Pop and r 'n' b singer Orla Monelle has released her new single, In The Sunlight, from her upcoming EP. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
At the age of 17, Orla moved from Belgium to Ireland to start her musical journey and has released eight singles to date, including Romanticise and The Best Love.
She has performed at Sofar Sounds in Belfast, The Ruby Sessions in Dublin and 4 and her performance at International Women’s Day event Her Sound, Her Stage in The Workman’s Cellar, Dublin in March 2025.
We need your consent to load this Spotify contentWe use Spotify to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Tell us three things about yourself . .
I was born in Belgium but my parents are Irish.
I moved to Ireland at 17 to study music in BIMM Dublin.
I recently got to play a bucket list venue, the Olympia in Dublin. I performed as a backing vocalist for ALKY at the Rock Against Homelessness concert.
How would you describe your music?
I'd describe my music as a blend of pop, soul, and R&B. Sonically, I’m drawn to a mix of live and electronic elements, things like electric guitar, piano, live strings and drums, alongside more subtle electronic textures. On my new EP, I worked with Alex O’Keeffe and Cian O’Donoghue, who are brilliant at helping bring all those elements together. Vocals are probably the most important part of my music. I love building layers and harmonies; that’s honestly one of my favourite parts of the recording process.
Who are your musical inspirations?
My inspirations are always changing but I’d say Lana Del Rey, Olivia Dean and Hozier have heavily influenced me in the last few years. I am also constantly inspired by the Irish music scene. Some of my favourite Irish artists at the moment are Melina Malone and CMAT.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first gig I ever went to was a Royseven gig in Dublin. My older brother, Paul Walsh, is the lead singer and I remember being so excited to see him on stage. Watching him perform and learning from his experience definitely inspired me to become an artist and start creating my own music. Still today he is someone I can turn to for advice and guidance in the music industry.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Let Go by Avril Lavigne. I picked it up in my local supermarket in Brussels and played it on repeat. I still think it’s one of my favourite albums.
What’s your favourite song right now?
A Couple of Minutes by Olivia Dean! Maverick Sabre, an Irish artist, is one of the writers on it and he adds some gorgeous harmonies to it too. She’s really having a moment and I think her album is incredible.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"If I could save time in a bottle, The first thing that I'd like to do, Is to save every day, Til eternity passes away, Just to spend them with you" - Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
So hard to pick! I think I’d pick a song from Keane’s Hopes and Fears album. Maybe Somewhere Only We Know. My mum would play this album in the car on repeat growing up and I love all the songs; they feel very nostalgic to me.
Where can people find your music/more information?
They can find me on my Instagram page @orlamonelle. That’s where I’m most active but they can also follow me on TikTok, YouTube Facebook and anywhere you listen to music! Linktree.
Alan Corr
