Following the release of his debut solo single Empathy Primates, Irish musician JP O’Duill will unveil his first full-length album Nótaí on June 6th—a collection of songs that explore the nuances of the human condition with honesty, irony, and a quiet sense of hope.
Built on a foundation of thoughtful lyrics and unconventional yet inviting melodies, Nótaí doesn’t shy away from complexity. It looks at what it means to try and live a good life—what it takes to stay on a righteous path, and what happens when we fall short. Through stories, snapshots, and metaphor, the album meanders through moments of love, loss, and the strange joy of self-reflection. There’s no bitterness here, only a kind of gentle questioning—of the world, and often, of the self.
Sonically, the record moves between folk, punk, and avant-pop with an instinctive ease. It’s musically curious, rich with unusual chord structures and melodies that balance experimentation with accessibility. The result is a sound that feels distinctly JP O’Duill—grounded in Irish folk traditions, but not bound by them.
Recorded between Darklands Audio and Sonic Studios in Dublin, Nótaí features contributions from Tim Doyle (Concertina), Dan Doherty & Dylan Lynch (Drums), Adam O’Regan (Synth) & Angus MacAmhlaigh (cello), with O’Duill co-producing the record himself. While it draws influence from his surroundings in Dublin and Bray, its themes stretch further—touching on the universal with warmth, wit, and a sense of amused humility.
“I like the phrase, ‘We are halfway between the atom and the universe,’” says O’Duill, reflecting the album’s tone—introspective, compassionate, and often surprising in its perspective. Whether it’s tackling existential doubts or simply observing the day-to-day with a knowing eye, Nótaí feels like the work of an artist not just searching for meaning, but finding it in unexpected places.
Empathy Primates, the first single from the album, offered an early glimpse into this world—highlighting O’Duill’s talent for turning intricate ideas into inviting, emotionally resonant songs. With Nótaí, that vision comes into full view.
Nótaí is out on all platforms June 6th.