / Website / Instagram

Debut album,  A house where the Light is master, release date – 10th of November 2023.

Press coverage for Rain Jamerson:

Radio play on DublinCityFM, ‘Craic agus ceol’, 2pm Sunday.

Radio play on BBC Radio 1, ‘Future Soul’.

Rain Jamerson

Funky, soulful, and authentic, Rain Jamerson is on a mission to spread peace, love, and positive vibes. Inspired by artists like Prince, George Clinton, and Betty Davis, Rain is a multi-instrumentalist who writes, performs, and records in Dublin, Ireland.

‘’Funk and soul is most interesting to me when the songwriting is focused on spirituality, what it means to be human. To me that all started when George Clinton said – Free your ass and your mind will follow. My aim is to continue in that tradition of funky cosmic sounds.’’ (Rain Jamerson).

Although his feet are firmly rooted in funk and soul music of the 60’s and 70’s, Rain Jamerson is not simply an exercise in nostalgia. By combining elements of hip-hop, electro, R&B, and pop with a deeply intimate lyrical style, Rain brings new cool to the old school.

Connect with Rain Jamerson

Website | Stream | Instagram

Kyla Belle ‘Need Me’ chosen as one of the 2FM TOTW on debut release

LIVE: Kyla Belle supports Bradley Marshall Nov 25th Academy Dublin

Kyla Belle is a singer/songwriter spending her time between Dublin & London. She has performed in some amazing venues including The Olympia Theatre, Bord Gais Energy theater and had support from the likes of BBC before even releasing her debut single. Kyla has built up an amazingly engaged and loyal fan base through her social media channels and by busking. She will support Bradley Marshall on November 25th in The Academy. This year has also seen the songstress work with the like of Billy Farrell (The Corrs, Gavin James, Hozier), Liam Geddes (Tiesto, Ryan Mack, Sigala), Roseanna Brown (Jason Derulo), George Gleeson (SEAL) so needless to say the future is looking very bright.

“Need Me” is a self love banger celebrating the confidence to love yourself. In a world of socialmedia it is so easy to draw comparisons from what others post on their socials. This is a selfdialogue admitting that your flaws are just another part of yourself that makes you, you.

Connect with Kylabelle

Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

Elaphi is a Dublin based four-piece band founded in 2021 by songwriter and guitarist Sara Barberio, along with Jacopo Stofler (guitar), Federico Camici (bass), and Grim Nordahl (drums). Elaphi music incorporates moody folk with the subtle enchantment of hushed electronics. Inspired by artists such as Warpaint, Daughter, and Radiohead, Elaphi’s music blends ethereal yet punchy compositions, evoking a sense of introspection and intimacy. The band’s name, inspired by the Greek word “Elaphos,” meaning deer, symbolises both vulnerability and strength, qualities intrinsic to the majestic creature and seamlessly intertwined within the band’s artistic expression. Each member of Elaphi contributes with their unique vision and musical skills, which leads to the creation of their impactful compositions. The sonic elements crafted by Elaphi capture the imperfections and vulnerability that intricately shape the human journey.

Elaphi’s track “Diamond Walls” beautifully captures the overwhelming surge of thoughts and emotions that flood our minds and hearts when we are faced with a difficult predicament, specifically when it revolves around the profound sensations of love and loss. This musical work reflects the inner turmoil and rollercoaster of sentiments experienced during such trying times, evoking a deep sense of connection and resonance with listeners who have encountered similar circumstances in their own lives. Drawing inspiration from the soundscapes that define the works of Wolf Alice, New Dad, Daughter and Warpaint, this song creates a unique sonic experience that resonates deeply with fans of their music. Through its metaphoric lyrics, captivating melody, powerful dynamics and arpeggios, “Diamond Walls” takes us on a powered emotional journey, delving into the depths of our souls and exploring the intricate web of emotions.

Elaphi play their single launch show at Whelans ( Upstairs ) on Fri 17th Nov.

‘Ghost on the Waves – Clare Sands & Aisling Urwin’

The third release of four-part series ‘Gormacha’

Out now – Wednesday 25th October

OFFICIAL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/2W4KDwbdXC0

Streaming: https://claresands.ffm.to/ghostonthewaves

‘Ghost on the Waves’ is the new macaronic single from Cork-born, Belfast-based sixth generation fiddler and Contemporary Folk singer, Clare Sands. Clare, who recently performed at ‘El Cervantino,’ Latin America’s largest music & arts festival, has unveiled this haunting West Kerry inspired song.

