Initially rising to prominence as a busker on St Patrick's Street in Cork and Grafton Street in Dublin, singer-songwriter, musician and producer Mel Maryns has emerged as a captivating talent – as she proved on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series last night.

She shared a selection of her genre-blending original tracks – drawing influence from the legendary likes of Guns N' Roses, Skid Row and Evanescence – and kicked off proceedings with her powerful debut single,  'Someone To Hold'.

"It's about a girl who feels alone," she said of the track. "Sometimes all we need is someone to hold. And all we need is a hug."

The set also featured her singles 'Burning Flames' and 'Butter Wings' (released earlier this month) – plus some remarkable covers, including Amy Winehouse's 'You Know I'm No Good', Billie Eilish's 'No Time To Die' and Evanescence's 'My Immortal'.

Watch Mel Maryns' performance on the Y&E Series below:

 

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Take a look at the upcoming line-up for the Y&E Series below:

Friday, April 30: TANAKA X
After establishing himself as a serious force in alternative R&B back in 2018, with a high profile support slot for former JLS member Aston Merrygold, Tanaka X, aka Johnson Tanaka Furusa, stepped back into the spotlight with his debut single, 'Let You Know', last month. The 22-year-old rapper, singer-songwriter and producer – who was crowned the winner of NiStars Talent Competition in 2015, and Belfast Nashville Young Songwriters in 2017 – has built up a reputation as a multi-talented star-in-the-making.

Saturday, May 1: LUKE POWER
After high profile support slots for Picture This, Luke Power – the son of The Script's drummer Glen Power – took a three-year hiatus from the spotlight. Now he's back with an arsenal of new tracks ready to go. Bringing together elements of electronic music and radio-ready pop, he has emerged as a compelling solo artist, with the release of 'Penance', 'Drinks', 'Every Night' and 'Tell Me Lies' already this year.

Sunday, May 2: 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.

Monday, May 3: MATTHEW NOLAN
22-year-old singer-songwriter Matthew Nolan has established himself as a serious force to be reckoned with over the last few years. Following a string of acclaimed solo singles, which have clocked up Spotify streams in their millions, the Drogheda artist found major international success as a member of the group Since September – who won Little Mix: The Search in November, and are set to join Little Mix on their arena tour next year.

The Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Watch the performances live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) every night at 7.30pm.