Live Report: Faraway Martin on the Hot Press Y&E Series

Faraway Martin has rapidly established himself as one of the most exciting emerging talents in Irish music – with international radioplay in the US, the UK and across the Middle East. As well as an appearance at Electric Picnic, he’s opened for Aslan, Mick Flannery, Mundy and Hermitage Green in Ireland, and has clocked up support slots for Boyce Avenue and Bazzi in Qatar.

Following the release of ‘The Lights Turn On’ last year, he returned this summer with his lauded latest single, ‘Let You Down’ – which reached No.6 on the Top 40 Radioplay Charts in Qatar last month.

Opening with 'Hold On', the singer-songwriter showcased his soaring vocals. He segued into 'Let You Down', explaining that he is normally based in Qatar, and back in his hometown for the summer. Fans tuned in from all over the globe, including New York, Qatar, London and Ireland.

Then Martin and his band performed 'Do It Again', a blues-tinged acoustic rock number with an infectious groove. The band closed out the thoroughly enjoyable evening with 'On My Mind'.

 

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The Hot Press Y&E Series is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Watch Faraway Martin performing live tonight on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7.30pm.

And here are the other phenomenal Irish acts you can look forward to over the days ahead...

Monday, August 16: ALICIA RAYE

Originally hailing from Cameroon and now based in Drogheda, Alicia Raye is ready to transform Irish music with her powerful hybrid of trap-soul and jazz-influenced vocals. Since first arriving onto the scene in 2017, she's garnered an ever-growing fanbase with a string of lauded singles. The singer-songwriter cemented her status as a star-in-the-making with the release of her debut project, Alphabet, last year, executive-produced by Prod. Solo. Earlier this year, she returned with 'Nobody 2.0' – a star-studded collaboration with Smilez, Larry Alabi, Reggie and A92's Dbo, which has already clocked up over 156,000 views on YouTube.

Tuesday, August 17: WALLFELLA

With his smooth, old school-inspired flow, Wallfella is emerging as one of the most captivating voices in Irish hip-hop. Combining chilled-out vibes with thoughtful, socially conscious commentary, the Dublin rapper has been releasing music since 2016 – and draws influence from the likes of Lethal Dialect, Kendrick Lamar and Dave. He released his widely praised third project, Way Too Cosy, last month. The EP, which follows his brilliant collaboration with Odd Numbers on ‘Blue’, was recorded in a garden shed over lockdown – a testament to Wallfella’s fiercely DIY ethos.

Wednesday, August 18: KY

Originally hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and raised in Ireland, KY is fast becoming one of the country's most hotly tipped talents. The video for his breakout single, 'Foreign' – which fused French and English lyrics over an irresistible drill-influenced beat – has already clocked up over 36,000 views. After taking a few months to perfect his craft, the rapper, singer and songwriter returned this year with 'iSPY', which once again finds him bringing his own unique flavour to the Irish scene. Stay tuned for a brand new track from KY – expected very soon...

Thursday, August 19: ALI COMERFORD

After touring the world performing viola in classical ensembles for 14 years, Ali Comerford returned to her native Kilkenny during lockdown last year, to record her acclaimed debut album, Knots – featuring folk-based, classical-influenced original songs, entirely written, sung, played and produced by herself. Ali's journey in music has taken her to New York’s Carnegie Hall, London’s Royal Albert Hall and Dublin’s National Concert Hall – but after spending the last decade of her life playing other people's music, the time has come for her to step into the spotlight as a solo artist. Hot Press described Knots as "a beautifully orchestrated debut."