Live Report: Dani Larkin on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series

Hailing from the Armagh-Monaghan border, folk artist Dani Larkin has been heralded as one of Ireland's finest songwriters. In addition to high-profile support slots for the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Lisa O'Neill and Joshua Burnside, she made a lauded appearance at this year's Folk Alliance International, and is set to play The Great Escape Online in May. Her highly anticipated debut album, Notes For A Maiden Warrior, is out June 18.

Gracing the Hot Press Instagram with her infectious presence last night (Wednesday, April 28), Larkin opened with her single 'Sampson & Goliath' and gave a shoutout to her niece, before playing 'Love Part Two'.

Wednesday was a big day for Larkin, with the release of 'The Red (Maca's Return)'. She played the stunning folk song live – an imagining of what it might be like if the Goddess of war and transformation were to come back today – for the first time ever.

Following a surprise call from her Mum, Larkin displayed some incredible guitar skills with her tune 'The Magpie'.

Check out the full performance below, and take a look at the rest of this week's exciting acts.

 

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Thursday, April 29: MEL MARYNS
Initially rising to prominence as a busker on St Patrick's Street in Cork and Grafton Street in Dublin, singer-songwriter, musician and producer Mel Maryns has emerged as a captivating talent – with a string of genre-blending singles that draw influence from the legendary likes of Guns N' Roses, Skid Row and Evanescence. She released her latest single, 'Butter Wings', earlier this month.

Friday, April 30: TANAKA X
After establishing himself as a serious force in alternative R&B back in 2018, with a high profile support slot for former JLS member Aston Merrygold, Tanaka X, aka Johnson Tanaka Furusa, stepped back into the spotlight with his debut single, 'Let You Know', last month. The 22-year-old rapper, singer-songwriter and producer – who was crowned the winner of NiStars Talent Competition in 2015, and Belfast Nashville Young Songwriters in 2017 – has built up a reputation as a multi-talented star-in-the-making.

Saturday, May 1: LUKE POWER
After high profile support slots for Picture This, Luke Power – the son of The Script's drummer Glen Power – took a three-year hiatus from the spotlight. Now he's back with an arsenal of new tracks ready to go. Bringing together elements of electronic music and radio-ready pop, he has emerged as a compelling solo artist, with the release of 'Penance', 'Drinks', 'Every Night' and 'Tell Me Lies' already this year.