Track of the Day: Martin McDonnell shares 'Day by Day' in aid of the Irish Cancer Society

18-year-old musician Martin McDonnell has released a new track, 'Day by Day', in aid of the Irish Cancer Society following his own mother's diagnosis with cancer.

Shared on October 28, 'Day by Day' was recorded and mixed by Cian Synnott at Windmill Lane Studios and mastered by Fergal Davis.

“I wrote the song about my mam,” McDonnell explains. “She was diagnosed with breast cancer last Christmas, and ‘Day by Day’ came about because I wanted to write something as a way of understanding what I was feeling. Getting something on paper seemed like the best way to do that at the time.”

Following his successful Whelan’s show, Martin wanted to do more for the Irish charity.

“I’d never had to deal with something like that, it was a shock, the song’s about family, and taking each day as they come. The Irish Cancer Society really helped my family and I through a difficult time, so I wanted to give something more back to them.”

After developing his craft busking on the streets of Dublin, the young busker was recently caught off-guard while covering Hozier’s well-known hit 'Take Me to Church'.

The Bray singer happened to be strolling by and dropped some change into McDonnell’s guitar case, leading McDonnell's vocals and the event itself to reach every corner of the earth.

Earlier this year, the busker made an astonishing debut with a headliner at a packed-out Whelan's – upgraded from Upstairs to the main venue due to popular demand.

McDonnell’s own music has propelled him to multiple performances at celebrated events and sessions, including Dublin’s The Ruby Sessions, The 2019 Makeup Awards, and many more.

The musician released a cover of the Elton John classic 'Your Song', Live at the Cabin Space Studios, and fellow single 'Leaves Me Wanting More' in 2020.

Martin’s debut headline show in Whelan’s was a fast sell-out, from which McDonnell donated over €2000 to the Irish Cancer Society following news that his mum had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

All proceeds for his new track's both digital and physical purchases to go to the Irish Cancer Society.

McDonnell will also play the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series this Wednesday, November 4.

Other confirmed acts coming up include – Ailsha, Eve Belle (tonight), Padraig Cahill, Junior Brother, Amy Montgomery, Saibh Skelly, Emma Langford, Patricia Lalor and more.

Listen to 'Day by Day' from Martin McDonnell below:

https://open.spotify.com/track/23Pj6RF3faVbLRdP3aUdUE