Electric Picnic Home Truths: Orla Gartland, Kojaque, Sorcha Richardson and more

Culture
24 Aug 22

Orla Gartland

The gifted artists shaking up the domestic scene.

Amy Michelle

Combining the devastatingly raw introspection of Phoebe Bridgers with the dark pop edge of Billie Eilish, Amy already released a string of singles last year before her debut EP, is that all there is?, landed on March 25. Having signed to UK label Method Records, the Mullingar talent is retaining creative control over her work as a bedroom pop artist with diaristic lyrics. The former BIMM student’s influences range from Led Zeppelin to Clairo.

Amy Michelle.

Kojaque

Co-founder of independent label Soft Boy Records, Dubliner Kojaque mixes sampling and jazz beats with dynamic, poetic lyrics, showcasing life in the capital. An established filmmaker and visual artist as well as a musician, Kojaque’s hip-hop projects are brutal, honest, and beautiful. Having shared his powerful debut album Town’s Dead in 2021 after his Deli Daydreams EP in 2018 broke new ground, he’s hitting new heights in London.

Kojaque at Forbidden Fruit 2022. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Lucy Blue

The Dublin singer-songwriter/producer dropped out of Ballyfermot College of Further Education when she was 17 to pursue music, signing with Promised Land Recordings (of Columbia Records). Lucy released debut single ‘See You Later’ last year before dropping her first EP FISHBOWL in June 2021 and follow-up project Suburban Hollywood in January this year. Frank Ocean was a core influence for the indie rising star in her formative years.

Lucy Blue.

Sorcha Richardson

First Prize Bravery, the musician’s 2019 debut album, was released to critical acclaim. Written about her experiences of young adulthood, the album garnered a Choice Music Prize nomination. Having been compared to Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus and Phoebe Bridgers (a magic indie trio), the Dubliner’s sophomore album Smiling Like An Idiot is due to land this September ahead of her 3Olympia Theatre headline gig in October.

Sorcha Richardson by Molly Keane.

Just Wondering

Wale Akande, Jack O’Shaughnessy and Adam Redmond emerged in November 2020 with debut single ‘Drive’. Their style melds modern synth-pop melodies, soul vibes, guitar licks, electronic textures and processed vocals. If you haven’t heard recent gem ‘idk, maybe’, you’re missing out. Just Wondering also featured on the Conversations With Friends soundtrack after the release of their 7-track mixtape Float Over.

Just Wondering (pictured).

Orla Gartland

The producer and singer-songwriter has reached a whole new audience of late after her tune ‘Why Am I Like This?’ was featured in Netflix teen drama Heartstopper. Gartland moved to London six years ago to pursue the independent route and has since unveiled multiple EPs, as well as her indie-pop-fuelled debut album Woman On The Internet. A touring musician for Dodie, is there anything the Dublin native can’t do? Her fanbase says no.