Rising songwriter Oscar Blue has been hotly tipped by numerous outlets (Hot Press included) to be the next big Irish voice, with over five million Spotify streams to date.

Having sold out his debut headline show in Whelan’s and completed a string of American tour dates, it’s easy to see why. Spending lockdown perfecting his upcoming EP release, now in a great partnership working alongside renowned producer Philip Magee (The Script, Kodaline, Gavin James) the 22-year-old indie-pop, act has shared his new single, ‘Backyard Mafia’.

With a previous appearance on Hot Press Lockdown Sessions’ Y&E Series, as well as the world’s largest folk gathering Folk Alliance earlier in the year showing off his distinct folk-pop sound, Irishman Oscar Blue is certainly on track to go stratospheric.

Recently garnering attention from domestic and international management, publishing and label industries - there’s some big announcements due to come this year. Mindfully powerful, anthemic track ‘Backyard Mafia’ showcases Oscar Blue's mature and heartfelt songwriting yet again - displaying artful ballad-style storytelling and sentimental memories of growing up in rural Clare.

Making sure his emotional and unforgettable vocals are at the forefront of each track, lead single 'Backyard Mafia' explores strong themes of brotherhood, imperfect friendships, and coming of age.

“The song is about imperfect friendship and brotherhood - particularly what that looked like in the context of my rural Irish upbringing. The song is almost like 22 years of things unsaid, compiled into 3 and a half minutes," Oscar said of the song's origins.

"I think guys, particularly those where I come from, don’t tend to talk about their emotions much or express in words how much we care about one another. So this song is me throwing all that taboo out the window and saying it as it is. I’ll always love the people that shaped me growing up and I think life is too fragile not to let them know that.”

Listen to the powerful new single below: