Ireland has always had a famous love affair with music.
Lyra has experienced virtually every facet of this. Brought up in a traditional environment, she took up the bodhran – a traditional Celtic drum – when she was only six years old.
As time has progressed, the singer's tastes has broadened and diversified, leading to her current mixture of fractured, elemental, electronic pop music.
But still, traces of her upbringing remain. New cut 'Emerald' is deliberately, defiantly Irish – here, she picks out a few of her country's brightest talents.
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James Vincent McMorrow
Not exactly new but this guy is such a huge favourite of mine. His music is so beautifully haunting and his voice is like melted Kerrygold (or any another delicious butter for that matter). I listen to him no matter what my mood is and makes me weak at the knees and his falsetto sends shivers down my spine.
Suggested track: 'Higher Love' + 'Post Tropical' + 'Cavalier'… the list could go on forever…
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Young Wonder
After a tip off from a friend back home, I’ve started listening to Young Wonder. We’re both from Cork so they got me particularly excited! These guys are dreamy but powerful – they have some really interesting sounds in their music and I love the big beats.
Suggested track: 'Orange'
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Saint Sister
These girls have such beautiful folk voices – whenever I listen to them it really brings me back to my roots. I love the cool, atmospheric twist on a traditional Celtic sound that these girls create. I'm a sucker for harmonies so this is a real pleasure for me to listen to – I can’t wait to see them live in Cork this summer.
Suggested track: 'Madrid'
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Sorcha Richardson
Originally from Dublin but now based in Brooklyn, NYC, Sorcha is definitely one to keep an eye on! Her music is sweet, dark and beautiful all at the same time. I love the storytelling style of her lyrics with her quirky voice.
Suggested track: 'Petrol Station'
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Bonzai
This Dublin raised girl is just 19 and killing it. I love the beats, bass and those deep synth sounds… the tracks just feel… sexy! She really mixes up different styles and I saw her at The Great Escape recently and she’s just as wicked live.
Suggested track: 'Lights On'
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