Culture
07 Jul 22

PREMIERE: Hannah Horan shines a light on the queer experience with debut single 'Holy One'

Hannah Horan.

Written and arranged by Hannah Horan and produced by fellow Dublin singer-songwriter Sarah Crean, 'Holy One' is a captivating listen from an indie artist on the up.

Newcomer Hannah Horan encapsulates her experiences of queerness, homophobia and self-love on her intimate debut single 'Holy One', premiered below by Hot Press.

The stunning alternative track is inspired by the sounds of Phoebe Bridgers, Dodie and Land of Talk, and openly rips the plaster off a societal wound that still bleeds. Horan's bold transparency and illuminating diaristic tendencies of songwriting could draw any listener in. "My kingdom's coming down/Do you feel the wrath the holy one?," the song opens with a gentle guitar strumming and quiet beat. "No God above can tell me that I'm unloved/She's too nice not to notice."

"The message behind the song is, in my eyes, the most compelling part of the release," Horan tells Hot Press. "As a queer woman, it is important to speak up about the hardships of the LGBTQ+ community. 'Holy One' is an honest and personal depiction of the struggles that the queer community face. It's written and recorded with the intent to portray lyrically and sonically the hurt that LGBTQ+ people face due to religion or societal pressures."

Often openly discussing the struggles of queer women, Horan's astonishing level of honesty marks her out as one to watch. Discussing issues such as the entanglement of the Catholic Church in Ireland’s history and the damage that has caused to Ireland’s queer youth, Hannah's lack of aversion to stigma is refreshing to say the least.

Horan performed at The Next Big Thing festival in the Workman’s Cellar earlier this year, which was featured in Hot Press. Her most recent stage appearance was at the Grand Social on May 16th, where her ethereal style of singing made a huge impression on the crowd.

Working with rising Dublin musician Sarah Crean, who produced 'Holy One', the two make quite a combo. You may remember Crean's hugely promising debut album, Call For Refinement, from last year and ensuing sold out Workman's headline show. Meanwhile, Horan's introspective style should earn her a sold out debut headliner any day now.

Listen to the enthralling 'Holy One' below.