Victor Ray is the UK's newest standout voice of R&B and Pop, with the release of new single ‘Still The Same’. It arrives alongside the news that his biggest headline show in London to date, at KOKO in November has sold out. The single is the first taste of new music since the release of his ‘I TRIED.’ EP in the summer, the final in a series of releases documenting Victor’s extraordinary rise over the last 18 months.The gig list is getting longer and longer - performances at Montreux Jazz Festival, Radio 1’s Big Weekend and support slots with Teddy Swims and Tom Grennan have seen Victor playing for thousands, gathering new fans wherever he performs.Watch this episode on YouTube HEREFollow Ruairí Egan / Leim Thart HERE
Charli xcx has FINALLY treated us to the follow-up of her summer-defining album 'BRAT' in the form of a remix album, entitled 'Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat', which features a star-studded line-up of collaborators, such as Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Lorde, The 1975, Bon Iver, Caroline Polachek, Tinashe, Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, and The Japanese House.With 'BRAT' being the most critically-acclaimed album of the year, and being an album living on the dancefloor, it was a natural extension of the era to release this edition, with every standard edition track of the album (and 1 deluxe track) remixed. How does it stack up? Hear my full review here!Watch this episode on YouTube HEREFollow Ruairí Egan / Leim Thart HERE
Making her return to Léim Thart, Dublin pop artist Aimée has a new banger, the heartfelt 'Passenger Seat' takes us through a comforting journey dedicated to her late mother, as a trip down memory lane is set to slick pop production.Written with Gabrielle Aplin and Ash Howes (Kylie Minogue, Atomic Kitten), Aimée describes her latest offering as her ‘best therapy session yet’ written for everyone who is missing someone, whether it’s an ex-partner or somebody who has passed on; ‘Passenger Seat’ is the song to sing, dance and drive home to.This new release follows the success of Aimée's Christmas single, ‘Grafton Street Lights’, which won the Christmas FM Song Contest to be crowned Ireland’s Christmas Song of the Year in 2023. Aimée also plays the Academy Green Room on the 4th August, tickets on sale now.Watch this episode on YouTube HEREFollow Ruairí Egan / Léim Thart HEREWatch Aimée on Léim Thart in 2022 HERE
American popstar and TikTok sensation Leah Kate joined me recently while in Dublin for her 'Super Over' Tour, which boasted even bigger crowds than ever as she made her way across Europe. I got to know her and her music through playing a few quick-fire games, including some podcast-exclusive content right here just for you :)No stranger to the stage, she has toured alongside Madison Beer, Hayley Kiyoko, and Anne-Marie. Leah Kate is proving to be a star on the rise with 300M+ global streams, 200M+ TikTok views to date, and millions of followers across all socials.Follow Ruairí Egan / Léim Thart HERE
Norwegian superstar Astrid S has blown the world of pop music away with a staggering 5 billion streams of hit songs such as "Hurts so Good", "Think Before I Talk" and "It's OK If You Forget Me". Her second album, the newly-released 'Joyride', reflects her growth as an artist, inspired by car journeys with her Dad. They listened to bands like The Killers, Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, and HAIM - early musical impulses that are reflected throughout the new album.Astrid S is a global pop artist with sold-out world tours and several awards in the luggage, including Spellemann (Norwegian Grammy) and MTV award. She has previously collaborated with talents such as JP Cooper, Shawn Mendes, NOTD, and previous Léim Thart guest Dagny.2020's debut album 'Leave It Beautiful', became a bible of Scandipop, crafted mostly with Swedish production duo Jack & Coke. Astrid compares the process of making the new album to speed dating. She has stepped out of her comfort zone and jumped into sessions with many different producers, including JT Daly (K. Flay, Benson Boone, PVRIS), Oliver Lundström (Carly Rae Jepsen, Dagny) and Matias Téllez (girl in red, Sondre Lerche, Maisie Peters). Watch this episode on YouTube HEREFollow Ruairí Egan / Léim Thart HERE
One year on since his first Léim Thart, Fred Roberts has gone from strength to strength with the release of his debut EP 'Sound Of My Youth'. With over a million streams to date, packed-out headline gigs, and a summer full of festivals ahead, we sat down for a much-needed catch-up on all things music... and sleeper trains. and underwater tunnels. Lead single Sound Of My Youth was written in LA on the last day of a writing trip with Andrew Wells(Phoebe Bridgers, Halsey) and Anthony Rossomando (Lady Gaga, Ellie Goulding). Fred’s cross generational inspirations move from The Killers to The Smiths, Billie Eilish to LittleSimz, Matty Healy to Frank Ocean and his idol Troye Sivan. Stream the 'Sound Of My Youth' EP HERE Learn about underwater tunnels in the Faroe Islands HERE Learn about sleeper trains on a boat HERE Photography by Jono White Watch this episode on YouTube HERE Follow Ruairí Egan / Leim Thart HERE
4 years since her last album, and continuing her reign at the top of the muisc world, we have finally been treated to Dua Lipa's third album 'Radical Optimism' 🦈 Following the juggernaut disco-infused 'Future Nostalgia', Dua worked with the aim to build a new psychedelic, Britpop-inspired record. Did she succeed? Here is my full review.Since 2020, Dua Lipa has remained at the forefront of pop culture, with a 3rd Grammy win, 7th BRIT award, and the lead single of Barbie movie 'Dance The Night', to name but a few achievements. Her song 'Levitating' went on to become the official #1 song of 2021 the US, and certified Diamond. Inspired by Dua’s own self-discovery, Radical Optimism is an album that taps into the pure joy and happiness of having clarity in situations that once seemed impossible to face. The album was co-written by Lipa, alongside primary album collaborators Caroline Ailin, Danny L. Harle, Tobias Jesso Jr. and Kevin Parker of Tame Impala fame. Big thanks to Rút, Seán, and Conor for their contributions to this episode.- Stream the Léim Thart 'Future Nostalgia' review HERE- Watch this episode on YouTube HERE- Follow Ruairí Egan / Leim Thart HERECover photo by Tyrone Lebon
Making a grand return to Léim Thart, one of my favourite guests is Bandon Beyoncé LYRA! Having freshly released her self-titled debut album, we just had to catch up and discuss all the new music. Hear her talk about working with Lady Gaga's producer, keeping a song from David Guetta, and the juiciness of a live show!The debut album is a comprehensive reflection of the Irish pop- dance sensation today. Consisting of 14 tracks, the album conveys the broad range of her musicality, journeying from the dark and sultry ‘Chess’ to the pulsating dance anthem ‘Lovers’ to the empowering latest single ‘Queen’.Watch this episode on Youtube HEREFollow Ruairí Egan / Léim Thart HERE
BRITs Rising Star nominee Caity Baser is still learning, good thing she has a mixtape about it! With over 200 million streams to her name to date, and collaborations with both chart-topper Joel Corry, and Sigala, Baser has wowed sold-out audiences far and wide with hits like 'Pretty Boys', 'X&Y', 'Friendly Sex', and 'I'm a Problem'. With her new mixtape 'Still Learning' out now, and her biggest tour to date about to kick off, she shared all the juicy details with me for Léim Thart! Watch this episode on Youtube HERE Follow Ruairí Egan / Léim Thart HERE
South African pop newcomer Will Linley has just kicked off his sold-out European tour with a show in Dublin's Whelan's, to a raving reception from the crowd. Before taking to stage, we sat to talk about his tour plans, his new 'Magic' EP, along with what is on the way for the 22-year-old! Having shared stages with the likes of P!nk and Maroon 5, the tour will leave audiences wowed by the high energy, and thoughtful lyrics. Will first gained traction on TikTok, leading to an airplay #1 in South Africa with the Gold-certified “miss me (when you’re gone).” International acclaim soon followed, along with his debut EP kill all my feelings. His previous single ‘Last Call’ also made a sizable impact with over 32 million global streams to date. Watch this episode on Youtube HERE Follow Ruairí Egan / Léim Thart HERE
After a number of years as this generation's leading anti-popstar, Baby Queen has released her debut album 'Quarter Life Crisis', to rave reviews and landing in the Top 5 of the UK Album Charts!This seminal piece of work for the South African star (born Arabella Latham) has punctuated a number of years of releasing emotional, rock-tinged pop music. Numerous shows & festivals later, supporting Olivia Rodrigo, and being a key feature on the global hit Young Adult series on Netflix 'Heartstopper', Bella is ready to show the world who she is.The Quarter Life Crisis Tour takes her international, including a sold-out Kentish Town Forum date in London, before heading to Dublin, where we met to chat about everything!View this episode on Youtube HEREFollow Léim Thart / Ruairí Egan HERE
Indie-Rock trio Post-Party have just released their brand new song 'Lap Around The Sun', as the lead single from their upcoming second EP. Proving themselves as one of the Irish acts to watch in 2024, their debut EP “We’re Not Getting Any Younger” placed No. 3 in the Official Irish Independent Chart, alongside being supported on Spotify's New Music Friday, The Indie List and Hottest New Bands playlists.The new release celebrates the importance of letting go to move forward. Fast paced and energetic, this is a song for people who like the pacey guitar lines of The Strokes, the synths of The Killers and the vocal melodies of the classic Indie Rock revival.Since forming the band, they have played venues such as the Róisín Dubh in Galway, sold out headline Dublin and Belfast shows, toured Ireland and the UK, played main-stage slots at Sea Sessions and Indiependence and supported the likes of Lovejoy, Wild Youth and Inhaler.Watch this episode on Youtube HEREFollow Léim Thart / Ruairí Egan HERE
20-year old British pop newcomer Fred Roberts has just released a soaring debut single with 'Runaway'. Following a stint on The X Factor, he began releasing covers on social media in lockdown, all the while crafting his own songwriting style, and landing a deal with Polydor Records.The first offering, 'Runaway', is a statement of reckoning, written with a Grammy and Oscar winning team. A guitar-lead coming-of-age anthem, the song is an ode to growing up and facing your difficulties with confidence, building up to a blowout chorus, sure to lift the roof off any venue!Fred’s cross generational inspirations move from Frank Ocean to The Smiths, Billie Eilish to Little Simz, Matty Healy to Brandon Flowers and his idol Troye Sivan lead to the kind of anthemic rock-pop that fills stadiums: overwhelming, teeming with emotion.Watch this episode on Youtube HEREFollow Léim Thart / Ruairí Egan HERE
In the midst of a blockbuster year representing Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, Brooke joins me to talk through her new single 'Heartbreaker', which shows a different, more sombre side to previous singles this year. On a steady incline, her debut EP due this year promises to deliver pop perfection. Throughout the Summer, Brooke Scullion has been performing across Europe taking the stage at events such as Glastonbury and headline shows in London as well as Dublin, Madrid and Cork, wowing fans with her set including Eurovision fan-favourite, ‘That’s Rich.’ Follow Léim Thart HERE
Back in the spring, fresh off their sold-out Ireland & UK tour, I chatted with Dave of Irish pop band Wild Youth about their nostalgic new single 'Seventeen’! Over the summer, they've been busy with support slots for Lewis Capaldi and Westlife, along with an appearance at Indiependence. Their October Irish tour is on sale now and they have an imminent slot at Electric Picnic! Co-written by Conor O Donohoe & JC Stewart, and produced By Tristen Evans (The Vamps), Seventeen is the 1st single to be taken from Wild Youth’s upcoming EP. ‘Seventeen’ sees Wild Youth bring their signature hooky pop sound, that has brought them many hit singles including ‘Can’t Move On’, 'Champagne Butterflies', and ‘Making me Dance’, combined with a fresh new indie pop style. Follow Léim Thart HERE
