Combining vibrant elements of blues and folk with a pop sensibility, Cork singer-songwriter Meghan Ali has captivated an ever-growing audience in Ireland, with her stunning singles. Following the success of 'Mystic Forest', released earlier this year, she returned this week with 'Whiskey Neat' – which explores the pressure and anxiety of living in a world in which we are expected to be switched on 24/7.

Kicking off her wholesome set with a gorgeous cover of Colbie Calliat's 2009 hit 'Bubbly', Meghan Ali is offering her audience a performance in a cosy cabin to bring that extra sense of warmth to the fore. We're big fans of the ambience, already. Next up comes an original track, 'Dancing Like Dandelions', written as a combination of Ali's love for the plant and the experiences of heartbreak and breakups that her close friend went through. It makes for a beautiful track, with Meghan's luscious vocal talent shining through.

The track will appear on the singer-songwriter's forthcoming album Judgement Day - though no release date for the LP was given away by Meghan in her Y&E Series livestream. Offering a rendition of her new single 'Whiskey Neat', Ali noted that she misses the input of callan on vocals, but her raw vocals made up for his absence. A unique cover of The Pogues' 'A Rainy Night in Soho' followed, before Meghan sings the haunting 'Far Off Shores' as a testament to her late grandad.

Written with her brother Aaron, 'Far Off Shores' reminds Ali of when he used to collect her from school and offer up M&Ms whenever she'd sing for him. Dedicated to the Murphy family, the three-year-old track remains as poignant as ever.

Concluding with a track as Gaeilge, 'Home', Meghan Ali really knows how to tug at the heartstrings of those in Ireland and the diaspora abroad. Keep your eyes peeled for Judgement Day, it's sure to be a winner.

Check out the full Y&E Series performance from Meghan Ali below:

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Watch Megan O'Neill on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' The Y&E Series, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, TONIGHT – Friday, May 7 – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7.30pm.

Following the release of her lauded second studio album, Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty, earlier this year, Megan O'Neill continues to establish herself as one of Ireland's most compellingly original artists. The album follows 2018's Ghost of You, which hit No.1 on the iTunes singer-songwriter charts in the UK and Ireland, as well as two acclaimed EPs, Coming Home (2015) and Stories to Tell (2017). To celebrate the success of Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty, she has announced a tour of Ireland and the UK for later this year.

Saturday, May 8: ETAOIN
With the release of her highly anticipated Bedroom Walls EP on April 30, Etaoin has emerged as one of the most captivating new forces in Irish music. Her powerful combination of irresistible pop and raw lyrical honesty have helped her to garner an ever-growing fanbase online – with nearly 600,000 Spotify streams on her latest tracks.

Sunday, May 9: DECARTERET
Clare native DeCarteret has been marked as a serious one-to-watch on the Irish scene. Currently attending BIMM, she is rapidly blossoming into an extraordinary artist – following the release of her latest single, 'LuvSeat', earlier this year. Raw, unapologetic and complex, the track explores themes of confusion, mistakes, grief and sex – drawing influence from the likes of Mac Miller, Billie Eilish and Jorja Smith.

Monday, May 10: VJ JAXSON
Following his studies in BIMM, Nigerian-born Tallaght-raised artist VJ Jaxson has emerged as a serious force to be reckoned with on the Irish scene. Drawing from his personal struggles with depression, his songs feature a unique juxtaposition of heartfelt lyrics and an upbeat tempo – carefully layered within an R&B melody. He released 'Red Pill' – the second single from his debut EP – last month.