Author: Rafer Shaughnessy

We are all on a journey here on earth and during our lifetimes we will experience a whole gamut of emotions e.g. Joy, loss, grief, bereavement, hurt …When we are experiencing grief for example we think we are the only person on the planet going through this pain yet we will all experience this pain on our life’s journey and knowing this helps us to empathise and support one another it gives us humility. The slow river running through me is a reference to our spiritual power which we all have and in this is our strength. The song was recorded in Glastonbury, Somerset. Musicians featured include Charlie Hearnshaw on Saxophone and Dave Eestoe on guitar.

Marie is a singer/songwriter/poet based in Mount Bellew in Galway. Her father Brian Crehan was a well-known traditional singer and had a ceilidh band, so Marie absorbed traditional music as part of everyday Homelife. She spent some time in Somerset where she ran the Bombadil Folk Club and also Green Door Promotions.

Marie’s Lyrics are as important as the music in Marie’s songs, her work is characterised by her search for an accommodation between poetry and music. She is particularly engrossed in the process of transferring emotions from one art form to the other.

Soundcloud: Somewhere along this Road – Marie Crehan by Over the West Online Radio (soundcloud.com)

Instagram: Marie Crehan (@mariecrehanmusic) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook: Marie Crehan | Facebook

Georgia G is a 23 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. 

Before her Electric Picnic performance, her newest track ‘No Filter’ will be released on Friday July 5th. This track is a follow-up to her most recent single release, “PARASITE,” which was played on numerous radio stations nationwide, including RTE2fm, Today FM, Cork’s 96fm, and FM104 to name a few. Georgia G was also chosen as 2FM Grass roots artist of the week with her song PARASITE. Georgia G played the main room in WHELAN’S this March as part of international women’s day & also took part in ‘Whelan’s Ones To Watch’ in January, playing to a packed venue. 

Georgia G is Labelled as ‘Ones To Watch’ by many including the iconic venue Whelan’s, playing with an impeccable band including Jake Curran, Niall Horan’s guitarist and MD.

Being nominated for ‘Most promising of the year’ by Hot Press magazine music awards last year, Georgia G’s newest single ‘No Filter’ is out on 5th July. Recorded in Jealoustown Studios with Stuart Gray with her Band Jamie Burke on Guitar and Backing Vocals, Ben Cooper on Drums and Backing Vocals, Dara Aburhanam on Bass and Lauryn Gaffney on Keys and Backing Vocals. Starting with an all vocal acapella intro which is sure to draw you in from the start, this song oozes catchy melodies with a lot of tongue and cheek and has all live instruments with her band on backing vocals. It contains a lot of personality. With hints of U2 and Queen it’s bound to have you click replay.  

Instagram: Georgia G (@georgiagaffney) • Instagram photos and videos

YouTube: Georgia G – YouTube

Facebook: Georgia G | Facebook

Acclaimed Cavan band Marcus Magee and the Hollaw Men mark the launch of their impressive new album, Rising from the Hallow, with the release of their latest single, ‘We Are Young’. The single is an uplifting, feel-good alternative folk anthem that frontman Marcus Magee describes as ‘a message to self, a reminder to enjoy life, love, play, and stay young at heart no matter what age you are.’”

The launch follows a series of sold-out performances, including electrifying gigs at Dublin’s Sugar Club (see video) and the Big Top tent at Cavan Arts Festival. Fans eagerly await their upcoming main venue gig at Whelan’s on July 18th, with another headline show set for the Róisín Dubh in Galway on September 19th.

The band has been making waves since its formation just 18 months ago, after frontman Magee received an all-clear on his cancer diagnosis. Magee had an impressive bank of material he dreamed of performing and decided to bring together friends to put on what he thought might be a once-off concert experience. The gig in the Townhall Theatre in Cavan sold out within hours, and before long, a second night sold out. The gigs received rave reviews and propelled the band to consolidate, create new material, and embark upon making an album.

The result, Rising from the Hollaw, was recorded in Jam Studios in Kells and is a finely polished collection of original alternative folk & rock songs that is proving to be a hit with listeners. The album includes the spine-tingling track Mac Dee, which has received national radio play as well as considerable attention on streaming platforms. Featuring Colm Mac Con Iomaire on violin, the track is an ode to the lead singer’s deceased friend Mairead McDermott, who he says visited him in a dream to warn him about his own cancer diagnosis.

Magee went on to successfully navigate two immensely difficult years of successful treatment for stage 4 colon cancer. He is now in good health and living life to the full, with family life and music taking centre stage.

 “I’m not taking any of it for granted,” says the 41-year-old father of three, who recently achieved another major goal by returning to play for his local GAA team.

“It’s a huge privilege to be healthy and performing music with my wife Julie and good friends. The response has been mind-blowing. This is a project much bigger than me. I feel like we’re celebrating life and just having fun, and even though there are plenty of deep songs, we’re not taking it all too seriously. It’s a great buzz to get noticed and pack out the venues and all that, but really, the joy is in the playing and being able to share these songs with people. I’m very grateful for that”.

‘We Are Young’ from the debut album Rising from the Hallaw is now available across all major streaming platforms and on CD. Don’t miss Marcus Magee and the Hollaw Men live at Whelan’s on July 18th, the Healing Spirit Festival in Cavan on August 3rd, and the Róisín Dubh in Galway on September 19th.

Website: Home | Marcus Magee & The Hollaw Men

Instagram: Marcus Magee & The Hollaw Men (@marcusmageeandthehollawmen) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook: Marcus Magee & The Hollaw Men | Cavan | Facebook

YouTube: Marcus Magee & The Hollaw Men – YouTube

Dublin artist Callum Orr shares his blissed-out indie rock single ‘Floorboards’ today, the final release before his debut album The Trials of Knowing is out on Friday, 12th July . Orr’s album launch show is at the Workman’s Cellar on 20th July , and tickets are available here .

The sunny sound of ‘Floorboards’ is deceptive; Orr explains that the track explores “the feeling of emptiness when all the things I find meaning in—friendship, family, reading, exercise, meditation—cease working, and I’m left pulling up the metaphorical floorboards looking for more meaning and finding nothing there.”

Orr writes blunt and confessional folk songs with a strong sense of melody and intricate guitar arrangement. He played Ireland Music Week in 2019 and released the EP Cathy & Places in 2020 to strong critical reception, as well as a sold out Unitarian Church launch . It’s a sentimental set of folk songs with a shared concept of the relation of place to memory.

The lead single from Orr’s debut album, ‘Crushing Machine’ , was praised by The Last Mixed Tape as “a great sign of what’s to come in the debut album” and described as “gut-wrenching” on Hot Press . ‘Crushing Machine’ and Orr’s latest release, ‘As Long As I Have Time’ , have enjoyed airplay on RTÉ Radio 1 , Red FM , iRadio , 98FM , Radio Nova , Dublin City FM , and numerous other stations across the country.

The Trials of Knowing , co-produced by Orr and Ailbhe Reddy , was recorded between Asta Kalapa studios in Wexford, Orr’s home in Dublin 7, and various other spaces in Dublin. The album follows Orr’s journey from the darkness of nihilism into the light of love and life’s innumerable joys—however fleeting that life may be.

Track Listing

1. Prop
2. Floorboards
3. Crushing Machine
4. Dust
5. Homesick
6. The One Who Does Everything Slow
7. As Long As I Have Time
8. Hello Marianne
9. Keeping Faith
10. God’s Breath

Album stream available upon request.

Callum Orr (@callvm.orr) • Instagram photos and videos

Music | Callum Orr (bandcamp.com)

Callum Orr – YouTube

ALL TOGETHER NOW

August Bank Holiday Weekend 1 – 4 Aug 2024

Curraghmore Estate, Co. Waterford

*** STAGE BREAKDOWNS ***

ATN MAIN STAGE // SOMETHING KIND OF WONDERFUL // ARCADIA ‘THE BUG’

BELONGING BANDSTAND // LOVELY DAYS with GUINNESS

IMMERSE with AVA & SMIRNOFF // THE CIRCLE with JAMESON

LINK TO IMAGES FOR EACH STAGE BREAKDOWN 

** NEW ADDITIONS **

* 1 MONTH TO GO *

ATN23 HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO 

With just one month to go until the much-anticipated 5th chapter of All Together Now, we’re thrilled to announce the stage breakdowns for this year’s festival. With an array of stages and genres, there’s something to suit every festival goer. This year’s lineup is packed with fresh talent, returning favorites, and a few surprises!

