Track of the Day: Síomha - 'Right From The Start'

Irish singer-songwriter Síomha has released the latest preview from her forthcoming debut album Infinite Space, titled 'Right From The Start'.

The album was recorded in the US and produced by Grammy nominated Tyler Duncan. Síomha's LP, landing on April 22nd, involves a host of world renowned musicians from Vulfpeck, Snarky Puppy, The Olllam and Bella Fleck.

'Right From The Start' is a soulful pop track which takes the listener on a complete journey of emotions. Beginning in a funky and sultry realm, reminiscent of 70s and 80s soul bands and ending with a lush, dramatic and intimate outro - the music follows the growth of Síomha's perspective on an incredible story. The song itself was written over 10 years about a romantic connection.

“This is an almost classic pop song about a dead end relationship, but with a twist - the song was written in two halves, each 10 years apart," Clare native Síomha explains. The contrast between the two shows how our perception of and response to our lived experiences changes over time. As we grow and mature, we soften somewhat and lose our defensiveness, allowing ourselves to be more vulnerable and intimate as we see things in a different light.”

The soulful number expresses a deep respect and empathy for the craft of songwriting itself.

“What I find unique and so compelling about this song is how it is an almost impossible combination of feelings, each firing on all cylinders: it's raw, endearing, whimsical, mournful, intimate, lush, and funky as hell, Tyler Duncan says of 'Right From The Start'. "All together: a seriously badass track.”

Taken from Infinite Space, 'Right From The Start' is a memorable single alongside her November 2021 track 'Spéir Rua'.

These heartfelt and enduring songs, paired with the deep complexity of their production and arrangements, make for an original yet instantly approachable sound - a kind of cosmic, folk- rooted, jazz-tinged, post-pop.

The album was recorded in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and produced by Grammy nominated Tyler Duncan (Carly Rae Jepsen/ Theo Katzman/ the olllam). It features an all-star lineup of musicians including bassist Joe Dart (Vulfpeck), drummer Louis Cato (Bobby McFerrin/ Snarky Puppy) and violinist Jeremy Kittel (Bela Fleck/ Chris Thile).

“The album is an exploration of our ability as humans to change, to break the habits and patterns imposed upon us from a young age by family and society through fully engaging with our true selves, exploring both the light and dark within and around us," Síomha says in a press release.

Síomha’s love for music was passed on to her by her father, a traditional Irish musician. Growing up in the West of Ireland, her first introduction to the stage was at an Irish language primary school where music and song were revered. She picked up the guitar at age 10 and began to find her own voice through songwriting soon after.

Revisit the musician's September 2020 session on the Hot Press Lockdown Series here.

Listen to 'Right From The Start' below: