Tolü issues new single ahead of hometown gig

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Tullamore performer Tolü Makay has released her latest single 'Highnote' ahead of a hometown gig this Saturday.

The single offers the second glimpse into her much-anticipated upcoming EP, People Still Cry in Summer, which is set to be released on Friday, September 26.

Tolü describes 'Highnote' as "a hypnotic, genre-blending track that fuses R&B, soul, and pop into something intimate and transcendent".

The release of her latest single on Monday, August 11, followed on from Tolü's powerful anthem 'WAR', which the Nigerian-Irish singer-songwriter released in April of this year.

Now, the 30-year-old will bring a taste of her upcoming release back to her hometown, with a gig at John Lee's Bar in Tullamore this Saturday, August 23.

The gig is part of the 'Autumnal Blossoms' series, which will showcase some of Ireland's established independent artists along with local emerging talent.

Having previously opened for Gabrielle at the 3Arena, performed with a symphony orchestra, and earned accolades across Ireland and the UK, Tolü Makay is emerging as a bold voice of her generation, one unafraid to cry, shout, or soar.

Speaking about 'Highnote', and her upcoming EP, Tolü said: "I got asked how I wrote [Highnote], and like many of my songs they start off as a voice note.

"A feeling, a story I can't find words to share or feel safe to speak about. Or just emotions I don't know where to place.

"There's a numbness I don't have the best way to articulate but I think this song has a good way of shedding some light to it."

Her performance at John Lee's Bar on Saturday will feature support from Roesy and Olivia Burke. Tickets, priced €22.50 can be booked at: leesbar.ie