New To Hot Press: Derry songstress Bairie

Moody songstress and Derry girl Emily McCormick, AKA Bairie, has no memory of not playing music - she's done it her entire life.

"I was a very shy and nervous child," she says. "I couldn't really speak, so I sang instead."

However, while singing originally helped her with feelings of anxiety, her stage fright overpowered her love for music and performing. Luckily for us, she "grew back into it". Having a band has also helped soothe her nerves, especially when she performed at Culture Night 2018.

"It was great to have that moral support," she notes. "I felt a lot more confident."

Currently, Bairie is going through a transitional period. Originally a solo singer, a supporting band was conjured "by accident" as she collected a bassist, a harmoniser and a guitarist.

"Who knows what the future holds for us, but we do currently only perform songs I wrote," says Bairie. "I sing and they play my music. We have started writing our own material as a group though!"

Taking inspiration from a variety of artists, Bairie affectionately calls bands like The Beatles and The Beach Boys her "lads", with soul icons Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin also among her favourites. This is evident in Bairie's singles, which tap into the melancholic and serene sound of the greats, whilst giving it a modern edge.

Bairie's new single 'Rumbling Boy' is out now.