‘Alive’ is the debut single from FĒNIX, released on 27th October 2022 on Aztec Records.
FĒNIX is the solo project of Carlow (Ireland) multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Darragh O’Connor. Describing his sound as “big beats and sexy synths”, FĒNIX leans heavily on synthwave and 80s vibes to create melody-driven alt-pop.
This year has been an exciting one so far for FĒNIX, introducing the project to eager live audiences with support slots for global synthwave heavyweights WolfClub and FM Attack, along with a headline slot on home turf on Carlow Arts Festival’s ‘Live & Local’ stage.
The release of his debut single ‘Alive’ is something of a new beginning for FĒNIX, as he explains: “With other musical projects coming to an end, I thought I’d have a dig through the countless drafts on my computer, and like most musicians I’ve got loads of unfinished and unreleased songs… I wrote some of them over 10 years ago! I’ve always preferred to remain in the background for bands and projects as I’ve got real imposter syndrome when it comes to my music. But coming out of the pandemic, I just decided to finally back myself and start putting my own music out there. I guess that’s where the name FĒNIX (phoenix) comes from… the idea of obtaining new life by rising from the ashes of a former self. With that in mind, I thought ‘Alive’ was a natural first track for this project. In some ways it’s a typical love song about how that someone special in your life makes you feel, but the production is quite uplifting… so I guess you could say it’s a bit of a romantic banger!”
To get ‘Alive’ over the line, FĒNIX turned to a familiar face in gold-certified producer Ross Fortune (Ed Sheeran, Burna Boy, A$AP Rocky, Ellie Goulding, Zara Larsson).
“I worked with Ross before when recording with Exiles, and we immediately clicked. He completely gets the sound I’m looking for, so I was really happy to be able to work with him again, especially knowing how in-demand he is. He really managed to squeeze that last few percent out of the song and I’m so happy with how it turned out.”
Having signed with UK-based Aztec Records, and with a string of singles, collaborations, and remixes on the horizon, FĒNIX is ready to rise and rise again.
FĒNIX debut single ‘Alive’ is released on 27th October on all streaming platforms via Aztec Records.
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