PREMIERE: Limerick native NIYL returns with soulful new single 'The Heretic'

Self-dubbed "atmo-soul" artist NIYL has made a comeback with a riveting new single 'The Heretic', premiered below by Hot Press and landing on streaming services tomorrow, January 28th.

Previously known for his soul-funk soundscapes as a singer-songwriter; today NIYL makes his return with a new sound, new look and fresh approach to his craft. A familiar face on the live circuit, he’s opened for the likes of Gavin James, Hermitage Green, and Wyvern Lingo, as well as appearing on stage with Dermot Kennedy and the RTE Concert Orchestra, Rufus Wainwright. NIYL also delivered an iconic live performance as lead vocalist with National Geographic Live in Concert ‘Symphony for our World’, no less.

Hailing from Limerick, this is an artist who blends impactful vocals and lush, ethereal instrumentation to deliver a cinematic catalogue of original works. 'The Heretic' is no exception.

A lament about a relationship that cannot be sustained, the single's lyrics explore the difficult decisions we make in life when it comes to love. As creatures of primal emotion at our core, this track looks to explore a battle of the heart and mind.

'The Heretic' explores unrequited love from someone who conjures up illusions about the future when they see fit. In reality, that person's love only ever lasts for tender, fleeting moments.

The love in this instance is looked at as heresy, the worshipping of a false god or belief. Aware of the deceit and that is being weaved before him, the lover's mind is warding off these false promises. No matter how hard it tries, the heart still believes that this path might lead to more fruitful pastures.

“The song dances between moments of vulnerability and resentment," NIYL explains of 'The Heretic'. "We have all been through situations where the lover and the fool are the same and the journey of this song is to show that we are not alone in this struggle. We have all strived to fully remove ourselves from a toxic situation and start anew. We have resented the time wasted but as time moves, so too does the healing.”

Drawing inspiration from the landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way, NIYL writes as a means of catharsis, channelling emotions through word and song, calling on elements of nature to be pillars for each work.

‘The Heretic’ is set to be the first release from a string of planned singles, and is the relaunch of this chamber-pop artist. His artful dramatic ballads - drawing from alt-pop, indie and classical genres - adds a fresh sound to the Irish music industry landscape. He's truly a contemporary breath of fresh air.

A previous finalist in Christie Hennessy’s Song of the Year Competition with IMRO, NIYL has reached great heights for his penmanship - including winning a trip via Today FM to Norway to collaborate with Gavin James. He was also invited by Hot Press to be a part of their #MorningGlory25 Series, singing his take on 'Champagne Supernova', and joined Hermitage Green on stage for a special Cranberries tribute in Limerick.

Listen to 'The Heretic' below: