This week's Playlist is all about that hint of light creeping into those long, dark evenings - there is hope.
Izzy Bizu – Talking To You
Izzy Bizu’s album A Moment Of Madness was released at the end of last year - we're using the excuse that her Talking To You video just dropped to shout from the rooftops about this very talented British vocalist! Izzy's soft-but-strong tones make her voice instantly recognizable, and we're loving the '60s pop influence - listen also to Give Me Love, and everything else, you won’t regret it. Here, her sensual voice and that fizzy chorus make you want to sing this song again, and again, and again...
Soule – Good Life
The urban electronic singer/songwriter (pronounced Soul Ay) from Dublin is back with a track that doesn't skimp on the positive vibes, perfect for the February blues - this electro-pop earworm reaches the high notes, and then some. Soulé is nominated for Song Of The Year at this year's RTE Choice Music Prize Awards for Love No More, and the nod is more than deserved - she's a major talent in the making. Also: the infectious video, shot in and around the capital, really makes you wanna go out and enjoy Dublin’s good life!
Maggie Rogers – On+Off
Meet Pharell Williams's new 22-year-old protege - the video of Pharrell listening to her song Alaska for the first time went viral, and launched her career. Now, she just dropped a bold statement of intent - and the girl definitely got game. We love the stripped-down sound combined with the DIY choreography, all the rage since Christine and her Queens went stratospheric; make no mistake, she's the real deal. Her EP Now That The Light Is Fading is released on February 17th. We're going full Heisenberg, here: remember her name.
Rosie Carney – Awake Me
With her infectious brand of soft indie pop, Rosie Carney delivers a really moving song. The 19-year-old singer from Donegal whispers at our ears, and we like it. This tune sounds like a lullaby and the gorgeous video brings the atmosphere, in spades. Rosie has been bravely addressing the difficult experiences she has endured, such as depression, anorexia and sexual assault. Bad, bad things, but she finally found help, and this tune brings some hope for everybody. These are the struggles of her life, and she shares her feelings with the whole world. The generosity and honesty of this singer, and her song, is a blessing.
Thundercat – Show You The Way [ft. Michael McDonald & Kenny Loggins]
Bass guitar supremo Stephen Bruner (AKA Thundercat) returns! And he's bringing all his soul-jazzy-funky vibes and old-school MOR legends McDonald (ex Doobie Brothers) and Loggins (Mr. Footloose himself) for good measure. “That song to me is about going down the rabbit hole, taking you to another place … On the edge of dark, there’s the brightest light...” says Thundercat. He's collaborated with eclectic talents like Kendrick Lamar, Kamasi Washington and Erykah Badu, and this Cat's every bit the visionary himself - call him the new Maurice White. He releases new album Drunk on February 24th, and plays Vicar Street in Dublin in March - this is a real musical piece of art.
