Live Report: Emma Langford on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions’ Y&E Series

Since being crowned 'Best Emerging Folk Artist' at the inaugural RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards in 2018, there's been no stopping Limerick artist Emma Langford.

She released her acclaimed second album, Sowing Acorns, earlier this year.

Luckily for her widening audience, Sowing Acorns is as achingly personal an album as her debut - Quiet Giant, with her trademark vocal range and lyrical poetry marking it out as yet another work of art.

Langford's setlist was entirely chosen by her fans and followers, while she performed from Crew Brewery on Limerick's Thomas Street.

She kicked off her livestream show with a cover of the Foo Fighters hit 'Times Like These' for Brian Moore, adding her trademark clear vocals and a folk tone to the popular track.

Progressing into the beautiful song 'The Seduction of Eve' from Quiet Giant, the singer-songwriter dedicated the rendition to Jim O'Rian, Sarah O'Donoghue and Eugene Rafferty; longtime supporters of her artistry.

Her storytelling abilities on 'The Seduction of Eve' shine alongside her effortless vocals, creating the air of an intimate ambience despite the lack of live audience.

Progressing into 'Birdsong', Langford describes the influence of Scottish waulking songs on the track - the work songs written to include a multitude of women joining in on the chorus.

'Birdsong' comes from the singer's sophomore album, and features vocals from Ruth Smith, Alma Kelliher, Sive, Jess Leen, Cari Q and Niamh Farrell.

The musician's folk prowess emanates within the acapella ballad's simplicity and harmonies.

Her next song is also taken from Sowing Acorns - 'The Winding Way Down to Kells Bay' - dedicated to the memory of her grand uncle Eamon from Cahersiveen.

The moving song is a tribute to Irish traditional music, and was requested by Mary O'Dwyer.

Finally, Langford finishes her gorgeous set with the title track from Sowing Acorns, leaving her audience sorely missing her live gigs and charm.

Watch Emma Langford's full Hot Press Lockdown Sessions performance below:

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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. Following the success of the previous two editions of the Y&E Series, you can once again expect 40 brilliant acts to join Hot Press on Instagram for special live-streamed performances.

Up next on the Y&E Series:

Monday, Nov 16: KK Lewis
Initially rising to prominence as a busker, KK Lewis has since proved her star power with sold-out headliners and lauded appearances at Electric Picnic, Kaleidoscope and Whelan's. Earlier this year, she released her stunning single 'Loop Now' earlier this year.

Each performance streams live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7.30pm every night.