Over the past two years, singer-songwriter Sara Ryan garnered plenty of attention, and with her debut album Breathe just around the corner, she’s ready to rise to new heights. She’s been immersed in music her whole life, from her native Newbridge all the way to Cork, where she’s now based. She learned to play the guitar at a young age and quickly developed a passion for writing emotionally cathartic tunes.

While she grew up heavily influenced by folk music – listening to the likes of Christy Moore, Damien Dempsey and Joni Mitchell – Ryan’s music is also infused with rock and blues, with a focus on lyrical honesty. “For me,” she says, “the most important part of writing songs and playing music is the message.”

Amongst the topics tackled on her upcoming album are direct provision, homelessness and other human rights-related issues. “I like to write about things people are afraid to say politically and socially,” she notes.

Previously, the gifted Ryan has toured around Ireland with artists like Mick Flannery and Martin Harley, and she’ll be hitting the road again in September and October. Watch this space.

• Breathe is out now.