Kodaline co-founder, guitarist and co-songwriter Mark Prendergast is stepping into the solo spotlight under a brand new moniker, Man Alive. Debuting an emotional new single today in the form of the poignant guitar ballad 'Be Someone', Hot Press are delighted to premiere the video below.

Having achieved over a billion streams, three #1 albums in Ireland, two Top 5 records in the UK and played shows all over the world with Dublin band Kodaline (formed all the way back in 2011), Prendergast has already had a stellar, accomplished career. Yearning to express a new side to his creativity, 'Be Someone' is an extremely personal offering that places him firmly in the forefront this time, telling his own story.

"I wonder what life is life / To be with you all the time and dream you up every night, here with me / The world was in black and white, 'til I looked into your eyes," Prendergast opens the single, which dives into the loss of a loving relationship that couldn't make it work due to long distance.

"The colour's all came to life, now I see / That a heart can be broken most of the time / Was it a joke when you said you'd be mine? Maybe I misunderstood...I was lost until you showed me that I could be someone / You were everything to me / Did you have up and run?"

The video was directed by Ciaran Warren, and saw a minimalist approach for Mark's first solo outing.

"We made the video for 'Be Someone' in my house with a real DIY approach," the singer-songwriter tells Hot Press. "I was very nervous doing my first solo music video but doing it at my place with my super-talented friends made the process so much easier. Thanks to Ciaran, Tomo [Tomás Daly] and D [Reilly] for helping me make it."

‘Be Someone’ is a tender dose of alt-folk which pivots closer to the realms of Bon Iver and Phoebe Bridgers than his aforementioned Kodaline. With delicate and precise vocals that whisper around the production before gaining strength for its hypnotic hook, the single has lyrical depth and warm textures. Within the beauty and spaciousness of the song, his words convey a palpable sense of the inner turmoil that follows the conflict that comes with an unexpected break-up.

Mark says, “‘Be Someone’ is about a long-distance relationship falling apart, and how when you're with somebody, they make you feel like a certain type of person, but then when you end the relationship and you're by yourself, you always become a completely different person.”

A break-up, followed by lockdown inspired Mark to write, record and produce a catalogue of songs from his home studio. ‘Be Someone’ is just the first taste of more music to follow that will see Prendergast touch upon elements that hint at Tame Impala, Harry Styles, Coldplay and a whole lot more.

Mark’s friend Aisling Bea proved to be a pivotal influence for him to take Man Alive to the wider world. He played her an early version of ‘Be Someone’ when they were in Los Angeles in 2021, and her belief in the project really pushed him to make it happen.

The comedian and actress was also present last weekend when Prendergast held a wildly over capacity party at home to launch Man Alive. His six-piece band provided backing instrumentation, while his friends James Vincent McMorrow and Gavin James also performed, with Aisling acting as MC for the night.

There’s plenty more to come from Mark and Kodaline in the future, but Man Alive’s journey is just beginning.

Watch the video for 'Be Someone' below:

Credits:
Director / Producer - Ciaran Warren
Camera Op - Tomás Daly
Lighting Designer - D Reilly