Track of the Day: Aoife Doyle - 'Clare Sky'

Irish singer-songwriter Aoife Doyle has the second single from her upcoming album today, titled 'Clare Sky'.

The track follows on from Doyle's recent single 'Strength To Be Strong'. Set on County Clare's beautiful west coast, the song is a folk-infused lament that has a poignant backstory.

“I wrote 'Clare Sky' after a tragic incident that happened in the community. It's a tribute to this magical place and the warmth of the people here," Doyle tells Hot Press. "I have found great solace and peace on the West Coast of Ireland. With 'Clare Sky', I've tried to paint a picture of the places I love the most.”

Wicklow native Aoife Doyle moved to Liscannor back in 2014. A seasoned performer, it was only after she relocated to the opposite side of Ireland that she found her songwriting voice.

"In Clare I had more quiet time to reflect. The lack of billboards, traffic and other superficial stimulation makes life a lot simpler," Aoife acknowledges. "I think nature is the most primal form of creativity. Living in the country, keeping a garden, you're seeing the cycle of creation from seed to plant to harvest. Watching this cycle has helped me greatly to understand the nature of creativity as well as the time, attention and care you have to give to gain a fruitful harvest. And this learning has facilitated my songwriting."

After being raised in a house steeped in traditional and folk music, Aoife completed a BA in jazz performance at the prestigious Newpark Music Centre. She later studyied for her MA in Songwriting at the World Academy of Music and Dance in the University of Limerick three years ago.

Doyle cites a wide and varied range of musical influences; including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Alison Krauss and Eva Cassidy. Hints of Marvin Gaye, Tammy Tyrell, Joni Mitchell, Beyoncé, Declan O’Rourke, Ger Wolfe and Bjork are all on her radar. Echoes of this intriguing mix come through to various extents on different tracks on the album.

“When it came to writing this album, I was trying to push myself beyond my comfort zone. The writing itself is quite instinctive, so there wasn't an overall plan to step away from jazz, it just sort of came out that way. My first two albums have elements of folk, soul and blues so I guess a step further in that direction isn't all that surprising.”

'Clare Sky' was produced by the highly-regarded musician, arranger and producer Michael Buckley, as was the album. That was "one of my best musical decisions", Doyle notes. Aoife is joined by a stellar band on the track, including pianist Johnny Taylor, guitarist Jack Maher, bassist Andrew Csibi and drummer Dominic Mullan. The song was recorded at House of Horns studio in Dublin.

Listen to 'Clare Sky' below: