PREMIERE: Newry artist Cathal Murphy shares jazz-infused pop track 'Frame'

Hot Press are delighted to premiere the brand new single from Northern Irish singer-songwriter Cathal Murphy, co-produced by the artist and Ben Wanders.

'Frame' is officially released tomorrow, and is the first track taken from Murphy's debut EP - scheduled for release this June.

The track delivers jazz-infused, soulful pop elements which evolve with a brooding bass and melodic electric guitar to striking effect. The intricate soundscape melds together to create a warm, alluring atmosphere, as Cathal’s soulful vocals and expressive songwriting describe the framework of a relationship success story that cuts deeper over time.

"‘Frame’ is a song that I had been trying to write for what felt like a long time," Cathal tells Hot Press.

"The day before I headed out on the Ariel Posen tour, it had fallen out onto the page... Best and worst possible timing really."

"The song was inspired by a strange guitar tuning and the voicing of the chords just cried out for that quite simple verse melody - that's how most of my songs are written actually," the artist adds.

Murphy recorded the track in Limerick with Ben Wanders and bassist Peter Close.

"Peter had just come back from a tour in the States that morning I think and I was able to talk him into coming down to play on the track. Ben is a phenomenal drummer; he also was the driving force in the mixing and production of the track. At the root of the track, it really is a trio set up - just with a heavy production behind it.

"‘Frame’ was the first song of the EP chronologically and it set the tone for the rest of the tracks," Cathal continues, referencing his latest project.

"In terms of the EP, as a whole, 'Frame' really helped in writing the tracks that followed. I wanted it to reflect the mutual support in a relationship as well as the comfort that comes with that. I think that it can be pretty easy to get caught up in what can tear you apart, but 'Frame' is looking to acknowledge what keeps you together. It's about being constant despite whatever challenges may come to light. I have your back, you have mine...it’s a romantic sentiment at heart rather than contractual.”

Hailing from Camlough, Cathal has been raised on Irish traditional music – a passion passed down through his family from his great grandad. From playing in the living room to concerts at local venues, Cathal’s upbringing was punctuated with unforgettable live music. He began playing guitar at 13 years old and by 16, was a national champion. 2020 saw the release of standalone singles 'Girl At Home' and 'For Better Days'.

The talented singer-songwriter also plays and writes as part of contemporary Irish folk group Cúig, who have recorded two albums and embarked on a tour across Europe and the US. Drawing on his love for blues, Cathal performs live in a trio format. The expressive energy of his live show is immediate, with the band able to improvise and make the audience feel something different every single time they play.

A recent move to Edinburgh will see Cathal performing at renowned, intimate venues as soon as they re-open. In the meantime, Cathal will keep fans entertained through his livestream performances on his social channels and will perform a live version of ‘Frame’ on Instagram tonight.

Listen to the brand new single from Cathal Murphy below: