Live Report: Aaron J opens up the 2023 Y&E Series

Dublin based Aaron J has been making quite the noise on the Irish music scene. Since kick starting his music career in 2018 as a contestant on Ireland’s Got Talent, the singer-songwriter has gone from strength to strength - racking up millions of views and streams across YouTube and Spotify.

Described as “an artist that makes you feel things”, Aaron J has mastered the act of balancing vulnerability with energy in his tracks. The pop artist expresses emotions through his music, as his lyrics range from the tribulations of heartbreak, to his own mental health struggles. Last night, in an intimate yet dynamic set live-streamed from his studio, Aaron J showcased 7 of his original songs.

The first track of the night was Aaron’s newest single, ‘Love me Again’, followed by another 2023 release, ‘Hearts Don’t Cry’. As the two opening tracks demonstrated the artist's vocal ability, Aaron J took a moment to mention the sentimentality of his work. For his third song of the evening, Aaron performed his debut single “Show Pain”; the refreshingly honest portrayal of mental health struggles which has garnered over 1.1 million streams on Spotify.

Next up came the catchy heartbreak anthem ‘Stay’, - which was admitted to having been completely freestyled in the studio - followed by pop-punk tracks ‘Paper Plane’ and ‘Without You’, before closing off with unreleased hit-to-be, ‘Bad Guy’.

A worthy opener to this year's Y&E Series, Aaron J’s expressive and vibrant music will headline Whelans on the 5th of November.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hot Press (@hotpressmagazine)

Watch the Hot Press Y&E Series – supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media – live on the Hot Press Instagram at 7pm each night.

Catch the following up-and-comers take over the Hot Press Instagram over the coming days….

Thursday October 12th: Darian June
The Cork-born singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist has been making serious waves in 2023, as one of the national finalists – and a regional winner – of the major A New Local Hero talent search. She's continued to expand her irresistibly soulful pop sound with the release of her latest single 'Temporary Lover'.

Friday October 13th: Paddy Keyes
After proving a massive hit at the A New Local Hero finale event in The Academy earlier this year, the Sligo-raised, Dublin-based singer-songwriter has gone from strength to strength – headlining The Workman's Club, earning prestigious spots on Spotify editorial playlists, making his festival debut at Otherside in Slane, and releasing a string of well-received singles, including 2023 summer hit, 'Serotonin'.

Saturday October 14th: Laura Jo
Following a hugely competitive public vote, this hotly tipped singer-songwriter was announced as the winner of the Wildcard Award at A New Local Hero 2023. Laura has already built up a remarkable career in music, touring at home and abroad, and performing as part of collaborative projects and as a solo artist. She released her lauded latest single, 'Bright Eyes', in June.