After the release of her ‘bold and beautiful’ self-titled album (Top 5 Folk albums of 2022 – The Irish Times), Sands returns this year with four new songs, alongside four new collaborators. This four-part music and film project, ‘Gormacha’, treads a musical path between the four most extreme geographical points in Ireland – Mizen, Malin, Dunmore and Wicklow Head. Tracing the line between rugged land and stormy seas, Gormacha interweaves Irish folklore, language, and personal responses to our natural world.

Following on from releases ‘Dealán Dé’ with world-renowned Irish flute and whistle player Brian Finnegan (FLOOK) and ‘Teasgal’ with I Have A Tribe, the third collaboration, ‘Ghost on the Waves,’ features Co. Kerry’s  ethereal harpist and singer Aisling Urwin (Ajeet/Woven Kin).

Watch ‘Ghost on the Waves’ here: https://youtu.be/2W4KDwbdXC0

This collaboration sees two old friends’ harmonious voices & deep-rooted traditional melodies weaving seamlessly together. Inspired by ancient Irish tales and tunes (such as Port na bPúcaí, the Basket Island air, and The Pursuit of Gráinne and Diarmuid) ‘Ghost on the Waves’ was born out of a week spent together in the mystical yet ominous West Kerry landscape.

Clare on the song – ‘Our time ‘west of the west’ was truly magic. Aisling and I met while studying music in UCC in 2015 and this song was the coming together of two kindred spirits after many years apart. We come from the same place musically and the writing and recording of this song came together so easily – all over two days. There were many swims, mountain climbs, and late night tunes. The song was inspired by the old Irish story ‘Tóraíocht Dhiarmada agus Ghráinne’. I think it’s so important to pass these stories and songs on to the next generation, ensuring their survival, whilst giving them an open invitation to let their imaginations run wild!’ 

The chorus –  ‘Maireann an lá go ruaig, maireann an grá go huaigh’ – meaning ‘a day lasts until it’s chased away, but love lasts until the grave’ – brings a huge air of hope, resilience and light to the song, offering solace that the love for the people and traditions that we hold dear will live on.

The accompanying video was directed and shot by visual artists and twin sisters Liadain and Kasia Kaminska, who spent two days exploring Dunmore head and Chorcha Dhuibhne. They recall, ‘As we journeyed and filmed, without yet hearing the song, we were really drawn to the moving waters, shifting light and whispers of the land. We must have been drinking water from the same cup as Clare and Aisling, because the film and song met beautifully in the middle of this mystical yet deeply rooted world.’

‘Ghost on the Waves’ is the third in a series of four songs that are deeply personal and universal, sensual and spiritual, ancient and new. Navigating music, film, and photography, ‘Gormacha’ journeys into the darkness, but seeks to find solace and celebration ‘between the devil and the deep blue sea.’

>> VIDEO 1 ‘Teasgal’ – Clare Sands + I Have a Tribe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWcmunffDvU 

>> VIDEO 2 ‘Dealán Dé – Clare Sands + Brian Finnegan 

https://youtu.be/XFVNN5191UE

>> VIDEO 3 ‘Ghost on the Waves’ – Clare Sands + Aisling Urwin

https://youtu.be/2W4KDwbdXC0

Upcoming Tour Dates

Clare Sands      UK Headline Tour 2023

3rd November: LONDON • Green Note | Tickets: https://shorturl.at/sI125 

4th November: LEAMINGTON SPA • The Temperance | Tickets: https://shorturl.at/boHTV 

5th November: YORK • National Centre for Early Music | Tickets: https://shorturl.at/lmvC9 

6th November: SHEFFIELD • The Greystones  | Tickets: https://shorturl.at/jkJX3 

7th November: HULL • Wrecking Ball | Tickets: https://shorturl.at/klFR0 

9th November: EDINBURGH • The Caves* | Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/3c93cce6 

12th November: ABERDEEN • The Blue Lamp  | Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/4fs9r2xt 

14th November: GLASGOW • The Hug & Pint  | Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/3pakkf2c 

*Support Project Smok

https://claresands.com

https://https://www.aislingurwin.com

https://claresands.bandcamp.com

‘Gormacha’ is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland

Watch the video directed by Anna Heisterkamp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSCyaEWwDp8

New Album Big Dreams out November 10th

Tour Dates in December 

The new single “Travel Size” is the latest release before Rachael Lavelle releases her debut album (out Nov 10th). It’s available via https://lnkfi.re/Travel_Size

It follows previous singles “Let Me Unlock Your Full Potential” and “Big Dreams”. The track was produced by Rachael Lavelle, with vocals engineered and mixed by Alex Borwick featuring Ryan Hargadon on Saxophone. Single art is by Bureau Bonanza with a still from the video, directed by Anna Heisterkamp.

