Donegal-born singer-songwriter Rory & The Island has released his sun-soaked new single, ‘Playa Grande’, out now!
Written as a heartfelt tribute to the Canary Island that has become his family’s second home, ‘Playa Grande’ captures the joy, nostalgia, and resilience of Rory & The Island recent years—through warm, shimmering indie-pop tones.
The track was recorded at Channel 7 Studios, Lanzarote, and mixed by Grammy Award-winning producer Ruadhri Cushnan (Mumford & Sons, Ed Sheeran, Snow Patrol) at Camden Studios, Dublin.
Musically, ‘Playa Grande’ draws on the breezy storytelling of The Kinks, the rhythmic zest of The Gypsy Kings, and the raw honesty of Gerry Cinnamon, blending these influences into a track that feels tailor-made for sun-drenched evenings and beachside playlists.
His 2022 album, Centre Falls Apart, hit #8 on the Irish Indie Charts, earning Album of the Week from both RTÉ Radio and BBC Ulster, and led to a standout live appearance at the BBC Stage at Edinburgh Fringe.
Known for his early 2000s rise with Irish rock outfit The Revs, Rory has enjoyed a prolific solo career under the moniker Rory & The Island, earning eight iTunes Ireland Top 10 tracks, and viral hits like “Jimmy’s Winning Matches”—which became a national anthem during Donegal’s historic 2012 All-Ireland run.
Following a tumultuous few years that saw Rory’s family relocate from Lanzarote to Edinburgh to open a live music venue—only to be shut down by the pandemic—he found new success through Facebook Live shows, Zoom performances, and renewed touring.
In 2024, Rory and wife Cara Gallagher returned to Lanzarote, taking over the legendary venue The Irish Viking, which has since become one of the island’s most popular live music bars. Building on that success, they’re now launching a second venue, Rory’s Live Lounge, opening its doors in June 2025.
With over 3 million Spotify streams to date and a growing international fanbase, Rory’s journey is a story of perseverance, reinvention, and the enduring power of music—and ‘Playa Grande’ is its perfect soundtrack.
Catch Rory & The Island live five nights a week this summer at Rory’s Live Lounge in Puerto Del Carmen, and don’t miss adding ‘Playa Grande’ to your Summer 2025 playlist.
