Irish artist ferna has shared her new album ‘understudy’ in full.

The songwriter – real name Hannah McPhillimy – has a deft touch, matching folk-hewn textures to pop aspects. Each new song seems to come from the heart, with recent shows including a special event at SXSW and RTE’s Other Voices.

Having shared stages alongside Foy Vance, SOAK, and The Gloaming, ferna is busy making a name for herself in both Irish and British media.

New album ‘understudy’ is out now, a song cycle that depicts someone coming of age, relaxing into their own talents. Reminiscent of Julia Jacklin at times, there is a literary touch to the Irish artist’s work which illuminates her melodic appeal.

Alongside the album, she’s shared note…

“’understudy’ is all about what’s going on beneath the surface. Who is not getting to speak? What nuances are we not picking up on? And what happens then, when we become spectators, rather than players, in our own lives?”

“The songs are inspired by the likes of the life story of Coretta Scott King (author, leader and wife of MLK) [walk on & bleed], as well as Milkman [wasting] which offers an introverted teenager’s perspective on Belfast’s troubles. But the album returns regularly and often to my own struggles to find my voice in dying friendships [morning after, go quietly, lights out] and strange places[new city, river].”

Sonically, Stu and I were already obsessed with every tiny detail, but this became hyper important due to the theme running through the album. We needed to pay attention to everything that was going on to do it justice ! I can honestly say that every single note, effect and instrument has been handpicked and agonized over at some point. Am really happy with the meld of electronic and organic sounds, clean and imperfect notes, delicate and powerful performances that we captured together, mostly just the two of us in his little home studio.”

Tune in now.

Photo Credit: Bryony Coles