Dublin singer-songwriter Ciarán Moran provided a gripping acoustic display for the Hot Press Y&E series on Thursday evening.

An already established songwriter, Moran has been praised from some of Irish music’s biggest names, including Glen Hansard, Christy Moore, Damien Dempsey and Christy Dignam – who’ve all lauded the young artist for his ability and willingness to write about topics that others may shy away from.

His acclaimed debut EP Life Inner City was released in 2022, solidifying Moran as an artist who’s never too far away from his roots.

Following the project was a successful flurry of sold-out headline gigs in Whelan’s and The Academy in his native Dublin, as well as the Greennote in London. He’s also opened for some major artists, such as Macy Gray, David Keenan and Jamie Webster.

Coming to us live from his snug living room, Moran greeted the audience by getting straight into his hit ‘Follow Your Soul’. A fitting taster to his emotional brand of songwriting, his passioante reverbed vocals soared as he told a heart-wrenching tale of losing someone close to him.

‘Too Hard on Myself’ was up next, from his EP Life Inner City. Usually, as Moran noted, played with a full band, his stripped back rendition didn’t lose any of the song’s emotive potency, as he crooned his impactful, self-critical lyrics.

The title track from his debut EP, ‘Life Inner City’ began with a spoken word piece, as Moran flaunted his multifaceted talents -  detailing the ups and downs of his working-class Dublin upbringing.

A harrowing and honest take on inner city life, Moran shared stories of losing friends too young and unflinching motherly love, painting a vivid picture of the neglected corners of his hometown.

Before granting the audience’s wish with a performance of his song ‘Mother’, Moran revealed that he was announcing some new live dates, soon. If his Y&E set is anyting to go by, the opportunity to witness the singer in face-to-face is not one to be missed.

An unflinchingly honest and deeply personal tale of domestic abuse, Moran proved why so many of his contemporaries and heroes are fans of his, showcasing his ability to transmit delicate and challenging subject matter through poignant songwriting.

Finishing off the gripping set was a performance of his latest single ‘It’s Ok’.

“There’s a time when days are a bit darker,” said Moran on the track. “It’s the first time I’ve ever written directly to myself.”

Balancing on an assurance that better times are ahead, the song was both simultaneously sad and uplifting, opening up a space for Moran to reflect and question himself - a fitting end to another top-class Y&E Series set.

Catch Ciarán Moran's outstanding perfomance below. 

Watch the Hot Press Y&E Series - supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media - live on the Hot Press Instagram at 7pm each night.

 

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