'80s dream-pop artist Aonair is back with new single 'Millennial Bug'

Ahead of a wider EP release, Dublin-based musician Aonair shared a new single this morning (February 24), titled 'Millennial Bug'.

The dreamy offering is '80s anthemic pop at its purest, featuring pulsing disco beats and rolling synth lines. The lyrics of the track were inspired by the brutalist coasts of Donegal.

"This song was written while living in my grandfather's house. On the weekends I would cycle to different beaches, going swimming and taking photos. Each trip was spent fully immersed in nature and exploring so much of that magical place. I felt so enriched living that life that I fantasised about giving up everything and moving there," Aonair said.

Deeply rooted in nature and arranged to give the feeling of open space and epic landscapes, the song tells a story of escapism and the pursuit of meaning.

"The ‘Millennial Bug' is that fearful feeling that we have, that we must fulfil our potential and that fear of failure if we don’t."

Later this year, the pop singer will release his EP LoveHeart Birthmark on May 5. The singer promises lush and layered harmonies, throwback synths, epic production and intricate songwriting.

In an interview with Hot Press writer Tanis Smither last year, Aonair spoke on his upcoming EP, stating, "The initial concept was to produce an EP that sounded like a tape you'd find in your dad's attic from a really cool, forgotten '80s band. It flows from vulnerable soft moments to huge '80s drums, lush synths, guitar solos and everything in between.

"Thematically, it's an EP that questions a lot of how we live our lives now, the transient nature of our dating culture, the 9-5 routine that we all fall into, and dealing with past trauma and mistakes."

To celebrate the EP Launch, Aonair is set to headline a date at The Workman's Cellar on May 6.

JUST ANNOUNCED

AONAIR
[@Aonair_music]
The 'Loveheart Birthmark' EP Launch

May 6th, 8pm
The Workman's Cellar

Tickets on sale Friday at 10am via Eventbrite. pic.twitter.com/UXeQXSWjNm

— The Workman's Club (@WorkmansDublin) February 23, 2022

After writing and touring extensively across Europe and the US with outfits such as fellow Dubliners Raglans, Thumper and Colour//sound, Aonair began his solo venture in 2016.

His first project was a keyboard-heavy bedroom EP titled Girls Girls Girls. He further solidified his sound on 2018's Surfs Up. He was last heard in 2019 on 'Hope You Feel It.'

Read Aonair's full October 2021 interview here.