On the song, Rachael comments: “When I wrote this, I wished for nothing more than to travel to Italy and eat large quantities of pasta and drink Aperol Spritz. ‘Travel Size’ is about wanting to leave but not being able to. Being here and imagining that you were there. Wanting to be changed for the better, by a time or a place… but wherever you go, there you are.”

The director, Anna Heisterkamp comments: “I just thought it was so funny that this song which starts so ethereally was about wanting to go on holidays – there’s a humour to Rachael’s music that I was instantly obsessed with, and it’s so full of thoughts I wanted the video to reflect that, to be full of strands of questions. 

I wanted the video to trick you like the song does; here’s this beautiful ethereal image, here’s this beautiful ethereal song – but really the video was just born from the age-old question… What happens when an air hostess wants to go on holiday? And then Rachael is a huge superstar which made it so much fun and I got to mess around with visual styles and humour, all whilst using Nicole Scherzinger’s AD Open Door and Lost as primary references. It’s always such a huge honour when someone presents you with a song to visualise, and this song was so exciting because I’d never heard anything quite like it – so I got to move into this new visual territory and try to work out how far you can push realism. Everyone who worked on it is amazing, and I had the best time ever – also a huge shout out to the International Academy of Travel in Waterford for their incredible instructional videos.”

“Let Me Unlock Your Full Potential” is featured on The Planet That You’re On,  a CD curated by Lankum in the current issue of Uncut magazine.

Live Dates: Rachael will be touring as a three piece for shows around Ireland.

The tour is presented by Homebeat and will visit the following venues.

23rd Nov – The Black Box, Belfast

24th Nov – Project Arts Centre, Dublin (sold out)

30th Nov – Mick Lally Theatre, Galway

1st Dec – The Record Room, Limerick

6th Dec – Prims Bookshop, Kinsale

7th Dec – Coughlan’s, Cork

8th Dec – Connolly’s of Leap, Cork

9th Dec – St Michael’s Church, Waterville, Kerry

Tickets on sale now via www.rachaellavelle.com

Bio: Rachael Lavelle is a Dublin born singer and composer who captivates audiences with her arresting voice and humorous observations on existence. Merging classical and contemporary influences, her hypnotic live performances blend electronic soundscapes with spoken word and acrobatic vocals.

After the release of her track ‘Perpetual Party’, she was selected to perform at SXSW Online, opened for Villagers and toured with City Slang’s Anna B Savage. She has collaborated with a wide range of ensembles and artists such as Crash Ensemble, Glasshouse, Peter Broderick, SlapBang, Saint Sister and has appeared as a vocalist on Villagers’ ‘Fever Dreams’ album.

https://linktr.ee/rachaellavelle

Website: https://rachaellavelle.com Instagram: @rachaellavelle Twitter: @rachael_lavelle

Asha Ari invites listeners to embrace their true selves with her new soul-baring release “Dancing but It Don’t Feel Right”

Rising Irish music star Asha Ari announces the release of her new and most wholehearted single “Dancing but It Don’t Feel Right” on the 26th of October. In this powerful song, Asha Ari, an artist with inspiring vocals and emotional lyrics, delves deep into her soul, inviting listeners to explore and share the complexities of identity and belonging.

The song is a heartfelt and honest narrative about the struggles and the beauty of self-discovery and acceptance. In “Dancing but It Don’t Feel Right” , Asha Ari brings her perspective growing as a minority in Ireland, portraying the challenges of fitting in and finding a sense of belonging. Asha Ari’s soulful vocals and evocative lyrics guide us through this rollercoaster of emotions that come with not feeling quite at home in the world.

Yet, “Dancing but It Don’t Feel Right” is also a response to the prejudice and judgment faced for those who are seen as different. Amidst the pain and heartache, Asha Ari’s anthem weaves a message of hope: “Amidst the pain we’ll rise“. These lyrics serve as a reminder that, despite the challenges we face, we can find strength in unity and shared experiences.

“‘Dancing but It Don’t Feel Right’ is one of my most stripped back and vulnerable releases. The song alludes to those moments when you are in space where you don’t quite feel like you belong. As a minority, it is hard to express yourself with the constant stares of judgment and disapproval. Whether it is your appearance, holding your partner’s hand or simply going to the shop , you can feel like an outsider. The world divides us in so many ways and this song aims to deliver a message about unity. It encourages us to come together to create a world where everyone can embrace their true selves without the fear of being judged”. 

With this song, Asha Ari aims to uncover these harsh and often unspoken realities but also to deliver a raw and emotional response to prejudice and judgment. “Dancing But It Don’t Feel Right” is a song that resonates deeply with audiences of all walks of life. Asha Ari’s artistry invites us to look within ourselves, reflect on our own experiences, and connect on a universal level.

Asha Ari offers a refreshing perspective that challenges social norms, and her voice acts as a light in a world that can sometimes feel dark and unforgiving.“Dancing But It Don’t Feel Right” is not just a melody, but a powerful reminder that we are all human, and we all have the right to dance freely and unburdened.

“Dancing But It Don’t Feel Right” will be available on all major music streaming platforms on October 26th.

‘Dancing But It Don’t Feel Right’ Music Credits

Performed by: Asha Ari

Written by: Asha Ari

Produced by: Eulogy Beats

Artist Bio
Asha Ari, who was named as Hot For 2023 this year by Hotpress, is a singer-songwriter from Dublin, Ireland. She is half Ghanaian, half Irish, and grew up in Blanchardstown. She has been actively performing in the Dublin music scene since her teens, and has released many singles and an EP entitled ‘Freedom’ that enabled her to perform her original song also called Freedom with The National Symphony Orchestra and to perform on the Late Late show with Eleanor Mc Evoy, Mary black and Pauline Scanlon.

Asha Ari performed on the Mainstage at Forest Fest last year and is gaining many fans in Ireland as well as London. One in The Grace London supporting Miles Graham and in Toulouse Lectric for Fervor Festival. She performed in the Irish Embassy in London for Black History month and again for St Brigid’s Day in February. She appeared on The Late Late for the Eurosong competition with Niamh Kavanagh. On March 12th she performed at The St Patrick’s Day Festival in London at Trafalgar Square which had 50000 there. Anyone who has seen Asha Ari live has said the same thing, that she has great energy and connects with the crowd.

Asha Ari’s music has been played across many different radio stations in Ireland and abroad. On the 16th of March, Asha Ari released her first track of the year called ‘God’s Hands’ with Aziz Ozouss, which is already getting good traction in Ireland, the Uk, and in Morocco. Since its release it has already been on the RTÉ Recommend list and has presenters saying the track is fresh, special and a wonderful fusion of styles and of Moroccan and Irish music.

Asha’s music combines elements of Pop, Soul, and R&B to create uniquely catchy and relatable songs. Her songwriting inspirations stem from growing up bi-racial, self-love, believing in yourself, spreading positivity and being true to oneself.

Connect with Asha Ari

Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

Dee Fitz is a singer songwriter from Galway, based in Dublin.

Although she has played the piano since childhood, she picked up a pen and paper to write her first song during the pandemic. What began as a hobby, designed to pass the long days of covid, soon grew into a passion and songwriting became the creative outlet that she had been missing.

Dee found herself actively seeking out new ways of expressing herself, so in 2020, when she was given the gift of an interface and recording mic, by her, then boyfriend, now husband. She credits it with being the best gift she has ever received and has put to good use since.  Making demos, creating melodies and writing lyrics is now part of her day to day and gives her a means of expressing herself and her creativity whilst showcasing it to others.

Dee has independently released her music to date and has amassed over 20k organic Spotify streams, alongside airplay from 2FM and Dublin City FM.

She has received two ‘track of the week’ titles on RTE 2FM for her tracks Lucky Lover and Only Love, both of which were also chosen as Nialler 9’s ’12 Irish songs you should hear this week’.

She finds inspiration from the lyricism and storytelling of artists like Holly Humberstone and Taylor Swift, whilst enjoying the electronic soundscapes of Roisin Murphy and Maribou State (to name but a few). A vast range of genres depending on the day! Her music has been changing and evolving since the onset and her upcoming EP finds her sitting at an electro pop sound with meaningful and thought provoking lyrics.

Generally, when writing Dee finds herself gravitating towards the acoustic guitar as her instrument of choice:

 “There’s something about the ease of it, picking it up, putting it down and coming back to it when you are ready, which makes the songwriting process really enjoyable. The chords and the melody always come to me first, then the words will follow. It always seems to be that way for me. I let the tone decide what I’m going to write about”.

“I have learned that, some days, words and melodies flow easily without thought, other days it’s more of a struggle, and some days, nothing at all shows up.

But, that moment when a good idea does come is pure bliss. Sitting with it, allowing it to move and to flow, trying not to control it and observing all of the endless places that it could go.

It’s a nice feeling to be proud of something you have thought into existence and it’s a really nice feeling to know that others are connecting with it too.”

What’s next for Dee?

Navigating the live music sector is a top priority for her. It will be a new experience and a new set of challenges, but something that will be welcomed with open arms.

“These songs were written in solidarity so I’m looking forward to performing them to people who are there to listen.

In the coming year I would love to do some support slots for more established artists that I admire and I’m hoping to play a couple of festival slots next summer too.”

Sleep Tight is an electro wave pop song. Upbeat and catchy from start to finish, the dance floor hook of this track is the driving force of the song.

It talks about loss from a late-night perspective. How we keep remnants of memories alive in different ways during times of turmoil.

For some reason, hardship and loss can be more overpowering at night. Time can move slower, opening opportunities for our minds to run wild.

“It’s a universal theme, we all experience it in different ways and for different reasons.

Sleep Tight is my take on that. The way we let our minds wander to other places, when things are difficult.”

The verses tell the more intimate details of the story and a strong synth and drum kit feature throughout, making this track somewhat of a sad girl pop anthem!

Loose Ends is a 5 track EP which signifies a step-in Dee’s musical journey towards an electro wave pop sound.

The heart on sleeve lyrics that line each track explore the complex human emotions of love, heartbreak, attachment and vulnerability.

It offers a lens into her thoughts surrounding a period of transition and change.

Emotionally honest lyrics occupy each of the 5 tracks and are accompanied by electronic production which makes for a dramatic synth-pop experience for the listener.

Over the course of the EP, the listener is taken on a journey of highs and lows, often times with the verses telling us the more intimate details while the chorus sets the tone and the overall feeling.

Lyrical storytelling is at the heart of this EP so fans of Taylor Swift, Holly Humberstone and Maggie Rogers will connect with the emotionally intimate lyrics throughout.

It is an independently released body of work with sincerity at the heart of the project.

Demos written in solidarity over the course of a year were then developed in a studio setting, bringing us to the finished product.

“Meeting and learning from collaborators like Chris Bubenzer from The Playground has made the recording experience really enjoyable and I feel this EP is an honest representation of a particular period in my life. As the title suggests, it ties up all the Loose Ends and offers me room to move forward creatively with new ideas as I grow as an artist.”

Connect with Dee Fitz 

Instagram | Spotify

Cavan-based indie-folk singer-songwriter Elena Duff’s debut album ‘In the Wilderness’ has been brewing for the last number of years and is released on October 27th 2023.

‘In the Wilderness’ is a concoction of ‘dark and quirky’ songs produced with a slightly experimental edge, blending acoustic and electronic elements. These atmospheric and often hypnotic songs invite you to step into other worlds and lose yourself in stories of love, loss, folklore and never-heard-before tales.

Elena lived in Berlin for six years and this techno-loving city has also influenced song production on this album with the inclusion of electronic sounds together with acoustic folk vibes. The original acoustic arrangements were fleshed out with drone notes, vocal chops and synth sounds all of which weave their way in and out through many of the tracks.

A love of nature and folklore is evident within the lyrics and production. Birds chirp in vengeful forests. There are songs of stolen children, of mermaids, long-gone lovers and calls to embrace your inner-beast. Listeners are flown up to the moon, only to slowly fall back to earth as a falling star or to sail out to sea to the sound of waves, confident in starting a new life, only to sink to the bottom of the sea as a heart-broken shipwreck.

‘In the Wilderness’ is the result of one singer-songwriter having absolute complete and absolute creative control over their songs from beginning to final completion. This distillation of Elena’s creative ideas has formed songs which retain their original acoustic origins, but which also have their own unique characteristics and atmosphere.

In the Wilderness can be streamed on all the usual platforms from its release date on Friday the 27th of October.

The album can also be purchased as a digital download or physical CD from Elena’s Bandcamp.

https://elenaduff.bandcamp.com/