Culture
25 Aug 21

PREMIERE: West Cork's Fintan McKahey unveils mellow indie gem 'Lost Balloons'

The chilled out song was recorded and produced by Fintan in his newly built space, Ivy Hill Studios.

Cork-based singer-songwriter and producer Fintan McKahey has returned to the scene with new single 'Lost Balloons, premiered by Hot Press below.

Due to be released this Friday, the lo-fi acoustic song features Fintan’s trademark smoky vocals and pristine production, paired with emotive nostalgia and a laidback beat.

Layered guitars and ambient sounds add to the atmosphere of 'Lost Balloons', which sees McKahey reflect on how the pressures of modern life can become overwhelming. If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that things aren’t always within our control.

“‘Lost Balloons’ is an ode to the slow life, a gentle reminder to take a breath and let life unfold at its own pace. Letting go can be the most liberating feeling there is," Fintan tells Hot Press.

The song was both recorded and produced by the musician in Ivy Hill Studios, which was built by Fintan and his team during the COVID-19 pandemic. The studio offers a variety of audio and visual services.

Continuing the family legacy as the son of Stump drummer, Rob McKahey and the nephew of Cousteau singer, Liam McKahey; the creative shared previous singles 'Platinum' and 'Goodbye' in 2020.

For fans of Still Woozy, Feng Suave, Chet Faker and Ben Howard; McKahey has been an active multi-instrumentalist artist and producer since 2016. His 2019 sophomore EP God Games received critical acclaim, as did his several 2020 singles - going on to achieve national radio play and press praise.

The talented musician has performed in major venues across the country, including support slots for the likes of The 4 Of Us, The Scratch, Junior Brother, and Roisin O. Though Fintan loves playing live, his true passion lies with creating in the studio.

Writing and producing from a young age, the Cork native creates spacey music which touches on experimental and psychedelic genres from time to time, incorporating influences of bedroom pop and trip-hop.

Since the onset of COVID, Fintan has been busy building Ivy Hill Studios. He was also named as a Hot Press Magazine 'Hot for 2021' artist and performed at the Hot Press Y&E Series.

Listen to 'Lost Balloons' below: