Track of the Day: Christian Wethered - 'Way Back (In the Summer)'

Dublin singer, songwriter and poet Christian Wethered has returned with a new single — a gently upbeat indie track called 'Way Back (In the Summer).'

Combining simple guitar plucking with a syncopated backing and layered vocals, the lyrics skim effortlessly over rhythmic instrumentals; evoking warm summer nights, the blue before twilight. Bending the lines between spoken word and music, Wethered's voice slants into each note, dipping in and out of minor to create a folky summer anthem with the barest hint of an edge.

“This song’s about the summer and falling in love. I think we’re all excited for this summer as things start to open up again after the last couple of years," the musician said about the track. "This one’s great fun to play live. To be honest, it was originally supposed to be quite a quiet song. But the drums changed all that. Now it’s a banger!’

Featuring Dylan Lynch on drums, Cil Byrne on bass and electric guitar and recorded by Darragh Nolan at his recording studio, Asta Kalapa, the single is Wethered's first release since his 2021 album, Mon Petit Jardin. Drawing on influences the likes of Villagers, Nick Cave, Fionn Regan and Laura Marling, the Dublin-native has worked to define a distinctive indie-folk sound, driven by introspective, meaningful lyricism.

Wethered is no stranger to performing, having played The Ruby Sessions, First Fortnight and Electric Picnic. In addition to music, he is a published poet — his debut collection winning the Melita Hume Prize, set to be published sometime this year. Currently, he is singing with the Discovery Gospel Choir, and is performing his written work across the country.

Check out 'Way Back (In the Summer)' below: