Live Report: Johnny Bourke on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series

Drawing influence from the likes of John Mayer and Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Bourke has emerged as one of the country's most exciting emerging talents.

As a session musician, the Tipperary artist has played all over the world, including shows in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year. Now, however, he's taking centre stage – linking up with London producer Jackson Dimiglio-Wood (Shawn Mendes) for his shimmering debut single, 'Can't Do Without', which was then mastered by Grammy Award winner Randy Merrill (Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift).

He treated fans to an intimate performance on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series last night, showcasing his guitar-centred pop sound as he shared a stunning selection of unreleased tracks, including 'Change Your Mind', 'Me Over You' and 'From Your Love' (out November 27) – as well as a stripped back version of his acclaimed single 'Can't Do Without'.

Revisit his performance on the Y&E Series, supported by the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, below:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hot Press (@hotpressmagazine) on Nov 11, 2020 at 11:59am PST

Up next on the Y&E Series:

Thursday, Nov 12: ZASKA
Over the years, the revolving roster of Max Zaska's supergroup has included Hozier, as well as members of Wyvern Lingo, Soda Blonde and BARQ. ZASKA's debut album, It Takes A Village, was released to critical acclaim last year. Back in May, he shared 'My Whole Heart', featuring Tolü Makay, God Knows and a star-studded "Isolation Choir".

Friday, Nov 13: Brad Heidi
Irish singer-songwriter Brad Heidi has built up an ever-growing following as a busker on the streets of Galway – with over 12,500 followers on Instagram. The rising star's appearance on the Y&E Series coincides with the release of his anticipated EP.

Saturday, Nov 14: Saibh Skelly
Having built up an impressive fanbase with her busking on Grafton Street, Saibh Skelly contributed to the acclaimed virtual rendition of 'One Love' earlier this year – recorded by some of Dublin's favourite buskers during lockdown. Her popular Instagram streams and YouTube videos have also garnered her a major online following.

Sunday, Nov 15: Emma Langford
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.

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.