Ciara Lawless
Irish pop/singer-songwriter, Ciara Lawless, who is one to watch for 2024, Released her new single, 'Where Are Your Wings? on the 12th January 2024
With an enchanting blend of Celtic influences and a magnetic stage presence, Ciara released her highly anticipated third single, "Where Are Your Wings?" on January 12th, 2024, as a precursor to her debut album dropping in April.
Following a stellar 2023 that saw her triumph on the festival circuit, Ciara has become known for her soulful voice, magnetic charisma, and signature flower head crowns that have turned heads and hearts alike.
Ciara Lawless takes a bold step forward with her latest single, departing from her folk-pop roots and embracing a contemporary neo-80s sound. "Where Are Your Wings?" is not just a song; it's an exploration of reconnection with one's inner child, a journey of healing, and self-discovery. This evolution showcases Ciara's versatility and sets the stage for an exciting musical trajectory.
Ciara's musical journey began at a young age, training in acting and singing. Her interest in classical and opera led her to the Academy of Music in Tullamore, where she not only honed her craft but also competed in national and international competitions. Ciara's unique path to success includes earning her singing stripes as a funeral singer, a role she proudly cherishes.
With the release of "Where Are Your Wings?" in January and a full-length album scheduled for April 2024, Ciara Lawless is poised to take centre stage in the music world. The upcoming tour adds to the anticipation, solidifying her status as one of Ireland's most promising young musical talents.
Ciara is more than an artist; she is a musical journey waiting to be experienced.
Florence and the Machine - "Dog Days Are Over"
My introduction to Florence and the Machine occurred at the Oxygen Festival in 2010. Florence's ability to command the crowd, inducing them to jump in the rain, while delivering an ecstatic performance left an indelible impression. The lyrics, particularly "Happiness hit her like a train on a track," taught me the significance of crafting songs that not only resonate emotionally but also uplift and inspire listeners to embrace joy.
Taylor Swift - "All Too Well”
As a devoted Swiftie, I had the good fortune to see Taylor Swift in the O2 in Dublin in 2015. The song "All Too Well" from the 'Red' album holds a special place in my heart. The genius lyrics, such as "You call me up again just to break me like a promise," brilliantly capture the nuanced emotions of a relationship. Taylor Swift's storytelling prowess shines through, and the extended 10-minute version, which was accompanied by a stunning cinematic short film, inspired me to embrace the freedom of song-writing. This song serves as a reminder never to compromise artistic expression.
Joni Mitchell - "Both Sides Now"
A golden oldie, "Both Sides Now" possesses an undeniable emotional power that brought tears to my eyes upon first listen and continues to do so. Joni Mitchell's ability to weave lyrics and melody together, exemplified by lines like "I really don't know clouds at all," forges connections through shared experiences. This song reinforced the transformative impact music can have on emotions and connections, encouraging me to seek depth and resonance in my own work.
Sinead O'Connor - "Nothing Compares to You"
Sinead O'Connor's rendition of "Nothing Compares to You" written by Prince, is considered one of the greatest songs of all time. The raw and heartfelt power of her vocals, coupled with the line "Nothing compares, nothing compares to you," taught me the importance of singing authentically. Sinead taught me to embrace my Irish accent and vocal tone to create a captivating and unique sound which allows me to showcase my unfiltered true voice.
Michael Jackson - "Man in the Mirror"
"Man in the Mirror" is a genius portrayal of a harsh truth, simplifying the human predicament of breaking free from a victim mentality. Lines like "If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change" taught me the art of delivering profound truths in a simple yet impactful way. It also inspired me to incorporate wisdom sayings into songs, delivering them in a way that resonates with a wide audience.
Kate Bush - "Wuthering Heights"
I love Kate Bush! I was introduced to the enchanting "Wuthering Heights" at a young age, Kate Bush's classical vocals and theatrical sound left an everlasting impression. The line "Heathcliff, it's me, I'm Cathy, I've come home" resonates deeply. As a classically trained artist, this song inspired me to embrace my classical voice when singing pop, appreciating the uniqueness it brings to the genre and encouraging me to blend different musical styles.
Teddy Swims - "Some Things I'll Never Know"
A recent discovery, Teddy Swims has become a profound source of inspiration. His song "Some Things I'll Never Know," is mainly piano and vocals, and showcases that simplicity can still move one to the core. Teddy's powerful presence in new soul pop and his embrace of his unique self are lessons I draw from his music. This track serves as a testament to the emotive strength that can be achieved through stripped-down arrangements.
Ashe - "Moral of the Story"
Discovered through a duet with Niall Horan, Ashe's "Moral of the Story" resonated deeply with its profound lyrics and theatrical vocals. The line "So I'll be your ghost, your game, your stadium" showcases the depth that different styles can bring to pop music. It inspired me to explore diverse musical elements, reinforcing the idea that combining genres can elevate a song and bring a fresh perspective to storytelling.
Adele - "Someone Like You"
I actually have a video of myself singing this song as an 12 year old in my school. Growing up singing this powerful ballad, Adele's ability to convey deep emotions through her vocals has greatly influenced me. The timeless quality of Adele's songs, particularly the line "Never mind, I'll find someone like you," serves as a benchmark for my own aspiration to create enduring music. Adele's vocal prowess and the universal resonance of her songs inspire me to strive for a similar timelessness in my own work.
Norah Jones - "Don't Know Why”
What I would not give to do a duet or write a song with Norah! An intriguing and versatile song about love, Norah Jones' "Don't Know Why I Didn't Come" serves as a reminder that love can be interpreted in myriad ways. This song encourages creativity and exploration in expressing the complexities of love through music. The line "I waited 'til I saw the sun" resonates with me, reminding me of the endless possibilities in interpreting and expressing love, urging me to be creative and authentic in my approach.