WATCH GLASTONBURY THIS WEEKEND TO SEE THE ARTISTS COMING TO ATN 

To get a taste of what’s to come, tune into Glastonbury this weekend and whet your appetite for the incredible artists set to perform at ATN. The National // Confidence Man // NewDad // The Mary Wallopers // Barry Can’t Swim // Declan McKenna // Hot Chip (DJ Set) // Or:la

NEW ADDITIONS: 

Hot Chip (DJ Set) // Kabin Crew & Lisdoonvarna Crew // Jenny Greene // Oisin Leech //  David Kitt  // Niamh Bury // Niamh Regan // Conchúr White // Ellie O’Neill // Ana Palindrome // The Raines // Chris Wong // Anamoe Drive // Lorraine Nash // The White Horse Guitar Club  // Sammy Copley // Rachel Mae Hannon //  Banrion Bug // Taylor Byrne // Anna Leah // Iona // David San Clair  // Gary O’Neill // Jiggy // Jukebox Gypsy // Elikya // This Is How We Fly // Molly O’Mahony // Will Softly // The Breath // Zaska // Bog Bodies // Royal Inity // Zoe Basha // Yankari Afrobeat Collective // Trá Pháidín // Niall McCabe // Donal Dinneen // Boola Boom // Craic’d Ceilí // The Ocelots

LOVELY DAYS STAGE with GUINNESS

Following its debut last year, the Guinness Lovely Days Stage returns to All Together Now. It has quickly become a festival favourite thanks to its immersive and multisensory design, created by Kev Freeney and Jordan Ralph, which is built with the beauty of Curraghmore’s natural, tree-lined backdrop in mind. The artists headlining the stage this year include legendary synthpop band Hot Chip who will be performing a DJ set. They are joined by Australian indie electro-pop outfit Confidence Man and high-profile electronic duo Gorgon City. LEARN MORE

HIDDEN SOUNDS with DINGLE GIN 

Tucked away in the woods, the Hidden Sounds with Dingle Gin stage makes its debut at All Together Now this year. This stage will feature intimate performances from some of Ireland’s best artists in a magical, secluded setting. The lineup welcomes sounds from Oisín Leech, David Kitt, Niamh Bury, Niamh Regan & more, alongside special guests across the weekend.

Niall O’Connor – Marketing Manager, Dingle Gin said: 

“We are incredibly excited to bring Hidden Sounds with Dingle Gin to All Together Now for 2024. Dingle Gin has been a partner of the festival since 2019, and this year we are so excited to collaborate on a new intimate stage experience in the woods. We have a fantastic line-up of artists performing across the weekend that perfectly aligns to our commitment to partner with carefully-honed talent and deliver further unforgettable experiences on the back of previous collaborations like Other Voices and Dingle Unplugged which proudly brings together established and emerging talent.”

IMMERSE by AVA & Smirnoff  

We are excited to announce the debut of IMMERSE, a newly constructed environment created by AVA in partnership with Smirnoff & Visual Spectrum Studio. Set to premiere at ATN24, IMMERSE will be nestled in a serene clearing at the top of the festival’s lush woodland area and promises an innovative shared experience for audiences of all ages, through a specially commissioned 360 audio-visual-arts experience. The lineup of electronic DJs this year is an exciting blend of renowned international artists such as Ben UFO, Pretty Girl and Sam Alfred, and top Irish talents including Or:la, Mano le Tough and Cormac. LEARN MORE

GLOBAL ROOTS 

Tucked away deep in the forest, the stunningly handcrafted green build Global Roots stage returns this year, embodying the concept of working with nature & celebrating the art of creativity & culture. It will play host to a range of genres, with everything from trad, to afrobeat to folk on the bill this year. Some of the artists featuring on the lineup include Susan O’Neill, The Breath, Yankari Afrobeat Collective & more! LEARN MORE

** ALL TOGETHER NOW 2024 TICKETS **

TIER 4 WEEKEND TICKETS ON SALE NOW

General Tickets:

A General camping ticket allows access to All Together Now 2024, priced from;

Tier 1 – €199  (SOLD OUT)

Tier 2 – €215  (SOLD OUT)

Tier 3 – €235  (SOLD OUT)

Tier 4 – €249 (ON SALE NOW)

Instalment Plan with Klarna:

Buy Now, Pay Later with Klarna. Pay in 3 interest-free installments with Klarna. €86.50 per payment. Available on the Ticketmaster payment page.

Family Tickets:

A Family Weekend ticket allows access for 1 adult & up to 2 children aged 12 and under into the festival and designated Family Campsite. Priced from

Tier 1 – €199  (SOLD OUT)

Tier 2 – €215  (SOLD OUT)

Tier 3 – €235  (SOLD OUT)

Tier 4 – €249 (ON SALE NOW)

Early Entry:

We are pleased to announce that early entry on Thursday, August 1st will now be available to all festival ticket holders.

All Together Now is strictly over 21s | Subject to licence 

Acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Edel Meade announces the release of her poignant new single, ‘For Sinéad,’ to mark the anniversary of O’Connor’s untimely passing.

A Tribute to an Icon

‘For Sinéad’ is a lyrical homage to the iconic Sinéad O’Connor, whose indomitable spirit and powerful voice left an indelible mark on the world. The song captures the essence of O’Connor’s courage, strength, and enduring influence in Ireland and across the globe. This heartfelt tribute marks Meade’s first release since her celebrated album ‘Brigids and Patricias’ in 2021.

Meade reflects on the inspiration behind the song, saying, “Sinéad O’Connor was a trailblazer, a true warrior woman who wasn’t afraid to speak her truth. ‘For Sinéad’ is my way of honouring her legacy and expressing the deep gratitude felt by Mná na hÉireann (women of Ireland) and beyond.”

This release marks a new chapter in Meade’s artistic journey following on from her ‘Brigids and Patricias’ album which explored what it means to be a woman in Ireland today. ‘For Sinéad’ continues this narrative, shining a light on the profound impact of Sinéad O’Connor’s life and work.

‘For Sinéad’ will be available on all major streaming platforms from 26^th July 2024.

“Seeds grow, seeds scatter, winds blow, words matter!

Seeds grow, seeds scatter, winds blow, actions matter!”

 For Sinéad. By Edel Meade

• Instagram: @edelmeade
• Twitter: @edelmeade
• Facebook: facebook.com/edelmeade

Letterbox Kid is the artistic project of 24-year-old Irish singer-songwriter, producer & rapper, Isaac O’Sullivan. The Letterbox Kid project elegantly blends a wide array of genres such as Hip-Hop, R&B & Soul to create an astoundingly unique and melodic sound. After press & playlist success on ‘Let The Forecast Be White Please’, ‘Rainbow Song’ ventured further still into this common-ground world of weather to extend this metaphor in classic yet experimental Hip-Hop fashion.

‘Stormy Daniels’, the third and final single from the Letterbox Kid’s upcoming project ‘Let’s Talk About The Weather’, releases on June  28th with an accompanying Paris-shot music video featuring Irish Pop-Star, Darian June. Starring both Darian June & the Letterbox Kid himself, this fly-on-the-wall type film will make sure to put a smile on your face. Self-made, self-directed, self-edited.

With that, and Isaac’s first release as the Letterbox Kid back in 2021, the Letterbox Kid project has never stopped growing and evolving, both sonically and thematically. From selling CDs from his school bag to supporting the likes of Paul Noonan and Daithi, Isaac has always made music for the right reasons; for personal growth and understanding, for sharing in expression, for fun.

The Letterbox Kid project, now with several successful singles behind it, being prolific in 2023 with six new releases under its belt, is ready to capitalise on 2024 this Summer with its first release of the year in Stormy Daniels, and the project’s debut full-length music video to go with it.

Stormy Daniels as a single is an absurdly ambitious Pop-Rap song with a stomping kick & bass as well as a ridiculously lush accompanying instrumental, with sizzling synths and stunning vocals from Corks’ very own Charli XCX, Darian June. With Isaac taking the lead on production, Tyler The Creator’s IGOR can be heard twisting in & out of earshot while the song still takes the time to demonstrate the Letterbox Kids trademark vocal swag as well as his unique writing style & flair. Stormy Daniels is both nostalgic & sweet as well as unique & ear-catching, with beautiful melodies swinging recklessly then delicately from all angles.

Letterbox Kid (@letterboxkid) • Instagram photos and videos

Letterbox Kid (@letterboxkid) | TikTok

Letterbox Kid | Facebook

A very strong contender for Song of the Summer, ‘OH HONEY! from Chubby Cat is an infectious earmworm, and one of her strongest pop songs to date. The track has landed on Spotify New Music Friday this morning, and is already one of the 2FM Tracks Of The Week from today.

Chubby Cat recently played 3 showcases at The Great Escape, made waves at Primavera Pro and Forbidden Fruit and has a busy summer of festivals both here and the UK over the next couple of months including Brighton Pride, All Points East, Stendhall Festival, Boardmasters and Electric Picnic. Needless to say, it’s going to be a busy few months for this exciting Irish rising star of alt electropop.

Stamped with an individuality and high style of her own, Chubby Cat has had a busy year.  Named as one of the 2FM Rising Acts for 2024, and having ‘Big Dog Barking’ nominated for a RTE Choice Prize Song Of The Year, Chubby Cat has hit the ground running in 2024. She recently represented Ireland at ESNS Eurosonic in the Netherlands, The Great Escape in Brighton and Primavera Pro in Barcelona, as well as winning the coveted ‘Best Artist’ at Ireland Music Week. Chubby Cat was named by District Magazine as one of the ‘Future of Irish Music’ acts for 2024, and has just been named one of the Gay Times Breakthrough Artists of the Year for 2024.

The Cork via Dublin via London and now based in Belfast pop artist is doing it on her own terms to astonishing effect. Her vocals are second to none and musically she experiments with new styles accruing a hardcore fan base everywhere she goes.

She’s already been making waves in Ireland with her earlier singles, Big Dog Barking, 21st Century Panic Attack, 100 miles an hour, & QUIET picking up support at Irish Radio, blogs and assorted DSP’s including Spotify’s New Music Friday, Fresh Finds, GLOW, UK & IE: Fresh Finds & New Pop UK .

Single ‘Big Dog Barking’ was nominated for a RTE Choice Prize as one of their ‘Irish Songs Of The Year’.

Several of Chubby Cats previous releases have been made ‘Track of the Week’ on Spin South West, 2FM, and received significant play on 2FM, Today FM and a host of other regional stations.

CHUBBY CAT (@chubbycatmusic) • Instagram photos and videos

Chubby Cat | Facebook

Chubby Cat (she/her) (@chubbycatmusic) / X

Chubby Cat – YouTube

Callas’ EP will have three tracks: “Days”, “Sunlight”, and “Porous.” To be released July 26th, 2024.

Comprised of seasoned musicians Dom Murphy (vocals, guitars), Cormac Shanely (bass), Ruairi Lynch (production, guitar) and Evan Prendergast (Drums). Callas brings together former members of the acclaimed post-rock group ‘Ealadha’ and producer Ruairi Lynch from ‘Bantum’ driven by a collective desire to push the boundaries of heavy and experimental music.
Callas recently released their mind bending single, the EP title track ‘Days,’ accompanied by a visually striking music video created and directed by Aodhagan O Riabhaigh.

Hailing from Cork, Ireland, Callas crafts an ambient soundscape that’s both heavy and otherworldly on their new EP, ‘Days.’ This release embodies a dreamlike quality, featuring textures that fuse a diverse array of influences. It’s a masterful juxtaposition of light and dark, exploring profound themes such as loss, death, despair, rebirth, and the transcendental forces of nature through its lyrical content.

Throughout the track list there’s a cathartic journey filled with moments of melancholy, hope, and a profound sense of time designed to take listeners on a transcendental experience. Callas consistently aims to capture those chilling, spine-tingling moments, creating sounds that seem as if they emanate from another planet, making ‘Days’ not only catchy but deeply immersive throughout.

Watch ‘Days’ (official music video): https://youtu.be/2aNI2eFFwGc?si=EMEmzDob9GsI5LR1

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/callasband
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/callasband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callasband
X: https://www.twitter.com/callasband

Step into the electrifying world of F3miii where the intoxicating blend of love and addiction meets groundbreaking electronic beats.

Alternative artist F3miii returns with his latest single, “BAD 4 MY HEALTH“, poised to captivate both fans and critics with its electro-rage beat. Building on the success of his previous hit “LOSTWITHOUTMARIA,” which racked up nearly 1 million streams on Spotify and features on over 20 editorial playlists (Our Generation, Indie Dancefloor, Anti Pop, Soiree, summer songs and Fresh Finds) F3miii is back with a song that explores the fine line between love and addiction.

“BAD 4 MY HEALTH” delves into the intoxicating and often destructive nature of love, drawing a parallel to the grip of addiction. F3miii masterfully blends an upbeat rhythm with haunting, destructive vocals, creating a sound that’s both unique and deeply resonant. Taking inspiration from artists like Lancey Foux, Sam Gellaitry, and Playboi Carti, F3miii steps out of his comfort zone to deliver an instrumental that’s as daring as it is true to his signature style.

