Track of the Day: Lucy McWilliams - ‘Plastic’

Following her much-loved single ‘Slow Dancing’ earlier this year, Dublin’s own alt-pop singer-songwriter Lucy McWilliams returns with ‘Plastic,’ her most anthemic release to date.

With vibrant production and her rich vocal prowess, the track orbits around twisted verses and a grizzled, guitar-led chorus. As always, McWilliams is a songwriter who bares her heart-on-sleeve soul – even in a track built by the frustration of longing.

Speaking of the song’s inspiration, the 23-year-old Dublin-born singer-songwriter shares, “I wrote this song coming from a place where I was upset with myself for allowing a version of me to take over that I wasn’t comfortable with, wanting to be loved. I realised how easy it is to downplay your emotions to fit into a version of yourself that you think is more loveable. It’s exploring the desperation of love, and the anger you can have towards someone who holds it.”

McWilliam’s emotive, sickly sweet vocals coat the suspenseful sonics in honey, as she sings about the joys and pains of letting oneself be open to love. Emotional narratives are at the centre of the singer’s songwriting, which has garnered her over 16 million streams on Spotify alone. Based in London, McWilliams keeps her Irish storytelling link strong through her tender, heartfelt lyrics and relatable songs.

'Plastic' cover art

This new release expands the artist’s genre umbrella even wider, with a discography that roams from expansive indie to slinky R&B, swaying acoustic pop to ‘90s-rom-com-style rock.

“I think the sound changes a lot, because singing is my instrument,” she explains, “I’m really influenced by what’s around me, what I’m listening to, but I think the themes I’m talking about through my music are always the same.”

Having previously supported Inhaler and Two Door Cinema Club on tour, as well as a sold-out Dublin show, Lucy will play the coveted Other Voices, Dingle on November 29. Tickets are available here.

Check out ‘Plastic,’ the newest single and accompanying music video from Lucy McWilliams below!