Live Report: Ali Comerford on the Hot Press Y&E Series

Following the release of her acclaimed debut album, Knots, Ali Comerford treated the Hot Press Y&E Series to an intimate performance of some of the project's standout tracks last night.

"It's so lovely to be able to perform!" she enthused at the beginning of her set – streaming live from Crossroads Recording Studio in her native Kilkenny.

Ali, who spent 14 years touring the world performing viola in classical ensembles, showcased her impressive musical chops from the get-go, using a loop pedal to create a remarkable layered sound on 'He Knows', and the poignant 'Come Home'.

The performance also featured an impressive cover of James Taylor's 1970 classic 'Fire and Rain', as well as a moving rendition of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene'.

The Americana influences were notable throughout the set – which featured more highlights from Knots, including 'Lily's Song' (written for her brother and his daughter), one of her three 'America' tracks, and 'Bird's-Eye View'.

After spending the last decade of her life playing other people's music, the time has certainly come for Ali to step into the spotlight as a solo artist – as her dazzling performance on the Y&E Series attests.

Revisit Ali Comerford's performance on the Y&E Series below – and pick up a copy of Knots here:

 

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Take a look at our dazzling selection of upcoming acts:

Friday, August 20: DUNX

Irish-Australian artist Dunx is steadily becoming one of the most captivating talents on these shores – with his surf blues and desert rock-flavoured sound on dazzling display on his latest self-produced single, ‘I Land At Sea’. Armed with a deeply resonant and instantly commanding voice, not unlike Nick Cave, Dunx has previously put in the hard graft behind-the-scenes as a producer and engineer – working with U2, Inhaler, Sorcha Richardson and more – before stepping into the solo spotlight with his debut single, ‘Don’t Gotta Be So Bad’, last year.

Saturday, August 21: LAURA ELIZABETH HUGHES

From modest beginnings performing covers on her own YouTube channel in 2012, Laura Elizabeth Hughes has established herself as one of the country's most thrilling singer-songwriters. In addition to co-writing Ireland's Eurovision entry, 'Together' with Ryan O’Shaughnessy and Mark Caplice, she's released a stunning selection of singles and EPs as a solo artist – earning a spot on the cover of Spotify's prestigious A Breath of Fresh Eire playlist. She's also supported acts like Dermot Kennedy, James Bay, Billie Marten, Little Hours and Cry Monster Cry. Earlier this year, she released her highly anticipated EP, We, Myself, I.

Sunday, August 22: CONOR MARCUS

Since launching his career as a busker at the age of 11, Conor Marcus has gone on to become the youngest ever participant in the Oh Yeah Music Centre’s prestigious ‘Scratch My Progress’ development programme. Last year, he was crowned the Panarts Young Singer-Songwriter of the Year, as well as earning Jazzlife Alliance's Exceptional Young Musician Award. The Co. Down singer-songwriter recently reached the semi-finals on The Voices Kids UK, and released a string of acclaimed singles – including his latest track, 'Love You Again'.

Monday, August 23: PRiiCE

Initially rising to prominence as Sean & Conor Price, the acclaimed Irish duo are back with a brand new sound under a brand new moniker: PRiiCE. Exploring the line between indie-pop and hip-hop, the pair released their debut single 'Sunflower' last month – garnering international airplay, and coveted inclusions on Spotify editorial playlists like Fresh Finds: Pop and New Music Friday. Following the success of their debut track, they're back with 'Sweet Life' – offering a promising taste of what expect from their upcoming EP.

Tuesday, August 24: NÍV

Drawing influence from Irish folk music, as well as the legendary likes of Damien Rice, The Cranberries and Joni Mitchell, NÍV has rapidly become one of the country's most hotly tipped talents. The Kildare singer-songwriter sold-out her first Single Launch at The Workman's Club in Dublin for 'Silly Voices' last year, while her next single, 'Moonlight', clocked  up nearly 18,000 streams on Spotify alone. Earlier this year, she returned with the poignant folk song 'Home'.

Watch the Hot Press Y&E Series performances every night live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7.30pm – supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Keep an eye on hotpress.com and our social media platforms for more information...