With lyrical contributions from the talented Namakau and co-production from Osquello, “BAD 4 MY HEALTH” transports listeners into a world where the highs and lows of love mirror the effects of addiction. The track’s universal theme allows listeners to apply its message to various aspects of their lives.

F3miii’s innovative approach and distinct sound have already made waves in the electronic music scene, and “BAD 4 MY HEALTH” is poised to further cement his status as a rising star while maintaining his independent status and honing his signature sound in the process.

Adding to the excitement, F3miii has announced a tour across Ireland and the UK and he will be bringing his electrifying live performances to fans this Autumn. F3miii will also host a co-headline gig with Chameleon at the Hootananny Brixton on 11th July.

Raised on a diet of RnB and gospel, F3miii’s career has risen quickly through the ranks of the Irish music scene; putting on some electric live shows and collaborating with lauded acts including KhakiKid, Jafaris, Hare Squead and Monjola. In a short period of time, the rising artist has already conquered two headline shows in London and Dublin respectively, an Irish Music Week showcasing, a supporting slot for Kiana Lede and Forbidden Fruit festival.

pronounced “Femi”🧸 (@f3miii) • Instagram photos and videos

f3miii – YouTube

TikTok – Make Your Day

Meath based singer-songwriter Nigel Connell to release new single “Life to Begin” on June 28th, 2024.

“Life to Begin” is a very personal journey for Connell in uncertain times. It takes place just after COVID-19 lockdowns concluded and allowed us a taste of freedom.

People were still very hesitant about the future and moving back to society. Being a musician all his life, Nigel Connell and his colleagues were being asked to choose a new path, but this is not what they wanted.

People in the music industry were unsure if bars and venues would ever open or ever be the same again. In line taken from the song, Nigel refers to gigs being open and then being closed or even closed forever: “here they come, here they go, will it ever come back baby I don’t know, I don’t know.”

Another line  refers to the world starting again for everyone but the arts, “The wheel of life is still spinning around, but not for us, not for us.”

Nigel Connell is a talented singer and songwriter from Meath, Ireland. His musical journey began at the age of 15, influenced by his parents’ band. Over the years, he has achieved significant milestones in his career. Notably, he was once the drummer for Daniel O’Donnell and played the lead role in “Irish the Musical.” Nigel also released his album titled “Nothing Left to Say.” In 2016, he made a big impact by becoming a finalist of The Voice of Ireland in 2016.

His vocal abilities are versatile, allowing him to perform classical music with an orchestra, rock the stage with a band, and excel in country music as both drums and vocals.

Nigel Connell’s powerful voice and unique approach to music makes him a standout artist, carving his own path in the industry.

www.nigelconnell.com

https://www.instagram.com/nigelconnellmusic?igsh=MTRxbmR6aWNrZ3RhaQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Kez to release new single “Better Off” on June 27th, 2024, with concerts scheduled for the August bank holiday weekend at the All Together Now and Eats and Beats festivals.

Tipped by BBC’s Phil Taggart as “one of Ireland’s next important voices“, London born Dublin raised artist Kez returns to Ireland from New York, bolder and more confident in her sound.

Kez’s new song, “Better Off,” co-produced by Brian Dillon (The Line, Meltybrains) and Kez, is the quintessential summer breakup anthem, infused with driving Krautrock-esque drums, gritty basslines, and a powerhouse vocal performance that channels the spirit of Florence & the Machine with the foot tapping edge of Blondie.

Speaking about the track, Kez says “Better Off is a summer banger for all the heartbreak kids. I want people to put this song on in their car, roll down the windows, and sing it out loud. Breakups are all about ambiguity – would I be better off with or without them? Do I want them? Am I the asshole? There’s an affirmation in this song.”

Reflecting on her journey, Kez adds, “I wrote this song two years ago but took a detour working in climate advocacy in New York. Music kept calling to me, even in the midst of office life. I always ebb and flow between the two really. It’s hard to sustain myself making music and the climate is in a pretty fucked up state, so I’m constantly trying to balance things. I returned to Ireland in March to start recording and writing again and it feels great. This release feels like coming home.”

With performances across prestigious festivals in Ireland and gigs spanning New York, California, and Dublin, Kez has been building a diverse and loyal following. Mentored by Grammy Award-winning producer Albhy Galuten, she’s poised to make 2024 her breakout year, with more music set to drop in the coming months.

Stay tuned and catch Kez live this summer – her shows promise to be an experience you won’t want to miss.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.e.z