Here at Covert Music Club, we try our best to shine a light on the conveyor belt of up-and-coming talent that is on the Irish music scene at the moment. It is no surprise to music fans in the country that there is a multitude of artists in all different genres who are starting to make the push to get their names out there. The genre of singer-songwriter is particularly strong at the moment, and one of those performers who is starting to release music is Dubliner, Martin McDonnell.

McDonnell started performing back in August 2018, and began by gathering experience by busking on the streets of Dublin. The comfort with performing garnered through this process saw him go on to win Best Overall Act at the 2019 All Ireland Busking Fleadh by Whelan’s and Windmill Lane Recording Studio. This eventually saw attention come from various radio DJs and gig bookers, and saw him perform in Whelan’s and at The Ruby Sessions, as well as others.

Last November, McDonnell released his new single, Like You Did Something Wrong, and it suggests that there is plenty to come from the Dublin man in the future.

It is clear from listening to the track that, even at this early stage in his career, McDonnell has a firm idea of what type of sound he’s aiming for – as the production and instrumentation here feels like something a bit different from everything else. The vocals have an almost Two Door Cinema Club vibe to them as McDonnell brings us through the various complications that can arise from relationships. The song addresses the idea of being an on-looker who is watching things unfold from a distance, knowing that it will eventual need to be dealt with head on. We’ve all been there.

It’ll be fun to see what comes next from McDonnell.

MK