First performed during a support slot for Glen Hansard in Vicar Street back in 2018, the long-awaited debut single from Tadhg Williams, 'My Father's Clouds', is finally here.

The Waterford artist's new track is a moving ode to fathers and sons in modern Ireland – originally scribbled down in a notebook in a pub during his Leaving Cert year.

“A father-son relationship can be complicated and often difficult for many people," he says of 'My Father's Clouds' . "While myself and my father have had our differences, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have a role model like him in my life. His has influenced me in so many ways – my character, my music taste, my work ethic. I wrote this song for him because sometimes saying ‘I love you Dad’ is easier said through song. I hope other fathers and sons use the song in the same way.”

Tadhg's stream-of-consciousness, character-centred storytelling nods to the best of David Keenan, while sensitive arrangements bring his acoustic guitar-led approach to emotional new heights. 'My Father's Clouds' firmly establishes the 21-year-old as one of Ireland's most thrilling emerging songwriters.

Tadhg and his band, The Council House, are set to launch the new single tonight (February 27) in Slattery's, Rathmines. You can also catch him at Phil Grimes, Waterford, tomorrow night (28).

Over the last few years, Tadhg has built up a formidable reputation in the Irish music scene on the back of high-profile support slots for Glen Hansard, David Keenan, Rozi Plain and Fields. As a poet, he has also performed alongside the likes of Emmet Kirwan, Sasha Terfous, Stephen James Smith and Natalya O'Flaherty.

Back in December, Hot Press talked to Tadhg about his work with BuskAid – Ireland's first city-wide busking festival for charity. Founded by Tadhg in 2016, BuskAid takes place across Waterford city every December, raising funds for local homelessness charities. See the full interview here.

Listen to 'My Father's Clouds', plus a spoken word B-side, 'The Village', below:

Tadhg Williams plays Slattery's in Rathmines, Dublin tonight (February 27) and Phil Grimes, Waterford tomorrow night (28).