'The Independent Music Show Magazine' August 2021 | Page 3

Ireland-based artist Gavin Murphy presents his new single ‘Alive’, a 'chin-up' anthem for our times when depression has become so rampant in this age of lockdown. The new track comes hot on the trails of the single 'The Sound of Heartbreak'.

Murphy involved a strong team with respect to both tracks, including producer / mixer Ger McDonnell (The Cure, U2, Van Morrison, Martha Wainwright, Shane McGowan, Sinead O'Connor). While 'Alive' was mastered by Stephen Ceresia at Stonyfield Mastering, 'The Sound of Heartbreak' was mastered by Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road, London.

Robbie Malone (David Gray) plays bass, while Paul Byrne is on drums

and Saoirse Kavanagh on backing vocals.

"My new single 'Alive' is about embracing the positives in

life. To witness the sunrise at dawn is a beautiful

heartwarming experience. Appreciating the simple

pleasures in life and reflecting upon good

memories, can help us through difficult times,”

says Gavin Murphy.

“On the other hand, 'The Sound of Heartbreak'

is a rite of passage that nobody escapes. You

suffer from it, you inflict it - don’t kid

yourself otherwise. It will keep happening

until you learn from it and finally make

peace with the scars”.

Hailing from Dublin’s north side, Gavin

Murphy now resides in Sligo on Ireland’s

north-west coast. Beginning with his

debut self-recorded and self-produced

album ‘45 RPM (Replay Past Memories)’,

Murphy has been honing his sound and

harvesting melodic guitar-based Indie

pop-rock goodness, characterized by

bittersweet lyrics and catchy melodies.

Inspired by feelings rooted in nostalgia

and moving melodies, Murphy cites

Crowded House as a strong influence.

“It's a wonderful feeling to self

release my own music and to hear the

songs being played on the radio and

receiving such positive feedback," says

Gavin Murphy.

"As a self-employed musician it’s been a

real struggle throughout the restrictions

being unable to play live music, with

musicians’ careers having come to a

standstill. To help me get through

these uncertain times, I’ve tried

to focus on the most important

things in life.”