Meet the artists tipped for success on this year's RTÉ 2FM Rising list... Watch the video for 54321 by April above...
In 2022, everything changed for April. Hitting play on the artist's forthcoming mixtape STARLANE, named after her recording studio's local DLR station, threads of dance music and high-octane pop both weave their way into her boldest, brightest release yet.
April drew on a set of influences ranging from the left-field indie-pop of The 1975 and The Japanese House, to the threads of UK Garage and drum'n'bass, that pulsed through her countless nights out in London clubs. STARLANE's lead single 54321 is co-written with indie singer-songwriter Matt Maltese, and produced by Danny Casio (Joy Crookes, Griff).
Rewinding back to her upbringing, April grew up in a loud, busy household in Kilcullen Co Kildare, the oldest of seven kids. When she wasn't sneaking into abandoned houses and exploring nearby rivers, you'd find her hidden away at home, writing songs about heartbreak she didn't understand yet, and her dreams of pursuing music. She often felt nagging doubts that as an aspiring Irish musician, there was no place for her in the spotlight. Moving to Dublin aged eighteen was the huge catalyst that kickstarted April's own journey. "When I first started releasing music in 2018, it was a really special time; I was listening to artists like Kojaque, Biig Piig and Soft Boy Records... I was obsessed with it".
Now based in London, April is signed to Atlantic and fresh from a tour supporting Claud across Europe, STARLANE isn't only the beginning of a personal chapter. It marks a moment of newfound clarity, and an artist just getting started.
Find out more about this year's RTÉ 2FM Rising list here.
