Live Report: Cathal Murphy on the Hot Press Y&E Series

Hailing from Camlough, Cathal Murphy has his roots in Irish traditional music – a passion that has been passed down in his family through the generations. The Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter has since shifted gears to an R&B-laced sound, expertly blending soulful guitar lines and expressive songwriting.

Murphy has already toured extensively across Europe and the US as part of the award-winning Northern Irish contemporary folk five-piece Cúig. Last June, he released his debut EP, I'm Writing to You, It Can Be Lonely and Beautiful at the Edges of Print. The lead single 'Frame' saw the artist start to garner attention across the UK and Ireland.

He showcased his unique blend of soul and pop on the Hot Press Y&E series last night. Across his five songs, he wowed those tuning in, earning a wide range of lauded comparisons from James Morrison to The Beatles.

Murphy jumped right into the first track 'Lilac Eyes' with a gentle, humming guitar opener. His voice was similarly honeyed as he swayed through the song about mental health over lockdown. "All I want to know is that you’re happier than you are sad," he crooned.

He followed with another offering from his debut, 'Frame'. Murphy was once again a warm, alluring presence as he expertly delivered a jazz-infused guitar solo that more than made up for the lack of his usual backing band. The next song was an unreleased track titled 'My Girl' – a departing somber offering about love lost. The stripped-back performance showcased a new, softer side to Murphy, one that garnered him the aforementioned Morrison nod.

He ended the night with a surprise Rihanna cover, putting his unique twist on her 2007 hit 'Umbrella'. It was an unexpected but welcomed end to a captivating set from the singer-songwriter.

Watch Cathal Murphy's full set below.

 

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There are still many more nights to go on the Hot Press Y&E Series – supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Tune in every night at 7 to the Hot Press Instagram to see another exciting performance from an Irish up and comer.

Coming up on the Y&E Series....

Wednesday March 30: D. Cullen
The Dublin singer-songwriter gained attention in 2019 when his single 'Alright' made waves at radio and led to an acclaimed performance on The Late Late Show. He followed up in 2020 with a slew of equally addictive releases: The Rising Tide EP, 'Rainbow Weather'; 'Birch Street' and a festive collaboration with Sinead McConville, 'Christmas Ain't The Same (Miles & Miles Away)'. 2021 saw the release of psych-pop tune 'All The People', romance-twinged gem 'She Is A Song' and instant pop hit 'Heartline'. Cullen's melodies and soundscapes aim to bridge the gap between Elvis Costello, Tom Petty and Taylor Swift; as demonstrated on his most recent musical number 'Radio'.

Thursday March 31: Tara Nome Doyle
In April 2018, the Berlin-raised Norwegian/Irish musician's first single ‘Down With You’ was unveiled. It has since been streamed more than four million times, with her first EP Dandelion landing that same year to similar numbers and acclaim. Debut album Alchemy came in 2020, cementing Tara’s status as a star on the rise before 2022's hugely unique sophomore offering Værmin arrived. Previewed by captivating singles 'Snail I', 'Crow' and 'Caterpillar', the album landed via Modern Imprint. Catch her live this March at Doyles' Ruby Sessions.

Friday, April 1: Tommy Cullen
The former frontman with Dublin alt-rock band The False And The Fair, Tommy Cullen has been building up a strong following over the past year as a solo singer-songwriter. Having spent recent years writing and producing new music, in 2021, he showcased the versatility of his approach with a string of well-received singles, including 'Night Moves', 'Violet Rainbow', and 'In The Winter', featuring Amy Ellen.

Sunday, April 3: Chris Leonard
Born in Dublin and raised in Ballivor, Co.Meath, Chris Leonard's passion for music was first shaped by watching his father play in sessions with the likes of The Fureys, and Barney McKenna of The Dubliners. Chris initially rose to prominence on The X-Factor, as a member of the band Stereo Kicks, who ultimately reached the quarter finals of the show. He's now a solo artist – and following the release of 'Fix' last year, 2022 will see him travel to America to record his debut album.

Monday, April 4: Molly O'Mahony
Initially rising to prominence as one quarter of art-folk group Mongoose, the Ballydehob native has struck out on her own over lockdown – armed with a serious knack for intricate, intimate songwriting, and one of the most uniquely resonant voices in the country. Following two well-received singles, her crowd-funded debut solo album, The House Of David, is set to be released later this year. Back in January, O'Mahony was tipped as one of our 'Hot For 2022' Irish Acts.