Irish Artist Spotlight: Darren Kiely
Darren Kiely released a new single titled “Weight” on January 9. The release follows the Irish singer-songwriter’s singles “Avalon” and “Late Texts” and past EPs Lost and From the Dark. Dubbed a “rising star” by both fans and critics, Kiely’s appeal and rapid rise to fame is easy to understand. Although intermingling Irish folk sounds with modern pop beats isn’t unprecedented, Kiely’s powerful vocals and introspective lyrics set his music apart.
In “Weight,” Darren Kiely takes the listener on a journey of self-reflection albeit in a morose tone. Adeptly blending genres, the song creates a unique listening experience as vibrant guitar strums starkly contrast regretful undertones. In the opening verse, Kiely romanticizes his partner/lover’s potential, noting that it undeniably eroded with time. Instead of blaming external factors, he professes that he is the root cause of his lover’s troubles. “Cause I’m the weight/I’m the problem/The stones that drag your soul down to rock bottom.” Concurrently, he blames love that makes his partner muddled to the damage they are witnessing. “You love me so much you just can’t see it/I’m the weight.” The lyrics throughout force the listener to ruminate on relationships, while offering a new spin on the old tale of withering romance.
Likewise, the music video of “Weight” is equally impressive as Darren Kiely walks around a city vocalizing lyrics while maintaining a forlorn expression. During the refrain, the camera follows his eyes as they speak directly to the listener, subsuming us into his pathos. With over 26,000 subscribers and 13,296,948 cumulative views on YouTube, Darren Kiely is an Irish artist to watch out for. “Weight” is now streaming across various music platforms.
Darren Kiely Announces Tour Dates:
Apr 24 – Terminal West, Atlanta, GA
Arp 25 – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NC
Apr 26 – High Water, Charleston, SC
May 1- Bijou, Knoxville, TN
May 2 – Lovin’ Life Music Fest, Charlotte, NC
May 3 – The Annex, Norfolk, VA
May 5 – The Recher, Baltimore, MD
May 6 – Toad’s Place, New Haven, CT
May 8, 9 – The Sinclair, Boston, MA
May 10 – Portland House Of Music, Portland, ME
May 15 – Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY
Featured Image Credits: Fernando Cabral/Pexels