Last night, Hot Press welcomed the Cork singer-songwriter, producer and multi- instrumentalist Darian June to the Y&E Series. Darian was the Red FM 'local hero' and representative on the final might of A New Local Hero earlier this year – and she impressed the judges hugely, in what was a night of true musical excellence at the Academy, Dublin.

Performing live from Paris, where she is currently recording and writing new music, Darian put on a remarkable show, filled with her unique blend of electro-pop and R&B.

She opened with ‘Pretty and Quiet’, a song that expresses frustration with being a woman in today’s world. The lyrics analyse the constant pressure that is put on women to live up to the unrealistic standards set by society. Next up came ‘Love Ain’t as Cool’, which Darian described as a “funkier” version of the single which she released last year.

Next up, Darian played ‘Grocery Store’ and an acoustic version of her latest single ‘Temporary Lover'. She remarked that recording the song allowed her to get a lot of emotions off her chest – in it she shares her personal experience with the modern dating world and the seemingly impermanent nature of modern romantic relationships.

To finish up the “cosy and chill gig”, Darian June played a song which she wrote a couple of years ago – linking back to her songwriting roots. The intriguing ‘Wish You Hell’ is currently unreleased but she did raise the possibility of it becoming a single if viewers were keen on it. It met with a thumbs up in this side if the screen!

AS did the entire gig. The heartfelt vocals, and infectious smile, of the young pop star from Cork made the livestream a pleasure to watch. Hats off to Darian June...

 

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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…

Friday October 13th: Paddy Keyes
After providing a massive hit at 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.

Sunday 15th: Dave Lofts
As a solo artist, Lofts has shared the stage with the likes of Damien Dempsey and Paddy Casey, captivating audiences with his husky, heartfelt vocals. His approach has recently been elevated by the magical backing of S.A.N.D - with the collective offering an enrapturing, homegrown sound. Ahead of their debut album, the five-piece Waterford indie band recently shared their first single, ‘Tell Me.’