MacD on Music: Reevah 'Daylight Savings'

As we continue to move deeper into 2023, the days continue to get shorter, and the list of incredible releases from local artists continues to grow. The past few weeks have seen releases from Louise DaCosta, Little Kings and the subject of this week’s column, Reevah.

Reevah, aka Aoife Boyle, has been around for a few years now and has, in that time, played opening slots for groups like Saint Sister and released a string of singles.

This month saw her release her much-anticipated debut album, ‘Daylight Savings’, with a proper launch gig taking place on the 3rd November in St. Columb’s Hall.

IN PICTURES: Reevah 'Daylight Savings' Album Launch

Photos: Tom Heaney (nwpresspics)

I spoke to Reevah about the album, its origins and what the future has in store.

Speaking about how the album came into being, Reevah said: “It was a work in progress, I would say, over the past three years. I initially started writing pre-Covid, but my thinking on what kind of direction I wanted to go down changed a little bit, so I actually decided to scrap most of the album, and I started again during Covid and that’s where I really discovered the style I wanted to pursue with the album. But ‘Daylight Savings’, the actual track itself, that the album was named after, was one of the first tracks I wrote for the album.

So, it kind of made sense for me that the album was going to be called after that in totality. I suppose the meaning of the track encapsulates what the album is about as a whole and nods towards time change.

There’s lots of reference to time on the album, you know, spending the time you have with the people you love. Our time here is short so it should be spent well, and about embracing the moment and things like that.

“That’s what the track’s about and I suppose that’s what the album’s about as well.”

“I tend to write about subjects everyone can relate to, about the human condition. I like to write music that has a meaning but wrap it in a pop song. I suppose the lead track, ‘Daylight Savings’, the lead single from the album, I wrote that about a time when I wasn’t in probably, the greatest of places.

“I was writing it looking forward, going ‘when I get to this point then I will be in a better place’ and it just so happened that I felt like it was the right thing to name the album after that track because ‘Daylight Savings’ is arriving tomorrow [at the time of our interview], and I do feel like I’m in a very good place. I feel like the album kind of sums that up.”

Next, we moved on to the influences behind the album and it’s sound: “I would say that I took influences probably from the likes of Maggie Rogers, MUNA, Haim, Phoebe Bridgers, there’s even a bit of Fleetwood Mac in there, like Stevie Nicks. I’ve probably grasped onto a lot of different influences for this album, for it all to come together.

“There’s definitely a tinge of ‘80s pop in there, which is something I was striving towards in the latter part of the album, and I think that comes through with tracks like ‘Call Me Up’ and ‘Without You’ and even, I suppose, ‘Daylight Savings’ as well, so there’s definitely that ‘80s theme that’s carried throughout.

“I would say that the album in total is maybe like a reference to past, present and future Reevah. When you listen to it it’s quite clear to see what future Reevah is leaning towards and it’s definitely that ‘80s pop world.”

And that’s it from Reevah. ‘Daylight Savings’ is out now. Reevah will be playing gigs in The Workman’s Cellar in Dublin on the 1st November, The Empire in Belfast on the 2nd and St. Columb’s Hall here on the 3rd.

Now, onto other business. Last week saw CHERYM announce the release of their much-anticipated debut album ‘Take It Or Leave It’ for the 16th February next year.

As well as this, they have also released a new single ‘Do It Another Day’ so go listen to that now (or just do it another day). Of course, I couldn’t mention CHERYM without mentioning their gig that’s coming up on the 28th in Sandino’s. It features support from TomCat and Parker (who’s debut album, ‘Never Let This Go’ is available in Cool Discs) and is guaranteed to be one of the gigs of the year.

Finally, this week sees the release of Cora Harkin’s brilliant new single ‘Waste Of Time’. It’s out this Friday so make sure you pre-save it now.

If you want to hear more from Cora, make sure you read this column next week, when I’ll be talking to her about the song and more.

And at last, we reach the socials: Reevah can be found on Instagram @thisisreevah, CHERYM @cherymofficial and Cora Harkin @coraharkinmusic.