Track of the Day: Paddy Hanna - 'New York Sidewalk'

Howth indie artist Paddy Hanna has returned with his trademark duelling lyricism and elaborate instrumentation on new single 'New York Sidewalk, released on Strange Brew today.

Opening with a glistening guitar line, ‘New York Sidewalk’ is a song coated in hope. Driven by an old-time gliding piano melody before being joined by a chorus of brass, the song is buoyant in its universal message of leaving the past behind and celebrating the wonder of the world around you.

“I rather optimistically believe that many of the mistakes or misadventures that happen in our lives can become great anecdotes down the line, a sense of humour can be a real balm in tough times," Paddy Hanna says of the song. "‘New York Sidewalk’ is very simply about that - moving on from the past with a wry grin. It’s about laying to bed past failures, leaping forward and seeing the love that’s all around you.”

Perhaps giving a glimpse of the new direction that his music is moving in, Paddy adds: “Everything about the new music I’m currently releasing is borne out of love - which is the first time I can truly say that. During the pandemic I got married and had a baby, this music was recorded while there was a baby in my wife’s belly. I am also very fortunate to have worked once more with Daniel Fox (Gilla Band), Daniel Fitzpatrick (Badhands), Ken “MoonMan” Mooney and of course Gugai from Strange Brew, all of whom I have the greatest affection for. So it's just love on top of love on top of love. In other words, I’m a jammy bastard.”

Hanna came to prominence on the Irish indie scene as an architect of quirky indiepop in bands like Grand Pocket Orchestra and has played various in numerous other acts over the years, including art-pop band Autre Monde.

His songwriting prowess first came to the fore in thrilling fashion on his 2014 solo debut, Leafy Stiletto. Its follow-up, Frankly, I Mutate, was another brilliant collection of imaginative, mature and totally unique indiepop songs.

Hot Press' Edwin McFee wrote of Frankly, I Mutate at the time:

"Along for the ride this time round is producer/Girl Band member Daniel Fox, and the pair have cooked up a record that is an emotional rollercoaster. Featuring appearances from Cian Nugent and the Cosmos, Tandem Felix, Saint Sister and the Trinity Orchestra, Hanna’s fusion of upbeat hooks with dark lyrics makes for an unforgettable combination. A record that aims to find comfort and catharsis in music, Frankly, I Mutate offers one hell of a journey."

Hanna released The Hill in 2020, which caught the attention of international music media and tastemakers.

Over the years, he has supported legends of the music industry including B.C. Camplight, Joan as a Policewoman, Billy Ocean and Cate Le Bon. In 2019, Hanna supported one of his musical heroes Burt Bacharach during the Irish leg of his tour.

“I was extremely nervous. What do you say to someone who’s met them all?” Hanna said of their meeting, “but he’s just the coolest dude, ever!”

‘New York Sidewalk marks a new moment in this innovative artist’s already incredibly diverse discography.

Check out the new track below:

Photos by Alan Healy