Last night, Hot Press hosted Dublin singer-songwriter Conor Clinch on the Y&E Series. The young artist has already crafted an incredible selection of assured songs that combine his talent for poetry and love for acoustic guitar.

Following the release of his debut EP, For When I'm Not Around, in 2020, he's released a string of well-received singles, including 'Amy' and 'Indigo'. Earlier this year, he teamed up with California-based artist KEPIK on the track 'Let You Go'. All is set for Conor to take the homegrown scene by storm.

He begins the set debuting brand new song 'All of it Fades.' "It's a little bit heavy," Clinch warns, "One of my friends - his grandparents died, very close to each other. So it's written from the viewpoint of someone after losing someone they've been with for a long time."

The song is passion fuelled, his bold vocals perfectly matched by his percussive guitar style and kick drum accompaniment.

He then retunes for 'Ecstasy Fantasy'. The 2020 release features a dynamic mix of delicate finger-style movements and heavy handed chords. The danceable beat makes this one a definite indie-pop winner. He draws inspiration from Damien Rice and Ed Sheeran, amongst other acoustic greats.

Favourite track 'Amy' is a gorgeous ode to strangers and nightlife. Filled with elegant metaphors mixed with vivid memories - his lyricism is refreshingly original: "Like Cocaine, Penny Lane, a barristers mane, milk, silk and a snow train / Oh shut up and kiss me would ya," he sings.

The story is unflinchingly personal, sure to resonate with any of us familiar with the strange and magical nights in Temple Bar.

He also plays 2021 single 'Indigo' and another new song 'Paralysed in Paradise.' "You're the first people in the world to hear this song! God, you're so lucky," he jokes.

Watch the Hot Press Y&E Series – supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7pm each night.

 

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Coming up on the Y&E Series:

Thursday, April 28: Amberlight
Made up of vocalist Lauren Doherty and guitarist/producer/songwriter Paul Casey, this Derry duo have been busy over the last two years, releasing an exciting selection of singles and accompanying videos, including the likes of 'The Song My Heart Sings' , 'Strong Enough', 'Only Love (A Fisherman's Lament)' and 'Peace at Last'. They also contributed to the Rave On, Van Morrison series, performing a cover of 'Celtic New Year'.