Track of the Day: David Keenan, 'Radiate a Smile'

David Keenan, who is in the throes of completing his fourth studio album, has recently released an ode to male friendship in the form of 'Radiate a Smile'.

The single was recorded with and produced by Gavin Glass with added mixing and mastering by Ivan Jackman.

The Dundalk singer songwriter says of the single:  “I like the idea that this song is two friends who share a deep platonic love, at the football, chatting shit in between people watching, slagging and confiding in one another. In a traditionally aggressive arena, there’s also intimacy".

Continuing the artist says: "I like acknowledging the realities of our behaviours, awkwardness, and confusion as well as wit and tragedy in my writing while in this case, a leaning towards optimism as summer approaches".

Released in the midst of Euros 2024, 'Radiate a Smile' is a dreamy track featuring a warm drum as well as gentle keys which support Keenan's almost spoken word vocals.

A rich audio sonic experience, the charming subject matter is central to 'Radiate a Smile'.

Keenan reflects on the importance of his lyrics, saying: "There’s an understanding in the song that says we’re only here briefly so let’s not be lazy with our relationships let’s keep the lines open and live fully in the knowledge that we’re only passing through. I write about what I see and feel in the moment, trying to conjure moments of curiosity, humanity, sadness, and then preserving them in a lyric".

Listen to 'Radiate a Smile' below: