Since the release of her debut single in November 2018, emerging electronic soul artist ELKAE (aka Dubliner Laura Keane) has fast become one of Ireland's most thrilling new talents. 'Sold' landed her coveted spots on an impressive selection of Spotify editorial playlists, as well as a sold-out headliner at The Sound House. With subsequent releases, she has built up an ever-growing following – and played two slots at 2019's Electric Picnic.

Last month, she returned with the title track from her upcoming debut EP, Girls Like You Like Me – featuring contributions from Lydia Ford, Chloe Agnew, Zapho, Toshín, Karla Chubb of Sprints, Sinead McConville and Taylor Mas.

Performing from the Isle of Man, where ELKAE is currently living with her girlfriend, the experienced artist gave her audience exclusive previews of unreleased electro-soul hits. Starting off with 'Signal', Laura Keane delivered vibrant beats and powerful vocal pipes from the get go. Next up came 'Distraction', a track about going for that one person we should truly avoid. We're human, it happens, and it makes for a relatable song. Filled with infectious pop hooks and soulful depth, it's sure to be a hit for the up-and-comer.

Next up came ELKAE's most recently recorded track, 'Lie To Me'. The funky, fiesty number takes aim at manipulative people in relationships, and breathes life into Laura's unique voice by using synths and explosive background beats. A rendition of 'Girls Like You Like Me', the vocalist and producers's latest single, follows. Throwing away the rule book, the song is a fierce and intoxicating, undeniably danceable offering. It also features a voice recording of a girls bathroom on a night out, taken from ELKAE's girlfriend's phone and full of squeals and screams. It's a welcome addition to the authentic banger.

The dance banger leads into 'White Dress', a track about Laura's girlfriend's past partner who tried to reconnect their relationship. Concluding the action-packed livestream with her first single - and the song that won her deserved attention - 'Sold', Keane offers gospel-tone harmonies and hypnotic beats underlaying her trademark sassy vocals. An electro-soul performance to remember from the talent, no doubt.

Revisit ELKAE's full Y&E Series set below:

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Watch Meghan Ali on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' The Y&E Series, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, TONIGHT – Thursday, May 6 – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7.30pm.

Following the remarkable success of last year's Y&E Series – which featured 120 live acts, and an audience reach of over four million – the new edition launched at the end of March. Take a look at the dazzlingly diverse selection of artists set to join us over the days ahead:

Friday, May 7: MEGAN O'NEILL
Following the release of her lauded second studio album, Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty, earlier this year, Megan O'Neill continues to establish herself as one of Ireland's most compellingly original artists. The album follows 2018's Ghost of You, which hit No.1 on the iTunes singer-songwriter charts in the UK and Ireland, as well as two acclaimed EPs, Coming Home (2015) and Stories to Tell (2017). To celebrate the success of Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty, she has announced a tour of Ireland and the UK for later this year.

Saturday, May 8: ETAOIN
With the release of her highly anticipated Bedroom Walls EP on April 30, Etaoin has emerged as one of the most captivating new forces in Irish music. Her powerful combination of irresistible pop and raw lyrical honesty have helped her to garner an ever-growing fanbase online – with nearly 600,000 Spotify streams on her latest tracks.

Sunday, May 9: DECARTERET
Clare native DeCarteret has been marked as a serious one-to-watch on the Irish scene. Currently attending BIMM, she is rapidly blossoming into an extraordinary artist – following the release of her latest single, 'LuvSeat', earlier this year. Raw, unapologetic and complex, the track explores themes of confusion, mistakes, grief and sex – drawing influence from the likes of Mac Miller, Billie Eilish and Jorja Smith.

Monday, May 10: VJ JAXSON
Following his studies in BIMM, Nigerian-born Tallaght-raised artist VJ Jaxson has emerged as a serious force to be reckoned with on the Irish scene. Drawing from his personal struggles with depression, his songs feature a unique juxtaposition of heartfelt lyrics and an upbeat tempo – carefully layered within an R&B melody. He released 'Red Pill' – the second single from his debut EP – last month.