Cork-based psychedelic-folk musician Elaine Malone, famed for her haunting voice and poetic lyricism, released her acclaimed debut EP, Land, in 2018. The project spawned the singles 'You' and Mindless' - the former of which has recently been remixed by Irish producer 1000 Beasts. The song was originally produced by Sam Clague and features Josh Sampson (Talos, Moxie). 1000 Beasts has retained the haunting elements of the original, while reharmonising the verses and adding his own unique processing and percussive touches.

In 2019 she released 'My Baby's Dead,' revealing a heavier psychedelic sound. Malone's first Mantua album was released by Sunshine Cult Records in 2019, and showcased a folk-horror drone aspect. Despite experiencing technical difficulties during her live set, Malone's intimate, fireside gig highlighted the best parts of her multi-instrumental talent. Starting with a chillingly poignant track inspired by Ann Lovett, Malone doesn't hold back from tough, traumatic themes within her songwriting. Lovett died at the age of 15 while giving birth beside a grotto in Longford in 1984. Her death altered the conversation in Ireland around pregnancy outside of marriage, the stigmatised treatment of women and the grip of the Church in Irish society. 'In Blood', Malone's track, pays testament to the schoolgirl and touches on the shame which religion envelopes over women's bodies.

Following up the opener with 'Stupid Hipster', Malone wrote this song a number of years ago and its impact remains strong. Her strong yet hauntingly beautiful vocals are unique in both tone and delivery, with witty lyricism always in play. Up next comes a Lee Hazlewood cover of 'Look At That Woman', an ode to the US country singer who worked with Nancy Sinatra in the 1960s. Hazlewood's famous baritone vocals suit Malone's own rendition of the classic track, which sounds extremely natural for her to sing. Introducing the harmonium to her set adds a new element to the intimate gig, and the grunge/folk artist concludes with a "cowboyish" version of her 2019 song 'My Baby's Dead'. The video for the track was filmed and edited by Christopher Ellis in a revenge noir style. Overall, her set breeds excitement for when the distinctive musician will perform in front of live audiences again. We can't wait to see what 2021 brings for her.

Watch the full Y&E Series performance from Elaine Malone below:

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Watch Limerick multi-instrumentalist Michelle Grimes tonight, December 1, 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. With a R&B-influenced sound that's already been compared to the likes of Ariana Grande, Jessie J and Dua Lipa, the Irish star-in-the-making released her debut single 'Going Going Gone' in October.

Up next on the Y&E Series...

Wednesday, December 2: MATT MCGINN
Tipped as one of the Hot Press 'Hot For 2020' acts, Co. Down folk artist Matt McGinn has spent the last few years establishing himself as one of the most talented songsmiths in Ireland, with four acclaimed albums. Over lockdown, he kept himself busy recording a new album – releasing 'Annie (Many Moons Ago)', the first single from the project, in August.

Thursday, December 3: GEORGE HUTTON
Acclaimed Irish folksinger and lyric tenor George Hutton has shared stages with Glen Hansard, Phil Coulter, Hozier, Moya Brennan and more. He launched his solo career with the release of Chapter One in 2018, followed by Home earlier this year. George recently returned with an acclaimed new single, 'The Light'.