Track of the Day: Hip-hop artist Nealo pairs with Uly on 'You Can't Go Home Again'

Dublin hip-hop artist Nealo has released the first single taken from his highly-anticipated debut album, 'You Can't Go Home Again', collaborating with Uly on the effort.

The former vocalist of hardcore punk band Frustration has created a laidback blend of introspective hip-hop over jazz-influenced beats, contrasting his new music with that of his past to earn a loyal following.

After touring the world, Nealo settled down, got a law degree and walked down the aisle. A few years of working in a law firm later, and he felt the vocation of music calling him back in a whole new way.

The rapper and singer later began making beats and writing lyrics in 2018 as a form of catharsis to find a home for his thoughts, signposting key themes of emigration, transformation and friendship.

His debut album, which is due for release in the autumn will deliver tracks in the Dubliner’s reflective, biographical style.

Nealo has once again teamed up with long-time collaborators and friends Uly and Adam Garrett on this laid-back nostalgia trip, infused with the signature jazzy, lo-fi hip-hop style he has become known for.

“'You Can’t Go Home Again' is about leaving. It’s a song about missing both a person that you love, and a city that you love," Nealo comments.

"No one stands untouched by emigration. We have all left cities and friends behind, or have had friends leave in search of a better life, an adventure, or a future for themselves," he adds.

"This one is an ode to the people and cities that I had to leave behind, and that each time I left, I never felt like I was the same person after. Everything changes with the miles and years.”

‘You Can’t Go Home Again’ is the follow-up to his May single, ‘Heart Food for Hard Times’, which has amassed over a million radio impacts and received widespread critical praise.

The erosion of culture within Dublin's capital makes up part of the backbone of Nealo's music, boasting skilled penmanship and an emotional connection to his struggling hometown.

The stunning artwork images for 'You Can’t Go Home Again' were taken by photographer and film director Bobby Zithelo (This Land).

Bobby is also directing the music video for ‘You Can’t Go Home Again’, due to be released in the coming weeks.

With his debut album, Nealo is preparing to move to the next level of Irish musical artistry.

Listen to 'You Can't Go Home Again' below:

https://open.spotify.com/track/5ywb1zJu4cjKINssq3p1pf?si=pAIBawWUSmq6i5okbGww6Q