- Music
- 19 Jun 24
The latest Blue Niall track is a blend of Celtic drill and rap, offering a modern twist on traditional Irish folklore.
'AISLING' is the newest instalment from Dublin artist Blue Niall's immersive audiovisual project Oisín, a modern retelling of the legend of Tír na nÓg.
The track's name derives from an "aisling" in Irish mythology and literature; a poetic genre that emerged in the late 17th century.
It typically features a vision or dream in which a personified female figure, often representing Ireland, who appears to the poet and laments the current state of the country, urging for political or social change.
These poems blend elements of prophecy, political commentary, and romantic idealism, often reflecting the poet's hopes for the nation's future.
Blue Niall has taken the format, and used it to retell the story of Tír na nÓg in a newly reimagined Celtic drill format.
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The song delves into the moment Oisín encounters Niamh, reimagining the classic 'aisling' or vision of a magical woman.
Niamh is a symbol of infinite desire, a shapeshifting siren who captivates Oisín and leads him into a whirlwind romance.
"I think Niamh is a very complex character, I wanted to lean into that for the retelling," says Blue Niall.
The artist continued saying: "'AISLING' is a journey into the depths of Irish mythology, reimagined for the modern world. Collaborating with Melanin Tee has brought a fresh perspective and energy to the track, blending traditional elements with contemporary sounds to create something truly unique."
The track is a pulsating drill track, flitting between language and genre with apparent ease, demonstrating Blue Niall's considerable craft.
To celebrate the release of 'AISLING', Blue Niall's collective Athbheochan will host a Summer Gathering gig on July 6 at the Pearse Centre, in aid of Palestine
The event will feature performances from Amano, Talha Wisewolf, rapper Curtis, and powerful spoken word from Cormac Fitz, Anna D and Caoimhe Weakliam.
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Tickets for the Pearse centre gig will be priced from €10 and can be purchased here.
Listen to 'AISLING' below: