Live Report: Amy Ellen's indie-rock vocals cast a spell on the Y&E Series

Since 2019, Amy Ellen has proved to be one of the most exciting artists of the growing Irish indie-rock/pop scene. With a unique style that is firmly rooted in traditional folk music, Ellen takes listeners on an emotional journey.

The Dublin-based artist began her set with 'In The Dark', the first of several singles from her 2021 EP Only You Will Know. The singer was joined for her set by songwriting partner Axel MacDonald, who played accompaniment on Ellen's father’s Dreadnought Takamine guitar.

"I feel super exposed but it's really great to get the opportunity to do these livestreams. I love doing these stripped back sets because we usually work with a whole band," Ellen remarked.

Her next song 'Days' draws inspiration from the aftermath of a breakup and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with it. The upbeat tune contrasts with the often sorrowful lyrics: Hard to see through the anger/I know we both felt betrayed/you moved on quicker than I'd hoped for/ But it was better this way.

Ellen and MacDonald's next song 'It’s Time' was the first song that they wrote together. During a snowstorm in 2018, the two musicians found themselves stuck inside and surrounded by all of their instruments.

Next, the duo went even further back in time by playing Ellen’s very first ever release 'My Heart'. The influences of Angie McMahon, Kurt Vile, and Fleetwood Mac have always been prominent in Ellen’s music.

The duo ended their performance by venturing into new musical territory with the song 'Daydreaming'. Before delivering the final tune, Ellen revealed that the new track is set for release very soon and that she had recently finished a photo shoot for the song. “You might be hearing this out in the world very soon,” Ellen teased.

 

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Coming up on the Y&E Series:

Friday, April 15: Abby Butler
Tipped as one of the our ‘Hot For 2022’ Irish Acts, Abby Butler has established herself as a serious one-to-watch. Hailing from West Limerick, the 23-year-old singer-songwriter was selected as Live 95’s winner for the ‘A New Local Her’ talent search last year. Inspired by the likes of Hozier and Wallis Bird, Abby released her latest single ‘Deja Vu’ in March.

Saturday, April 16: Ellen Arthur Blyth
Embracing classic influences like Billie Holiday and Peggy Lee, as well as the contemporary edge of Amy Winehouse and Lana Del Rey, Ellen Arthur Blyth has been tipped as a powerful emerging force on the homegrown scene. Following a stint in a nine-piece band, and a brief but lauded career in acting, the Dublin-born artist recently shared the title track from her highly anticipated debut studio album, Nine.

Sunday, April 17: Bradley Marshall
The Dublin-based singer-songwriter lands on the Y&E Series fresh from the release of his latest single, ‘Make Believe’. Having already garnered a major following on social media – including over 5.5 million likes on TikTok – he’s spent the last few months carefully honing his craft with some of the country’s top songwriters, and his latest single, ‘Make Believe’, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. Bradley is also set to join recent Y&E performer Lea Heart as the special guest at her headline shows at The Academy on April 19 & 20.

Monday, April 18: Xona
Xona has fast become one of the most hotly tipped forces in Irish music, following the release of his debut EP, In My Head, last year, via Welcome To the New World – a Berlin-based label that also represents Tolü Makay. After moving from Lagos to Ireland at the age of 10, he spent his teen years immersed in music, before emerging as a star in the Irish underground music scene, with a sound influenced by jazz, electronic, house, rock, classical and more.

Tuesday, April 19: Slaney
As well as being a hugely talented actress – who appeared in the hit series Normal People – Slaney has established herself as one of the most exciting emerging forces in Irish pop. After joining forces with producer Michael Hopkins, the Carlow artist has released a string of lauded dance-pop singles, which have earned coveted spots on Spotify editorial playlists like New Music Friday UK, New Pop UK, Irish Dance, Fresh Finds, Chilled Pop Hits, Fresh Finds Pop and A Breath of Fresh Eire. She’s also been snapped up by Paradigm Talent Agency for worldwide live representation.

Wednesday, April 20: Jesse June
Nigerian-Irish rising star Jesse June built up a reputation as a thrilling new force in Irish music, with 2021 singles 'Hide My Feelings' and 'Gotta Be Frank', following a string of Soundcloud releases. While we eagerly await his next release, he's also sharing his writings on his newly launched website, jessejune.com