Track of the Day: Sinéad Ann - 'Four Walls'

In an exclusive Irish premiere, Hot Press have selected the new single from rising artist Sinéad Ann as our Track of the Day.

The most recent single from the rising German-Irish singer-songwriter is ‘Four Walls,’ a haunting, indie-folk ballad recorded and produced by Gavin Glass at Orphan Studios. Depicting the fight between mortality and spirit, and plagued with fear, isolation, and the shadow self, the newest single from one of Ireland’s most intriguing young artists is a haunting depiction of what it means to be hurt and human.

Set for release on 13 September, ‘Four Walls’ is the follow-up to Sinéad Ann’s debut single ‘Lemonzest,’ released October of last year. Merging her background, the Alternative singer-songwriter pulls much of her inspiration for her latest track from the mystical Irish landscape.

Sinead Ann / Photograph by Julia Dunin

Awarded the Irish Youth Music Awards BIMM Bursary in 2017, Sinéad Ann went on to study a BA in Commercial Music at BIMM Institute Dublin, graduating in 2021. She has since released her debut single ‘Lemonzest,’ along with performing at Celtic Connections earlier this year. In May, she teamed up with folk artist Reylta for a double headliner in An Taibhdhearc, Galway and Dublin’s Smock Alley Theatre.

A fierce return, the boldness which encapsulates ‘Four Walls’ is representative of the enigmatic Sinéad Ann, who sings, “Bless me, Father, I have sinned / I dreamt I killed the man who laid hand on my skin / Tongue-tied and terrified of him / Me and my shadow and my mind.”

On ‘Four Walls,’ a steady, clashing drumbeat leads into a haunting vocal progression.The track encapsulates the contradiction between a longing for revenge and the aftermath of guilt. It is Sinéad Ann stepping onstage as a solo artist, breaking down the walls of vulnerability with an honest, brave, and haunting depiction of herself: an act of courage from any artist.

Tender violin echoes the emotion in her voice, while the chorus instrumentals back her vocals up, as she grows in strength toward a powerful ending that leaves room for more. That room is precisely what makes Sinéad Ann one to watch.

Sinéad Ann is expected to announce more shows for this Autumn and Winter. Follow the rising artist to be alerted and listen exclusively to her forthcoming single ‘Four Walls’ below: