With the release of his powerful new album Plz Stay, bb last month, Ciaran Lavery has once again proved himself to be one of the country's most compelling singer-songwriters – fearlessly expanding his sound while transforming raw emotion and personal turmoil into lyrical gold.

This captivating talent was on vivid display during last night's set on the Y&E Series, streaming live from collaborator Danny Ball's studio in Belfast. The intimate setting provided the perfect stage for the Co. Antrim artist's moving, atmospheric compositions.

The set drew heavily from Plz Stay, bb, with a stripped back performance of the album's latest single, 'Bella Union', among the highlights of the evening.

Balancing out the emotional depth, Ciaran's trademark tongue-in-cheek humour was also on display on the night – complete with maracas and the occasional blast of David Davis on the speakers between songs.

Revisit the performance below:

 

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Lockdown Sessions (best of)

A post shared by Hot Press (@hotpressmagazine) on Jul 15, 2020 at 11:56am PDT

The Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series, supported by the Department for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, continues tonight, July 16, with a performance from Jack Rua – streaming live on the Hot Press Instagram at 7.30pm.

Take a look at the other brilliant acts coming up below:

Friday, 17 July: JANET DEVLIN
Many will remember Janet Devlin from her storied days as an X-Factor contestant, but that was just the beginning. Devlin's latest concept album Confessional came with a matching book, and saw the singer use her phenomenal voice and Celtic sensibilities to grapple with her demons. Inadvertently finding a new meaning in 2020, the final album single ‘Big Wide World’ brings a positive message of re-embracing the outside world.

Saturday, 18 July: JESSY ROSE
Formerly a member of Hare Squead, Jessy Rose took a break from the group back in 2017 – now, he's back and better than ever. The 23 year-old Dubliner blends R&B and elements of soul to create a tender and touching sound, while his latest solo offering 'Bloom’ was described as a "moving, radio-ready ballad” by Hot Press.

The Y&E Series, supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, is broadcast live at 19:30 every night from the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine).