- Culture
- 28 Feb 22
Shobsy's powerhouse vocals echo the charisma of Freddie Mercury and George Michael.
Shobsy has exploded back onto the Irish music scene with new track 'Vanity', an '80s-fuelled offering that makes use of pulsing synth, classic melodies, and dreamy production.
His haunting vocals tie everything together, effortlessly using falsetto to bring the eerie lyrics to life. Conveying the story of a modern-day tragedy, Shobsy sings, “In the mirror of my phone / I fell in love,” noting how society uses technology and social media numbers to acquire self-worth.
“Lyrically, the song deals head-on with the concept of vanity and self-obsession in an age where social media becomes an increasingly integral part of our lives."
The infectious song mimics the modern-day sonics of The Weeknd and the nostalgic adrenaline rush of '80s icons A-ha and Bronski Beat.
Having spent the last 12 months in hiatus sharpening his sound and stagecraft, now is the time for Shobsy to launch an artistic reinvention, propelling himself in a fresh direction and en-route to becoming a well-rounded, genre-defying artist.
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The musician built up a reputation as the former frontman and lead songwriter with State Lights. The quartet soaked in success with their stadium-sized anthems, including ample appearances at both Electric Picnic and The Late Late Show. In equal measure, State Lights dominated airwaves with international airplay on KROQ in the States and Radio X in the UK.
The young Dubliner sold out his first solo show at Dublin’s Workman’s Club in a matter of days last autumn, and is currently touring as support guest with RTE Choice Music Prize nominees Soda Blonde.
Listen to 'Vanity' below: