Galway musician Keagan Forde releases chilling new single
The Loughrea man has played and crafted music for many years, currently gigging with the band Evoke and occasionally with Groev, having previously played with the Limerick group Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets.
His new track don't let me lose is his most raw and unrefined music to date thus far, with booming vocals expertly illustrating the pain brought across through beautifully crafted lyrics.
Starting out slow and soft, delicately placed airy notes bring a melancholy to the song, with a gradually building tempo intensifying to a stunning vocal crescendo towards the latter half of the track.
Speaking about the new release, Keagan said: 'don't let me lose is a song that I wrote when I was anywhere between like 23 to 24 up to like 25 to 26. It was a culmination of a load of really sad feelings about being lost and not really knowing where I am and who I am, and, you know, missing that younger part of myself, realising I'm getting a little bit older, and the fear of change, basically. Basically, it's a song about what I call 'the terrible 20s'.'
In terms of his solo music, Keagan describes it as his 'passion project'.
'My solo music… It's a real passion project of mine now,' he said. 'It's not something I'm too eager about promoting in terms of like… I don't see the need to like consistently post [on social media]. I just want this song to connect with people, and I want the rest of my music to do the same.
'I'm just doing it for me, and I'm doing it have a bit of fun – I'm not really hoping for anything out of my solo career or anything like that. The ultimate goal is just to connect and write songs that connect with people - if that's one person or 100 million gazillion people I'm happy with either.
'These are songs that I've crafted as carefully as I possibly can, and I hope that they kind of represent that time in my life where I probably wasn't feeling too good… but now, things are on the up, and things are looking good.'
Listen to don't let me lose on all streaming platforms now.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
7 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Forest Fest review: Peter Hook and Teenage Fanclub among highlights of Day 2
Forest Fest, Emo, Co Laois, Saturday July 26 ★★★★☆ If you, like me, are one of those sad sacks who bore all and sundry by moaning about the 'good old days' of festivals then Forest Fest in Emo, Co Laois will finally shut you up. Now in its third year, this boutique gathering sports a well looked after car park and campsite for a start. Once inside, the Village and Perfect Day stages are to your right, or head straight for the Fleadh (and some nice craft beer action) or the main stage. The site's compactness saves on shoe leather but means there's some sound spillage between stages, albeit nothing that'll spoil anyone's day. A great kick-off from Limerick's Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets, whose early Springsteen, saxophone-driven rocking eventually drew an enthusiastic crowd after a brief delay with the gates. These Charming Men's Smiths tribute was as superb as always. Therapy dotted their set with Philo-isms ('We need your helping hands') and they (and Kilkenny's Kerbdog) were like a shovel to the head but in a good way. Peter Hook & The Light provided an enjoyable time-trip, despite the fact that Hooky and his guitar player couldn't make up half a singer between them. I haven't seen two bass players on stage since the glory days of Spinal Tap but versions of Blue Monday and Love Will Tear Us Apart are always welcome. Teenage Fanclub at Forest Fest. A brief stop for a bit of head-banging to the concertina of Buille before joining a packed tent for the Classic Beatles. 'John's' wig disproved all of Isaac Newton's apple-related theories but that didn't stop a great show, almost drowned out by the communal singing. Later, we were treated to a spirited set from Manic Street Preachers. "Do you remember the 90s?' James Dean Bradfield asked. It's a safe bet most of this audience does. Huge cheer for Design For Life, as there always should be, and the rest of a career-spanning selection from the Welsh Clash, especially a particularly good You Love Us, which we undoubedly do, was equally useful. 'You're the people we're here for!' Right on. The sound wasn't great at the back, and the bar and the bathroom were a fair hike from the front of the main stage, and more toilets are always welcome. But these are minor quibbles at a festival where the staff were fantastic and there was a fine variety of food and drink. My night ended with Teenage Fanclub because there will always be something irresistibly attractive about the combination of overdriven guitars and harmonies. Everything they played was teleported in from some glorious jangly dimension, but the selections from 1991's Bandwagonesque, especially The Concept's heavenly coda, were a blessing. A near-perfect ending to a great day out. Where can I get a ticket for next year? Read More Mary Coughlan review: Ride On among the highlights of triumphant homecoming show in Galway
Irish Independent
24-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Galway musician Keagan Forde releases chilling new single
