Live Report: KEHLI on the Hot Press Y&E Series

The Y&E Series returned in dazzling fashion last night – with acclaimed Dublin artist KEHLI kicking off the new edition of the live-streamed gig series.

Against a colourful backdrop of posters, the 21-year-old artist showed us exactly why she's considered one of the country's most hotly tipped pop talents, with a set that drew from both her own impressive discography and classic covers.

Opening track 'One Last Kiss' – which also happens to be the first song KEHLI ever penned – offered a stunning blend of soulful energy and an irresistible, radio-ready sound, while the next track, 'Close To You', showcased her powerhouse vocals. The latter track, a moving, piano-led ballad packed with emotion and longing, felt particularly timely, following a year-and-a-half of social-distancing.

Some of the other highlights of the set included a stripped-back version of her single 'Hypnotized', which she released last year, and the high-energy 'Believe It'.

In addition to her original tracks, the performance included two remarkable covers – The Zuton's 'Valerie' in the style of Amy Winehouse, and Jorja Smith's version of 'Lost' by Frank Ocean – each given a unique twist by KEHLI.

"This is an amazing platform," she said of the Y&E Series during the set. "To be able to come on, and be able to sing for you guys – I haven't been able to do this in so long. So big love!"

During the set she also revealed that she has a new single on the way – as well as some exciting announcements. Following the overwhelmingly positive response from Y&E Series viewers, this looks set to be another landmark year for this exciting young Irish talent...

Revisit KEHLI's Y&E Series performance below:

 

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The Hot Press Y&E Series is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Watch the performances live every night 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...

Saturday, August 14: GOLDIE BRON$ON

Having initially built up a reputation as Sean Sutton, the Cork-based singer-songwriter continues to expand his musical horizons as Goldie Bron$on. As well as genre-blending collaborations with several producers, he’s also been gaining traction through both his busking and his online platform, where he shares stunning acoustic covers – and has already been earning comparisons to the likes of Dermot Kennedy. Under his new moniker, Goldie Bron$on has already shared two powerful singles this year – ‘Far Apart’ with German DJ Kenaj, and ‘Dial’ with hotly tipped Dublin producer Uwmami.

Sunday, August 15: REEVAH

Derry-based indie-folk artist Reevah released her acclaimed debut EP Hummingbird in 2018 – and she’s been steadily rising through the Irish music ranks ever since. She was tipped as one of the Hot Press ‘Hot For 2020’ Irish Acts, and scored high profile support slots with the likes of SOAK, Wyvern Lingo and Lisa Hannigan – and her latest EP, A Different Light, earned Reevah plenty of praise. This year she’s released two acclaimed singles – ‘daydreamer’ and ‘wildflower’ – and announced her prestigious Artist In Residence position for the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, where she’ll be supporting several artists across the festival, as well as playing her own headline gig.

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."