Our pick of the best releases by Irish bands and artists this month
The world may have changed pretty drastically over the last month, but now more than ever, we need music as a comfort blanket.
If you've worn out all your old favourites, maybe you're in the market for something new. If so, you're in luck: below are five new Irish songs we reckon will put a smile on your face and pep in your step (within a 2km radius, of course.)
1. BRIAN DEADY – 'Yellow Creek'
The title track of the Cork native's third album (out April 10th) is a slow-building beauty, with Deady's velvety voice leading the charge on a simple arrangement of guitar, bass and a chorus of voices. The album was recorded in one week in Memphis last year and is a real treat, so keep an eye out for it.
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2. BOKU – 'Vermillion'
You may have heard of Young Wonder, whose 2015 album 'Birth' was nominated for the Choice Prize. One half of that now-defunct Cork-based electropop duo was Ian Ring, who recently launched his electronic-based solo project, Boku (which means 'I'.) 'Vermillion' is his third single and we're loving its woozy dancefloor vibes.
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3. APRIL – 'New Conditions'
This 20-year-old Kildare musician is a new one to us, but we've fallen for her second single hook, line and sinker. April Lawlor's voice – which has hints of Sade and general vibe (you can hear the influence of acts like Solange in there) – has us champing at the bit to hear more.
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4. DANIEL BLUME – 'Catch Feelings'
This 21-year-old Dubliner has been touted by some as the next Calvin Harris. Big words, we know – but with accomplished tracks like this one already under his belt, you wouldn't bet against him. Blume has a background in classical musical but after hearing Martin Garrix's song 'Animals', he was lost to the world of electronic music. You'll be hearing this zippy little tune a lot this summer.
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5. AIMÉE -'What My Mamma Gave Me'
This Dublin pop musician who is influenced by Britney, Xtina et al is going for a definite Ariana Grande/Dua Lipa vibe with her punchy, empowering tunes - and there's nowt wrong with that. This song is one of the best on her newly-released debut EP 'Confession'.