A steady force in Ireland, Ryan McMullan is releasing his new single 'Wilder', taken from his upcoming debut album 'Redesign'. An anthemic up-tempo pop tune, Ryan explains the lyrics: ‘it’s really just about having fun'. This is exactly what fans can expect from his upcoming Redesign Tour. No stranger to the stage, having shared it with titans such as Ed Sheeran, Snow Patrol, The Coronas and Dermot Kennedy, this extended tour will go across Europe, North America along with his biggest show yet in Belfast's Custom House Square. The extensive tour will travel around Ireland, including a headline show at Dublin's 3Olympia Theatre. Follow Ruairí Egan @leimthart
I could not be more excited to have Sweden’s finest Tove Styrke on Léim Thart! While she was in Dublin opening for MARINA, I got all the details from the tour, her brilliant new album HARD, and her experience of Dublin! Over the past decade, Tove Styrke has emerged as one of the pop world’s sharpest and most fascinating observers of the human heart. On her fourth album ‘HARD’, the Stockholm-based pop star brings her fiercely intimate lyrics to a truly visionary sound, spiked with elements of everything from left-of-center club music to experimental art-pop to early-’60s girl-group records. Following tours with industry titans Lorde & Katy Perry, ‘HARD’ marks the highly anticipated follow-up to 2018’s album ‘Sway’ — a massively beloved effort whose lead single 'Say My Name' landed at #11 on Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Songs of 2017 list. In the writing and recording of ‘HARD’, the platinum-selling, Swedish Grammy Award-nominated artist expanded on the unfettered ingenuity that’s always defined her forward-thinking brand of alt-pop. Follow Ruairí Egan / Léim Thart HERE
Absolutely buzzing that Ocean Tisdall is back once again to deliver his heartfelt new single ‘Crying Room’, following the release of the seismic 'White Lies' earlier this year. We chatted all about the song, the video, and his upcoming EP! Channelling more of the raw and passionate aesthetic he has cultivated for himself already, ‘Crying Room’ sees Ocean in a more colourful, yet sombre guise, coupled with an incredibly absorbing new video bringing the song to life. Since emerging in 2021, Ocean Tisdall has crafted a confessional collection of songs that nod to the current musical landscape while also rooted in a love of classic song-writing that stems from his up-bringing. Citing the boost he got from seeing acts like Miley Cyrus and Troye Sivan push up against the boundaries of pop, Ocean says each of his songs are “a little page and chapter from my life”. Follow Ruairí Egan / Léim Thart HERE
Rising Cork singer-songwriter Clodagh is the latest on Léim Thart, who just released her new single 'All You Do Is'. I learned all about the process, her dream collaborators, and we name-dropped a few Irish artists along the way! Follow Ruairí Egan / Léim Thart HERE
A face of pop music in Ireland, Aimée sat in to tell me about her new single ‘Nobody Else’, working with Swedish writers, and getting a masterclass from pop god Max Martin! Aimée’s arrival on the scene in 2018 led to a string of Top 40 hits at home in Ireland, as well as support from BBC, Kiss, Clash and more. Her debut EP ‘Confession’ shot to the No. 1 spot in the iTunes Pop Album Chart, not to mention the overall iTunes Album Chart. Songs like ‘Don’t Call Me Pretty’ established her as an artist who wasn’t about to compromise on her feminism, while ‘Naked’ explored the full range of her vocals, finding comfort in embracing vulnerability. She is also a part of the Irish Women in Harmony collective. Single ‘Bulletproof’, written in response to online bullies, proved that hers was a voice committed to championing causes close to her heart, and led to a battle for the top spot in the iTunes chart with Billie Eilish. Follow Léim Thart HERE