Last night, Cork pop singer-songwriter Clodagh took over the Hot Press Instagram to give a soulful performance for the Y&E artist series. Her set was a moving showcase of her talented vocal skills and songwriting abilities. She accompanied herself on piano, the chords perfectly complimenting her emotionally poignant songs.

Her first song, 'Wrong' immediately sets the tone of the evening. The repetition in the chorus as she sings "I get it wrong sometimes" with increasing boldness is simultaneously powerful and anguished.

She then presents another original song 'Roots' from her 2019 EP In All of Your Glory. The song deals with yearning for deeper connection in complicated family relationships.

This was followed by a slowed, cover version of Cyndi Lauper's iconic 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun'. The well known 80's hit was enhanced by the singer-songwriter's tender yet intense vocal style.

She also played her 2020 single 'You Got Me', 'Good Grief', and her first ever release 'Gray Clouds'. She finished the set with her most recent track 'All You Do Is.." for which she says an acoustic-guitar version will be released soon.

The soulful pop singer made her highly anticipated return after almost two years earlier this month – showcasing impressive new developments in her sound with ‘All You Do Is’, produced by fellow Corkonian Cian Sweeney (1000 Beasts). The pair have worked together on a string of new releases, set to be shared over the next 12 months.

Drawing inspiration from the likes of Lianne La Havas, Clodagh is primed to make serious waves over the months ahead.

In an interview with Clodagh, she reveals the message behind her earnest songwriting, "I started writing songs when I was in my darkest place and it saved me; it gave me a voice I didn’t even know I had, so for me promoting mental health isn’t optional. I write music to tell my story and this is my story."

"I’ve been working intensively on my own mental health for about a year now, doing everything I can to help myself be in a healthy mind space, and I’ve seen so many benefits in my personal life. What I wasn’t expecting, though, is to experience so many benefits in my life as a musician. Having a good headspace is important for creativity – even more important than I realised."

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 14: Alex Tierney

Blending elements of R&B and hip-hop production with folk and pop-oriented songwriting sensibilities, Alex Tierney has emerged as a compelling new force in Irish music. Before he had officially released any music, the Dublin singer-songwriter opened for Lewis Capaldi at the Olympia Theatre in 2019. Since then, he’s put out a selection of acclaimed singles, including his latest, ‘I’m Fine’, earlier this month.

Friday, April 15: Abby Butler

Tipped as one of the our ‘Hot For 2022’ Irish Acts, Abby Butler has established herself as a serious one-to-watch. Hailing from West Limerick, the 23-year-old singer-songwriter was selected as Live 95’s winner for the ‘A New Local Her’ talent search last year. Inspired by the likes of Hozier and Wallis Bird, Abby released her latest single ‘Deja Vu’ in March.

Saturday, April 16: Ellen Arthur Blyth

Embracing classic influences like Billie Holiday and Peggy Lee, as well as the contemporary edge of Amy Winehouse and Lana Del Rey, Ellen Arthur Blyth has been tipped as a powerful emerging force on the homegrown scene. Following a stint in a nine-piece band, and a brief but lauded career in acting, the Dublin-born artist recently shared the title track from her highly anticipated debut studio album, Nine.

Sunday, April 17: Bradley Marshall

The Dublin-based singer-songwriter lands on the Y&E Series fresh from the release of his latest single, ‘Make Believe’. Having already garnered a major following on social media – including over 5.5 million likes on TikTok – he’s spent the last few months carefully honing his craft with some of the country’s top songwriters, and his latest single, ‘Make Believe’, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. Bradley is also set to join recent Y&E performer Lea Heart as the special guest at her headline shows at The Academy on April 19 & 20.

Monday, April 18: Xona

Xona has fast become one of the most hotly tipped forces in Irish music, following the release of his debut EP, In My Head, last year, via Welcome To the New World – a Berlin-based label that also represents Tolü Makay. After moving from Lagos to Ireland at the age of 10, he spent his teen years immersed in music, before emerging as a star in the Irish underground music scene, with a sound influenced by jazz, electronic, house, rock, classical and more.

Tuesday, April 19: Slaney

As well as being a hugely talented actress – who appeared in the hit series Normal People – Slaney has established herself as one of the most exciting emerging forces in Irish pop. After joining forces with producer Michael Hopkins, the Carlow artist has released a string of lauded dance-pop singles, which have earned coveted spots on Spotify editorial playlists like New Music Friday UK, New Pop UK, Irish Dance, Fresh Finds, Chilled Pop Hits, Fresh Finds Pop and A Breath of Fresh Eire. She’s also been snapped up by Paradigm Talent Agency for worldwide live representation.

Wednesday, April 20: Jesse June

Nigerian-Irish rising star Jesse June built up a reputation as a thrilling new force in Irish music, with 2021 singles 'Hide My Feelings' and 'Gotta Be Frank', following a string of Soundcloud releases. While we eagerly await his next release, he's also sharing his writings on his newly launched website, jessejune.com