Pinned as one to watch by Spin FM and Whelan’s, while holding a spot on RTÉ radio 1’s recommended playlist, Sarah Buckley has established herself as an acclaimed singer-songwriter. Since featuring as a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition judged by Tom Waits and The Script, the Cork artist has earned a reputation for penning dreamy folk songs.

The singer opened with her latest single ‘Full Moon’, a gorgeous song produced by Karl Odlum. Buckley played the piano delicately as she sang softly — but the power in her voice was also evident. “You’re my full moon, you make me crazy”, she sang in the song’s chorus.

She switched to the guitar for her second song. “It’s called ‘Wind Chimes’ at the minute”, said the emerging star—it’s a working title, and Buckley asked those watching to send in any suggestions they had.

The folk artist kept the intimate energy going with ‘Always Trouble’. A song about a tricky character that’s always causing harm. “We might’ve all met one”, joked the singer. This was the first time Buckley had played the song live and it was a moody number she sang with commanding control of her voice.

The singer then played her debut single ‘You Got Me Now’ which dropped in 2019 and followed it with two new songs—‘Tribal Dance’ and ‘Night Light’ with which she closed her set.

Rewatch Sarah’s set below.

 

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Watch the Hot Press Y&E Series performances every night live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7.30pm – supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Up next on the Y&E Series…

Tuesday, September 14: DORA GOLA

Polish-born, Lahinch-based singer-songwriter Dora Gola caught our eyes with her recent singles, 'Dark Sands'. Having fallen in love with Irish music, Dora was drawn to bands whose style was hybrid – like Beoga, Kíla and Kan. The vocal and performance coach was nominated for Hot Press' Most Promising Act of 2019, paving the way with a beautiful debut EP. Interspersing Eastern sounds of slavic folk with dark electro-pop and '80s funk, Gola is hugely influenced by dance, and utilises the music of Gorillaz, Kate Bush, Prince and Bjork. Stay tuned for upcoming single in the form of 'Flying Tree'.

Wednesday, September 15: JACKIE BEVERLY

Since late 2018, Irish indie-pop artist Jackie Beverly has been steadily carving a space for herself in the Irish music scene, sparking people’s attention with her refreshing electro-infused writing, and refined vocal. Having appeared on Other Voices, First Fortnight festival, Whelan’s Ones To Watch and The Ruby Sessions over the course of 2019 and 2020 - plus stellar opening sets for established artists such as Kelsey Lu, Sorcha Richardson, and Nnic - Beverly is well on her way to solo stardom. Her 2021 single 'Headlights' followed on from brilliant 2020 offerings 'Sea Glass' and 'Sweet Goodbye'.