Live Report: Carrie Baxter on the Hot Press Y&E Series

Waterford based artist Carrie Baxter took to the virtual stage on Saturday night to perform a soulful set for the Hot Press Y&E Series. The singer-songwriter brought abundant energy to her set, as she discussed the release of her upcoming EP, What Now, and her upcoming tour dates.

Carrie began her set with the lead single from her upcoming second EP titled 'Something In The Water'. The infectious beat and groove of this tune inspired viewers to get up on their feet and celebrate life.

Performing from her living room in London, the artist remarked that she played her first livestream for the Y&E Series a year and a half ago in her old flat, across the road from where she lives now.

Her next song, 'Love Me Better' was one of her first singles, released last year. Although it was very nerve-wracking for her at the time, performing this song has now become her favourite. The slower, smooth tone of this tune carries listeners away into her world, connecting with them through the screen.

Carrie spent a portion of her set connecting with live viewers and answering their questions. She discussed her music inspirations like Maverick Sabre and Kendrick Lamar, what it was like performing at her first festival last week, and her favourite food after a night out: a cup of tea, two sugars and a load of cream with two slices of toast with lots of butter.

Her third song, '4/4 (Love Affair)' showed off Baxter's unique vocal tone and talent for weaving together rhythmic lyrics.

Her second EP, What Now, is being released on October 22nd and is accompanied by her What Now release tour. "The whole thing, funnily enough, I wrote at uni, and it's only coming out now. Everything has its time, right?" the singer joked.

"If you've heard Placebo, which is my first EP, you almost listen to it like it's an audio therapy session. I think it's got certain elements of that, this second EP, but I think sonically it's quite different, it's got a lot of grooves in there."

Carrie continued her set with track 'I Wasn't Looking For You' a joyous and effortless song she collaborated on with Jack Tyson Charles with beautiful songwriting.

Her last song of the night, 'Pray', which came out in January painted an emotional vulnerable but cheerful story, leaving listeners wanting more.

Throughout her entire set, Carrie's love of performing was clear as she danced around joyfully to her own creations. It's clear why Carrie Baxter has been named one of the most exciting voices in Irish music.

Watch Carrie Baxter's set and see her tour dates below.

 

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Tour Dates:

Oct 22nd - London, Peckham Audio

Oct 27th - Dublin, Upstairs at Whelan’s

Oct 30th - Birmingham, The Dark Horse

Oct 31st - Manchester, Gullivers

Nov 17th - Glasgow, The hug and Pint

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.

Up next on the Y&E Series...

Tuesday, September 14: DORA GOLA

Polish-born, Lahinch-based singer-songwriter Dora Gola caught our eyes with her recent singles, 'Dark Sands'. Having fallen in love with Irish music, Dora was drawn to bands whose style was hybrid – like Beoga, Kíla and Kan. The vocal and performance coach was nominated for Hot Press' Most Promising Act of 2019, paving the way with a beautiful debut EP. Interspersing Eastern sounds of slavic folk with dark electro-pop and '80s funk, Gola is hugely influenced by dance, and utilises the music of Gorillaz, Kate Bush, Prince and Bjork. Stay tuned for upcoming single in the form of 'Flying Tree'.

Wednesday, September 15: JACKIE BEVERLY

Since late 2018, Irish indie-pop artist Jackie Beverly has been steadily carving a space for herself in the Irish music scene, sparking people’s attention with her refreshing electro-infused writing, and refined vocal. Having appeared on Other Voices, First Fortnight festival, Whelan’s Ones To Watch and The Ruby Sessions over the course of 2019 and 2020 - plus stellar opening sets for established artists such as Kelsey Lu, Sorcha Richardson, and Nnic - Beverly is well on her way to solo stardom. Her 2021 single 'Headlights' followed on from brilliant 2020 offerings 'Sea Glass' and 'Sweet Goodbye'.