Dublin-based spoken-word poet and singer-songwriter Christian Wethered has released a new music video for his latest single 'Wait', which addresses how difficult it is to earn money through original and independent music.

He has also announced a double-headliner gig in Whelan’s Upstairs with singer-songwriter Leila Jane on January 2nd, following recent performances at Beyond the Pale Festival, Arthur’s and Hot Spot.

Wethered explained the inspiration behind the visual project. "I wanted the video to capture the emptiness of the city, the bare loneliness. The video is mainly about the dearth of opportunities out there right now, and the accompanying powerlessness this brings.

"The song also addresses ill-health, while wanting the world to wait – which of course it never does," he added.

Christian Wethered. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

'Wait', a strikingly raw offering, is characterised by pounding drums and a Thom Yorke/ Jeff Buckley falsetto. The full-band sound results in a slightly louder, though equally introspective sound than on his 2021 debut album, Mon Petit Jardin, which featured in Hotpress' top folk albums of 2021.

Earlier this year, the music video for his single 'La Madeleine' won Best Music Video at the Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival. Created by Darn Skippy Productions, it is also an Official Selection for the Prague Short-film Festival 2023.

Christian Wethered's Leonard Cohen-parlando sound, alongside sharp imagery and spare melodies, makes him stand out from the crowd.

As well as being an acclaimed musician, his debut poetry book Harbour was co-winner of the Melita Hume Prize in 2021 and is due in 2023.

Christian Wethered. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

The artist has garnered widespread acclaim following the release of his album Mon Petit Jardin, as well as radio play on RTE1, RTE Culture and Today FM. He boasts an ever-growing fanbase, with performances across Ireland including The Ruby Sessions, First Fortnight, Beyond the Pale and Electric Picnic.

He is set to play a double-headliner gig with alternative indie soul artist and blues singer Leila Jane at Whelan’s Upstairs on January 2nd.

Get tickets here.

Watch the video for 'Wait' by Christian Wethered below.