Track of the Day: Hánt - ‘I Stand Beside The Light’

Irish indie-folk songwriter Hánt – the moniker of Irish multi-instrumentalist Dylan Howe – has officially marked the beginning of his musical journey this week with the release of his debut single ‘I Stand Beside The Light,’ available now on all major streaming platforms.

The 27-year-old Irish artist, hailing from the northside of Cork, has recently completed a successful European tour supporting Pa Sheehy, honing his craft as a live performer. The time away has further shaped his musical identity, preparing him for his finally realised debut.

‘I Stand Beside The Light’ is also released alongside an ethereal music video, shot while on tour and set against the German countryside.

Reared in a family full of artists, from painters to wood carvers, Hánt’s distinct musical style is inspired by impressionist painters, infusing his songs with vivid imagery and a unique sonic landscape. His captivating debut extends a connective thread to their listeners, who will resonate with Hánt’s personal lyricism and soulful vocals.

With a childhood fascination for instruments like the piano, guitar, clarinet, cello, trumpet, saxophone, and more, the artist’s sound is built around his wide instrumental palette, producing a unique blend of indie-folk full of ethereal textures.

Of his debut single, Hárt shares, “I think visual art and music always go hand in hand. When you start to connect different art forms, they really enhance each other. I wanted to create a striking visual world in the lyrics of this song for that seasonal sadness that a lot of people (including myself) experience.

“Standing beside the light is to say that you want to make things better for yourself, that you have hope for the path to come. It’s sitting by the fire on a miserable day, or spending time with a loved one that makes you feel better,” the singer-songwriter explains.

The singer’s soaring vocals and impressionistic, soul-stirring sonics take the listener on a journey through unpacking the things we feel beneath the surface. Effortlessly breaking across genres while maintaining a raw authenticity and deeply personal lyricism, Hárt’s debut promises a lasting presence for the emerging artist in the ever-evolving indie-folk genre.

As a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer, arranger, there are few corners of music that Dylan Howe hasn’t explored. That exploration has led to a realisation of his sound as Hárt – one he’s ready to share with the world.

Listen to ‘I Stand Beside The Light,’ the debut single from Hárt, below. Out now on all major streaming platforms!