Back in June we went to Vibes Studios to record our upcoming single which will be out on all streaming platforms tonight at midnight.
We decided to record as a live band with Ódhran Smyth on upright piano and electric organ, Sam Purcell on drums and percussion, Stephen O’ Dowd on rhythm guitar, Kevin on bass and bvs and myself on lead and backing vocals.
After that Tom McGlynn added a soaring and smooth guitar solo and slide guitar towards the end of the track and on suggestion by our engineer Leo we were able to get acclaimed Italian violinist, string arranger and orchestrator Davide Rossi to contribute strings to the recording. Rossi is known for his long-standing work with Coldplay and Goldfrapp, including his string arrangements on Coldplay’s Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends.
“What Is This?” blends neo-soul, contemporary R&B and live-band musicianship. Its groove-led arrangement leaves space for expressive vocal delivery and interplay between rhythm section, guitars and keys, while Rossi’s string parts lift the chorus and deepen the song’s emotional landscape.
It is written from the perspective of someone beginning to realise that their partner is seeing someone else behind their back — and that the other person is someone they know. It captures the moment when suspicion becomes impossible to ignore. It is not just the betrayal itself that hurts, but the breakdown of trust in two relationships at once.
This song is for anyone in a similar situation where your partner is/ was seeing someone close to you behind your back.
We were delighted that the track got its first spin on BBC introducing last Saturday by Taylor Johnson who complimented the track by noting the dynamics and smooth arrangements and notingthat he could hear influences from Amy Winehouse and Raye - two artists we really admire.
Available on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Bandcamp and all major platforms
Strings: Davide Rossi
Recording and mixing : Leo Logan at Vibes Studios, Drumshanbo
Mastering: Chris Gehringer
Artwork: ‘Tango in Buenos Aires’ - photo taken and edited by Gráinne McCarthy
