Wexford twins Brandon and Ashley launched their career as The Ocelots in 2016 – crafting their sound as they busked across Europe. Following extensive touring and high-profile support slots for the likes of Jack Johnson and Glen Hansard, they released their long-awaited debut album, Started To Wonder, earlier this year.

Opening with 'Front Door Key' – co-written with Lockdown Sessions alum Ryan O'Shaughnessy, the lads played a great set from their home in Germany. Moving through an early tune called 'The Switch', they also cycled through some tunes from their debut album Started to Wonder, including 'Colours In The Dark'.

Watch the performance below.

 

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Supported by @culture.heritage.gaeltacht

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Watch Stephen James Smith with Gareth Quinn Redmond tonight, September 17, as part of the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' The Y&E Series, supported by the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 8.30pm.

Thursday, September 17: STEPHEN JAMES SMITH WITH GARETH QUINN REDMOND
A Dublin poet and playwright central to the rise of the thriving spoken word scene in Ireland today, Stephen James Smith's poetry videos have amassed over 3 million views online. He's joined on the Y&E Series by acclaimed artist Gareth Quinn Redmond – an ambient composer who has collaborated extensively with David Keenan.

Friday, September 18:  BRENDAN MURRAY
Hailed by Robbie Williams as an artist with “an impossibly perfect pop voice”, Irish singer-songwriter and former Hometown member Brendan Murray's career highlights already include reaching the semi-final of The X Factor in 2018 and representing Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2017. His performance on the Y&E Series coincides with the release of his new single '500 Days'.

Saturday, September 19: PAJ
Since the release of his debut single 'Friends Confused' last year, Paj has established himself as a captivating emerging artist – selected for the 'Play The Picnic' stage at Electric Picnic, and scoring a coveted spot on Spotify's 'A Breath Of Fresh Eire' playlist. He released his latest single 'Superman', featuring Uly, Rob de Boer, Zeenie Summers, Joe Furlong & Fiachra Kinder, last month.

Sunday, September 20: MEGAN BURKE
The Dublin singer-songwriter Megan Burke has built up an impressive following online – clocking up hundreds of thousands of views for her stunning covers and originals. She releases her debut single 'Where Did You Find Love', on September 18.