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

Dublin-based pop duo ROOUE – made up of twin sisters Ro and Lou – have rapidly established themselves as one of the most exciting emerging acts on the Irish scene, through their signature blended harmonies and diverse counter melodies. Drawing inspiration from the likes of NAO, Banks and Lennon Stella, the pair brought their sound to thrilling new heights on their latest single, 'Bad Blood', released last month.

Surrounded by candles and fairy lights, ROOUE made sure to curate a special atmosphere for their first time performing as an outfit. Bringing a chilled out acoustic set to their audience with help from Eoin Butterfield on keyboard, the sisters had synergy to burn and killer harmonies throughout their Y&E Series livestream on April 17th.

Having only just started their musical journey, the pair expressed gratitude for the immense support which they've already received before kicking off their set with 'What You Want'. Their debut track from October 2020 immerses the listener in ROOUE's journey to becoming musicians. Experiencing difficulty with trying be authentically themselves, the artists felt pushed down a different path while in music college.

"You want me walking in a straight line / Being me is a real crime / Can't be both at the same time," the lyrics read, paralleled with stunning vocal harmonies which bring elements of Wyvern Lingo to mind.

Next up is ROOUE's second released single, 'Flavour'. Mixing sultry, R&B piano chords with pop beats; the track is instantly both radio-friendly and superbly catchy. Exploring the moment where you realise that you want more from your life, and the decision to go out and get it, 'Flavour' is an irrepressible gem.

Unreleased number 'Better Off' focuses on staying in a relationship purely out of habit - a relatable theme for many. Youth-driven, fresh melodies with everyday subject matter allow ROOUE to stand out from the crowd, whether they're singing about heartbreak or empowerment.

Their final track centred around the point where a relationship turns abusive, when a participant is staying only in the hope of changing the person, seeing their potential. The problems, however, are unavoidable in the end. Most recent single 'Bad Blood' encapsulates ROOUE's entire set, featuring pitch perfect voices and an ability to layer their vocals with ease and style.

Watch the full, energetic Y&E Series performance from ROOUE below:

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Check out our spectacular upcoming line-up for the Y&E Series – going live every night at 7.30pm:

Friday, April 23: LORRAINE NASH
The independent release of her debut EP, Wildflower, last year established Lorraine Nash as a star-in-the-making – garnering widespread radio play and critical acclaim. Now the Kerry singer-songwriter has signed with FIFA Records – and is set offer us a taste of what to expect from her highly anticipated debut album with the release of her new single, 'Sing With Her', on April 30.

Saturday, April 24: PAUL JENKINSON
Having built up an impressive following performing on Grafton Street, Paul Jenkinson contributed to the acclaimed virtual rendition of 'One Love' last year – recorded by some of Dublin's favourite buskers during lockdown. After a string of well-received singles, he released his A Smile And A Wave EP in 2019.

Sunday, April 25: SAM CLIFFORD
One of several phenomenal talents to emerge from Dublin’s busking community in recent years, singer-songwriter Sam Clifford has garnered over 13,000 Instagram followers with his captivating repertoire of both covers and original tracks. Although still in his teens, the Dublin artist has been tipped for stardom...

Monday, April 26: MIA BLACK
From busking in Galway, to sharing her stunning voice with millions of people on YouTube, Mia Black has attracted a major fanbase on these shores and beyond – with over 92,000 YouTube subscribers, and 45,500 followers on Instagram. In addition to her remarkable covers, the 14-year-old singer-songwriter has also been busy writing her own original material – and is poised for a major international breakthrough.

Tuesday, April 27: MATTHEW NOLAN
21-year-old singer-songwriter Matthew Nolan has established himself as a serious force to be reckoned with over the last few years. Following a string of acclaimed solo singles, which have clocked up Spotify streams in their millions, the Drogheda artist found major international success as a member of the group Since September – who won Little Mix: The Search in November, and are set to join Little Mix on their arena tour next year.

Wednesday, April 28: DANI LARKIN
Hailing from the Armagh-Monaghan border, folk artist Dani Larkin has been heralded as one of Ireland's finest songwriters. In addition to high-profile support slots for the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Lisa O'Neill and Joshua Burnside, she made a lauded appearance at this year's Folk Alliance International, and is set to play The Great Escape Online in May. Her highly anticipated debut album, Notes For A Maiden Warrior, is out June 18.

Thursday, April 29: MEL MARYNS
Initially rising to prominence as a busker on St Patrick's Street in Cork and Grafton Street in Dublin, singer-songwriter, musician and producer Mel Maryns has emerged as a captivating talent – with a string of genre-blending singles that draw influence from the legendary likes of Guns N' Roses, Skid Row and Evanescence. She released her latest single, 'Butter Wings', earlier this month.

Friday, April 30: TANAKA X
After establishing himself as a serious force in alternative R&B back in 2018, with a high profile support slot for former JLS member Aston Merrygold, Tanaka X, aka Johnson Tanaka Furusa, stepped back into the spotlight with his debut single, 'Let You Know', last month. The 22-year-old rapper, singer-songwriter and producer – who was crowned the winner of NiStars Talent Competition in 2015, and Belfast Nashville Young Songwriters in 2017 – has built up a reputation as a multi-talented star-in-the-making.

Tuesday, May 1: LUKE POWER
After high profile support slots for Picture This, Luke Power – the son of The Script's drummer Glen Power – took a three-year hiatus from the spotlight. Now he's back with an arsenal of new tracks ready to go. Bringing together elements of electronic music and radio-ready pop, he has emerged as a compelling solo artist, with the release of 'Penance', 'Drinks', 'Every Night' and 'Tell Me Lies' already this year.