Live Report: Lucy Gaffney on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions’ Y&E Series

Described as "celestial" by Liam Gallagher, Hot Press 'Hot For 2021' Irish Act Lucy Gaffney has emerged as one of the country's most promising indie-pop prospects.

Formerly one half of the acclaimed alt-rock sibling duo MMODE, the Belfast-raised, Liverpool-based artist has powerfully showcased her lushly textured dream-pop sound across her solo singles 'Can't Escape', 'Send Me Away' and 'Star Sign Lover'.

Gaffney was joined by her brother Thom Southern on acoustic guitar, with the pair's combined voices creating heavenly harmonies throughout her captivating Y&E Series set. The musician introduced previously released singles, but a rake of unheard material which was written during lockdown itself for her audience.

Lucy's trademark delicate yet vulnerable style of storytelling made for the perfect intimate performance, delivering beautiful renditions of her latest single 'Star Sign Lover' and her debut track. Based in Belfast but partially-raised in Liverpool, the indie-pop emerging star wrote a song about her experience of moving her life to another place titled 'Just Friends'. Singing of longing, love and loneliness; the simplistic lyrics yet heartfelt tone of her vocals could draw in any listener.

Finishing off with a stripped back, mature version of an incoming single, 'Big Love' and 'Faulkner Street'; Lucy's talent is undeniably centred around poetic lyrics and their soft vocal delivery. Ranging from unrequited romance to the beauty of feeling drawn towards someone special, the relatability and everyday musings of Gaffney are something to behold.

Watch this space, 2021 will be Lucy's year.

Read the February 2021 Hot Press interview with the illuminating Northern Irish musician here.

Watch the performance back below, and check out the other hotly-tipped artists we have coming to the Y&E Series soon.

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Thursday, April 8: PASTICHE
One of the most exciting Irish pop acts of recent memory, 22-year-old Pastiche has crafted a sound packed with attitude and empowerment. Combining elements of electronic and dark pop, the Dublin singer-songwriter released her latest single, 'Heaven', earlier this year – establishing her as a serious force to be reckoned with on the Irish scene.

Friday, April 9: CHRISTIAN WETHERED
Drawing influence from the legendary likes of Leonard Cohen and Lou Reed, Dublin-based singer-songwriter Christian Wethered is poised for major success on these shores and beyond, with the release of his debut album, Mon Petit Jardin, later his year. His debut poetry book, I Don't Love You, was shortlisted for the Melita Hume Prize in 2018 – and this passion for poetry continues to inform his stunning singles.

Saturday, April 10: NEWDAD
Galway alt-rock quartet NewDad have already picked up lots of attention in the UK – and it's clear why. The hypnotic likes of ‘Blue’ and ‘Cry’ made for a compelling introduction, while ‘I Don’t Recognise You’ and 'Slowly' cemented their buzz-worthy status. With Jack Saunders and Steve Lamacq as fans, they could well be on their way. Their debut EP, Waves, is out this Friday.

Sunday, April 11: BOBBI ARLO
Arriving on the Irish scene with a powerful, arena-ready pop sound and indisputable star quality, 22-year-old Dubliner Bobbi Arlo is tipped for mega success. Bobbi's 2019 debut single ‘Berries’ was a radio smash hit – and following the release of two equally remarkable singles, 'Signs' and 'Breathe', she returned earlier this year with her acclaimed feel-good anthem, 'Feel It'.

Monday, April 12: BABYLAMB
Specialising in high-energy, dancefloor-friendly bubblegum pop, Babylamb are primed to go supernova over the next 12 months. The quartet of self-described "sad, fresh-faced queers" first announced their arrival as a captivating new presence in Irish music with their debut single 'Bodyright' in 2019 – followed by 2020's 'Icky', and their explosive synth-pop anthem 'Mister Magic' earlier this year.

Tuesday, April 13: THE ZEN ARCADE
Rising from the ashes of The Strypes, three former members of the Cavan crew have joined forces once again – with a new emphasis on doing things their own way. Having launched their own zine and podcast series, The Zen Arcade announced themselves as a very serious, smart new force in Irish music with the release of their debut, ‘Don’t Say A Word’, on their own label, Dental Records.

Wednesday, April 14: FINTAN MCKAHEY
A lo-fi indie singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer from Cork, Fintan McKahey has been releasing music since 2016, and playing support slots for the likes of The Scratch, Junior Brother and Róisín O. His debut EP God Games was released in 2019 to widespread critical acclaim, followed by his 2020 single 'Platinum' – which has clocked up nearly 135,000 streams on Spotify alone.