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'.
