Niamh McKinney – Up and Ran (2023)
Known for poetic lyricism captured in a haunting soundscape, Irish artist Niamh McKinney shares profound messages in ethereal melodies. Lifting your soul to another plane of being, her intriguing music captivates listeners. While she has only three tracks to her name, at least on Spotify, McKinney is reaching audiences beyond her Irish borders featuring on Zero Magazine, Fresh On The Net, Music Times, Cassandra Voices, Edgar Allan Poets, The Last Mixed Tape, Hot Press and News Break. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘Up and Ran’.
Following her singles ‘The Price’ and ‘The Shout’, McKinney blasts into 2023 with ‘Up and Ran’. Strongly influenced by traditional Irish folk music, McKinney’s charming vocals weave elegantly through the harmonic arrangement. Yet, while the traditional sound is evident, an element of 90s pop slices through the mellifluous melody. Toe-tapping from the start, ‘Up and Ran’ sends you into a sonic forest with McKinney leading you along in a wistful ambience.
One fact I find quite interesting regarding McKinney’s music is the creative process. A husband-wife duo, Niamh writes the lyrics a cappella and her husband, Stephen, weaves his instrumentation around the words forming an inspiring sonic package. Unlike ‘The Price’, ‘Up and Ran’ prompts a sense of whimsy rather than a more anchored indie tone.
Inspired by life in its entirety, McKinney captures the complexity of human vulnerability and fragility in her poetically rich songs. ‘Up and Ran’ “captures the feeling of freedom, escape and sheer elation to be found in running. Not only can it bring joy, it can help us to transcend our difficulties and struggles through improved mental health…” The thing is, while ‘Up and Ran’ can release endorphins in its inspiring melody, there is also a melancholy shining through Niamh’s dulcet tones.
Sincere, sentimental and otherworldly, Niamh McKinney sends our souls soaring with the single ‘Up and Ran’.
For more from Niamh McKinney, check out her Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