The chilling indie-folk track is the musician's fourth release as a solo artist, paired back to just vocals and guitar – two things Keagan does very well. The Loughrea man has played and crafted music for many years, currently gigging with the band Evoke and occasionally with Groev, having previously played with the Limerick group Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets. His new track don't let me lose is his most raw and unrefined music to date thus far, with booming vocals expertly illustrating the pain brought across through beautifully crafted lyrics. Starting out slow and soft, delicately placed airy notes bring a melancholy to the song, with a gradually building tempo intensifying to a stunning vocal crescendo towards the latter half of the track. Speaking about the new release, Keagan said: 'don't let me lose is a song that I wrote when I was anywhere between like 23 to 24 up to like 25 to 26. It was a culmination of a load of really sad feelings about being lost and not really knowing where I am and who I am, and, you know, missing that younger part of myself, realising I'm getting a little bit older, and the fear of change, basically. Basically, it's a song about what I call 'the terrible 20s'.' In terms of his solo music, Keagan describes it as his 'passion project'. 'My solo music… It's a real passion project of mine now,' he said. 'It's not something I'm too eager about promoting in terms of like… I don't see the need to like consistently post [on social media]. I just want this song to connect with people, and I want the rest of my music to do the same. 'I'm just doing it for me, and I'm doing it have a bit of fun – I'm not really hoping for anything out of my solo career or anything like that. The ultimate goal is just to connect and write songs that connect with people - if that's one person or 100 million gazillion people I'm happy with either. 'These are songs that I've crafted as carefully as I possibly can, and I hope that they kind of represent that time in my life where I probably wasn't feeling too good… but now, things are on the up, and things are looking good.' Listen to don't let me lose on all streaming platforms now.
Irish Independent
16-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Five festivals in Laois not to be missed this summer
While Co. Laois is largely known for Electric Picnic and the Ploughing Championships, there is so much more on offer to help you sort your weekend plans for the next month and a half. Forest Fest Music and Arts Festival Forest Fest Music and Arts Festival is set to have five jam-packed stages of Indie music, Dance, Fleadh, International and Irish artists from July 25-28, 2025. Some of the weekend's headliners include Franz Ferdinand, Manic Street Preachers and The Stranglers alongside a major line-up of Irish artists from across Ireland including Pillow Queens, Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets, Paddy Casey, Qween, Buíoch and Meadhbh Hayes. Tickets are still available with just two weeks to go until the festival, a single ticket for Friday is €85 and a weekend ticket is €150, more information can be found through Ossory Agricultural Show The Ossory Show promises a fun-filled day out for the whole family at the Ossory Showgrounds, Coolfin Rathdowney, Co. Laois on Sunday, July 27 2025. Attendees can expect an outing for the scrapbooks with over 300 competitive classes, vintage shows, live music , a truck show and much more. More details can be found at 61st National Steam Rally The countdown is on for one of Ireland's oldest and most loved heritage festivals as the 61st National Steam Rally makes its return to Stradbally, Co. Laois. There will be much to see and do over the bank holiday weekend kicking off on Saturday, August 2 with the Steam & Vintage Parade at 7pm. ADVERTISEMENT The rally has much to offer from majestic steam engines and vintage tractors, to music, crafts, trade stands, family attractions and more. Live music will take place throughout the weekend with the line-up set to feature Michael English, Robert Mizzell, Brendan Shine, Declan Nerney, Louise Morrissey, Olivia Douglas, Shawn Cuddy, and many more. There will also be a special gathering of International tractors, working displays, miniature steam, and live demonstrations, funfair rides, heritage exhibits, and family entertainment Whether you're a steam enthusiast, a music lover, or just looking for a great family day out, there's something for everyone at the National Steam Rally. Tickets are available at Laois Forest School Wellness Festival Attendees can looking forward to experiencing rejuvenation amidst nature's embrace at the Laois Forest School Wellbeing Festival over a weekend of holistic wellness including foraging, yoga, storytelling, and more, all set against the backdrop of the lush Doire Seoige oak forest on Saturday, August 9, 2025 Rosenallis Festival of the Mountain and Vintage Rally The Festival of the Mountain & Vintage Rally returns on Sunday, August 17, 2025 to Glenbarrow, Rosenallis, Co. Laois. Organisers have been busy behind the scenes as the festival field is said to have had an upgrade over the winter and is now significantly larger to host even more fun this year. From dog shows to free face-painting and amusements, there is something for everyone.
