Live Report: Lisa Murray on the Hot Press Y&E Series

On Saturday night, Lisa Murray performed her bold pop jams for the Y&E series from her London base.

The Meath native holds a degree in Music from Trinity College of Dublin and recently completed her Masters Degree in Music Production, Technology and Innovation at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music. While at Berklee, she studied under legendary sound engineer Sylvia Massy, who has worked with the likes of Aerosmith, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beastie Boys.

Murray showcased her technical skills by using her keyboard and Novation Launchpad to trigger sound clips, add reverbs, and create loops throughout her performance.

The singer/songwriter started her set with a little teaser - announcing that she would be debuting her newest single at the end of the night for those who tuned in. The first tune Murray performed was her debut single from last year, ‘The Kind of Girl’. Her knack for creating elaborate soundscapes was fully on show in the fizzy pop track about a powerful yet risky attraction.

The rising act then moved to her keyboard to perform a stirring piano cover of 'Teen Idol' by Marina and the Diamonds. Not only is Murray a master sound mixer, but an accomplished vocalist as well. The musician's enviable vocal range was on full display in this lament of wasted youth by the Greek-Welsh singer, one of Murray's all-time favourite artists.

Lisa remained at the piano for her next song, a scorching tune about being stuck in a frustrating relationship called 'Mouse or a Man'. In the song, the emotion-driven lyrics ask an imagined partner a set of tough questions: "Are you gonna make up your mind/Or is this a waste of my time/ Are you a mouse or a man.”

The singer then took us “back to the bop station” for her latest single, 'i unfollowed u'. Murray describes the bubbly pop jam as “a song all about the politics of following and unfollowing someone on social media and everything that goes into all that drama".

As promised, Murray ended her set with by debuting her newest single, 'If I Ever See You Again'. She encouraged listeners to keep their “eyes, ears and bananas peeled” for the new song that will be coming out in April.

The talented artist and producer ended her set by encouraging the audience to tune in for all of the Y&E sessions to come. We couldn't agree more!

Check out Lisa Murray's full performance:

 

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

Coming up on the Y&E Series...

Monday, March 28: Mia Yermeche
It’s been a busy year for the 19-year-old singer-songwriter, whose debut single was released while she was still working towards her Leaving Cert. Following an impressive appearance on The Big Deal – performing in front of a judges panel that included Boy George – her powerhouse vocals marked her as one of the standout acts of ‘A New Local Hero’. Produced by Chris Kabs, the Irishman behind JyellowL's 2020 D|Vision, recent track 'Butterflies' is a smooth R&B offering with crisp vocals and floating organ synths. Kabs got in touch after spotting one of Yermeche’s Instagram covers, and created the TEMO Universal, Dublin.

Tuesday, March 29: Cathal Murphy
Hailing from Camlough, Cathal has been raised on Irish traditional music – a passion passed down through his family from his great grandad. The Edinburg-based singer-songwriter blends soulful vocals with expressive song writing and uplifting guitar. As a member of award winning Northern Irish contemporary folk five-piece Cúig he's already toured extensively across Europe and the USA. He released his debut EP, I'm Writing to You, It Can Be Lonely and Beautiful at the Edges of Print, last June alongside a 20-minute visual. Lead single 'Frame' paved the way for the project's success.

Wednesday March 30: D. Cullen
The Dublin singer-songwriter gained attention in 2019 when his single 'Alright' made waves at radio and led to an acclaimed performance on The Late Late Show. He followed up in 2020 with a slew of equally addictive releases: The Rising Tide EP, 'Rainbow Weather'; 'Birch Street' and a festive collaboration with Sinead McConville, 'Christmas Ain't The Same (Miles & Miles Away)'. 2021 saw the release of psych-pop tune 'All The People', romance-twinged gem 'She Is A Song' and instant pop hit 'Heartline'. Cullen's melodies and soundscapes aim to bridge the gap between Elvis Costello, Tom Petty and Taylor Swift; as demonstrated on his most recent musical number 'Radio'.

Thursday March 31: Tara Nome Doyle
In April 2018, the Berlin-raised Norwegian/Irish musician's first single ‘Down With You’ was unveiled. It has since been streamed more than four million times, with her first EP Dandelion landing that same year to similar numbers and acclaim. Debut album Alchemy came in 2020, cementing Tara’s status as a star on the rise before 2022's hugely unique sophomore offering Værmin arrived. Previewed by captivating singles 'Snail I', 'Crow' and 'Caterpillar', the album landed via Modern Imprint. Catch her live this March at Doyles' Ruby Sessions.

Friday, April 1: Tommy Cullen
The former frontman with Dublin alt-rock band The False And The Fair, Tommy Cullen has been building up a strong following over the past year as a solo singer-songwriter. Having spent recent years writing and producing new music, in 2021, he showcased the versatility of his approach with a string of well-received singles, including 'Night Moves', 'Violet Rainbow', and 'In The Winter', featuring Amy Ellen.

Sunday, April 3: Chris Leonard
Born in Dublin and raised in Ballivor, Co.Meath, Chris Leonard's passion for music was first shaped by watching his father play in sessions with the likes of The Fureys, and Barney McKenna of The Dubliners. Chris initially rose to prominence on The X-Factor, as a member of the band Stereo Kicks, who ultimately reached the quarter finals of the show. He's now a solo artist – and following the release of 'Fix' last year, 2022 will see him travel to America to record his debut album.

Monday, April 4: Molly O'Mahony
Initially rising to prominence as one quarter of art-folk group Mongoose, the Ballydehob native has struck out on her own over lockdown – armed with a serious knack for intricate, intimate songwriting, and one of the most uniquely resonant voices in the country. Following two well-received singles, her crowd-funded debut solo album, The House Of David, is set to be released later this year. Back in January, O'Mahony was tipped as one of our 'Hot For 2022' Irish Acts.