Steo Wall – My People
“Your rich history is written on every stone in every town.”
Dublin troubadour Steo Wall pays tribute to the travelling folk musicians who came before him through the generations.
It’s a powerful song that wears its heart on its sleeve and is enhanced by the priceless archive footage in the video, directed by Alex Gill.
Nick says: Build that Wall.
Pete Kavanagh – To Hold The Red Rose
In bloom.
Kildare songwriter Pete Kavanagh channels personal grief on his new album Join Up The Dots.
The single To Hold The Red Rose has a rootsy feel and is accompanied by a graceful video of MN Dance Company which is edited by Pete’s wife Pamela.
Nick says: Heavy petal.
Lilla Vargen – Love You Twice
Breaking up is hard to do.
But there’s always Lilla Vargen (top) to make things better. The Ballymena [County Antrim] songstress delivers a haunting meditation on lost love that will stop you in its tracks.
The song has already garnered over 3 million streams online.
Nick says: LV forever.
Leah Sohotra – Mountain Song
Something special this way comes.
Originally from Vermont but now based in Bantry, County Cork, Leah Sohotra (top) is a refreshing new face on the folk scene.
With echoes of old-time Appalachian sounds, the golden-voiced Leah is carrying on a noble tradition.
Her album Breaded Crickets is out now and the technical marvel that is the stop motion video is directed by Bianca Stone.
Nick says: Go tell it on the mountain.
Ailbhe Reddy – Looking Happy
Are you Reddy to be heartbroken?
Dublin singer/songwriter Ailbhe Reddy (top) warns against looking up your ex online after the split in this cracking tune from her forthcoming album Personal History, due next month.
The video is directed by Ciaran O’Brien and Ailbhe.
Ailbhe says:
“The song is all about watching someone’s life from afar post-break-up. We should all know by now that what people present online is a shiny, happy version of events but sometimes it’s impossible to have that logic when you’re hurting.
“Most people have probably ended up scrolling through the online profile of an ex and feeling like their life is full of fun parties and holidays, because that’s all people show of their life online.”
Nick says: Break up, log off, move on.
The Riptide Movement – Fall A Little More In Love
“In the flat above the Turkish barbers…”
Dublin four-piece The Riptide Movement (top) crank out an urgent, energetic new single with a brilliant video to boot.
Singer Malachy Tuohy (centre) is in fine form here with lyrics that cut straight to the chase.
Nick says: All the world loves lovers.
Hudson Taylor – Where Did It All Go Wrong?
A band of brothers.
Siblings Alfie (top right) and Harry Hudson-Taylor (top left) release another single from their No.1 album Loving Everywhere I Go on the Rubyworks label.
Neat lyric video too.
Nick says: Taylor made.
Protobaby – Twisted Words
Up, up and away.
Limerick hopefuls Protobaby (top) reach the heights with the title track from their new album thanks to Colm McGuinness’s stately baritone and Tony Monahan’s sterling guitar wizardry.
Dominic Kosicki‘s video was shot in Limerick Dock.
The album is out on vinyl and at bandcamp.
Nick says: Baby love.
Denise Chaila – Holy Grail
She’s back.
Denise (top) is the highest charting female Irish artist of 2020 and this is the latest single from her forthcoming album Go Bravely.
The slick promo is by Stephen Hall and Outsider YP.
Denise says:
“Holy Grail is a celebration. For everyone who still wants to make their inner child proud. For glow in the dark stars that become constellations, lip syncing at little break that became bigger stages, and everyone who still remembers what they wanted to be when they grew up.”
Nick says: Go Denise!
Bronagh Gallagher – Truth Or Dare
She’s got soul.
Acclaimed actress and singer Bronagh Gallagher (top) is back with a rousing soul number co-written and co-produced by former Eurythmics maestro Dave Stewart and features Lucius singers Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig on backing vocals.
The single is released on Bronagh’s own Salty Dog label and the video is by Matt Deery.
Nick says: Nothing but the Truth.
