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...

Despite his youth, Clifford has already acquired a repertoire of self-penned original tracks. Kickstarting his rousing Y&E Series livestream with 'See the Light', the rising artist showed off his vocal chops and ability to express a range of everyday relationships and occurrences through his music. Next came 'Tell a Story' and a cover of Damien Rice's 'The Blower's Daughter' - at which point, his nanny popped in to the livestream to say hello. His influences shine through his choice of covers, from established Irish names to overseas acoustic stars.

Another original 'A Summer's Day' followed Clifford's impressive Rice cover, which focuses on a complex relationship where feelings had yet to be conveyed. The Dublin native proceeded to deliver a riotous rendition of David Keenan's track 'Unholy Ghosts' from his debut album A Beginner's Guide to Bravery. Keenan's infamous Olympia Theatre gig back in January 2020 happened to be Clifford's final concert before the pandemic, and his admiration of the storyteller, poet and musician is overtly clear.

Concluding the livestream set with a track written just last week, 'Step Into Your Soul', Sam perfectly showcased why his mature, friendly form of artistry has been getting noticed on the Irish scene.

Check out Sam Clifford's full Y&E Series livestream below:

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Watch the performances live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) every night at 7.30pm.

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.

Saturday, 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.