Following the release of his acclaimed album, The Corridors of Love, earlier this year, Robert John Ardiff served up a powerfully intimate performance on the Hot Press Y&E Series this week.

Initially rising to prominence as a member of the Choice Music Prize-nominated band Come On Live Long, the Irish singer-songwriter has since enjoyed serious critical acclaim as a solo artist.

Having toured extensively around Ireland, as well as playing shows in Europe, the UK and the US, Ardiff knows how to enthral an audience, as his Y&E Series performance attested.

Fans of Come On Live Long were treated to a stunning rendition of 'My Love Leaves', from the band's 2017 album, In The Still – before Ardiff launched into his 2019 solo track, 'Somebody To Love'.

The set also featured highlights from The Corridors of Love, including the piano-led tracks 'The Lion's Share' and 'Miles Away'.

Later in the set, he shared a moving version of fan favourite 'People Talking', from his first album, Between the Bed and Room. The single remains as poignant as ever – having clocked up 6.8 million Spotify streams since its release in 2018.

Ardiff wrapped up the show with a cover of Bob Dylan's 'Mama, You've Been On My Mind', showcasing his remarkable versatility as a performer.

Revisit Robert John Ardiff's performance on the Y&E Series below – and pick up a copy of The Corridors of Love here:

 

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Up next on the Y&E Series...

Thursday, September 2: WILLZEE

Blurring the boundaries between high-intensity hip-hop and poignant spoken word, Limerick's Willzee is at the forefront of a musical movement that's bringing his hometown to the top of the Irish rap scene. He also channels his talents into script-writing – winning the 2019 Virgin Media Discovers Short Film Competition with his script for the film Innocent Boy. Following collaborations with delush and Mic Righteous, he's set to release his debut album later this summer via the Berlin label Welcome to the New World. He's released two solo singles so far this year – 'A Dream Of Peace' and 'No Remorse'.

Friday, September 3: LAUREN ANN

Following the release of 'Don't Take It Out On Me' and 'How It Works' in 2020, Lauren Ann returned with 'Angel Eyes' earlier this year. Although she's just 18-years-old, the Northern Ireland artist draws inspiration from the likes of Nirvana, Pixies, No Doubt and Suede – allowing her to craft a sound that feels both fresh and nostalgic. Following her lauded set at Stendhal Festival last month, Lauren has firmly established herself as a remarkable rising star.

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