Live Report: Amy Naessens on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions’ Y&E Series

Since the release of her debut single, 'Reasons', in 2018, Amy Naessens has performed for audiences across the country – with lauded sets for Electric Picnic, Sea Sessions Live & Unsigned, Sofar Sounds and the Ruby Sessions. She released her latest single, 'Kiss and Tell' earlier this year. You'll also be able to catch her live at Lost Lane in Dublin on April 23.

Naessen kicks off her livestream set with a revamped rendition of a never-before-performed live single, 'The Girl In Between'. The song tugs at the emotions of the audience, with Amy's lyrics referring to a love of imbalance and inequality. The person the song is written about always has the upper hand in the relationship, with the singer left feeling confused and empty. "I just wish you'd say you love me like you mean it", she sings, alluding to the other person's lacklustre feelings in the connection. Loving someone more than they love you can be a draining experience, as the song expertly expresses.

Continuing the gig with her more up-tempo and "sassy" song, 'Obscene', Amy's powerful vocals grab your attention. Giving in to temptation is the theme of the R&B track, with the memorable mantra "I'm the only royalty around" showing off Naessen's more empowering lyrical side. Slowing it down for the much-requested 'Warning Signs', the melancholy track speaks to a betrayal of trust and manipulation that the subject experiences in her love life. Blaming herself for not acknowledging the red flags and feeling used, the vulnerable song is a standout gem from the singer-songwriter. 'Kiss and Tell' is up next, produced and released during the pandemic. It's a catchy track for sure, and tells her fans exactly what kind of pop/R&B artist she aims to be.

A cover of Coldplay's hit classic 'Yellow' follows suit, after Naessens saw the band pre-Covid with her two best friends and found inspiration. The oft-covered track melds with her voice in a way that allows the singer to truly make the song her own. Her vocal range is especially noteworthy throughout the set. Finishing off with a duet alongside fellow artist Graham Mitchell, who also played his own Y&E Series livestream last week; the pair perform a new track 'Videos and Hotel Rooms' together for the conclusion.

Watch the full Y&E Series livestream performance from Amy Naessens below:

The Y&E Series continues to shine a light on some of the best new and emerging talent that Ireland has to offer in 2020 – with a brilliant selection acts joining Hot Press on Instagram every night for special live-streamed performances.

Watch Eoin Glacken tonight, November 23, as part of the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' The Y&E Series, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7.30pm.