Faoi Bhláth

Faoi Bhláth is an alternative-pop artist based in Cork, Ireland. She blends haunting melodies with inquisitive and melancholic lyrics, heavy with the darker side of the everyday. Faoi Bhláth’s work combines personal moments with social commentary, lyrics wrapped in nature-laden imagery - the unlovely shrouded in beauty.
She released her debut EP, Hymnus, in August 2023. Hymnus received local and national airplay, and lead single 'Witches' was chosen as Limerick Live 95FM's Green and Live 'Single of the Year 2023'. Faoi Bhláth was also included in the Irish Times Ticket article 'Who to watch for in 2024'.

Faoi Bhláth played as part of the Dingle Distillery Music Trail at Other Voices in December 2023. She was handpicked by Philip King to perform at the festival through the Other Voices of UCC open call.
Previous to that Faoi Bhláth supported Soda Blonde in Cyprus Avenue, Cork in November 2023. She performed as part of Cork Opera House's Summer at Half Moon Place series, as part of new festival River Runs Round, Sunwell Tapes’ ‘Safe Gigs Sessions’, supported artists such as Fiona O’Connell, Laura Duff, and Emma Langford. Faoi Bhláth put on her first headline gig at Plugd, Cork, in March 2024.

Having previously released music as étáin, a musical name change occurred in 2023, signalling a turn towards greater creative freedom and a more collaborative music making approach. Under the name étáin, she released her debut single ‘bone house’ in February 2021. The single received airplay on RTÉ 1, KCLR FM, 98 FM, and the Irish Jam, as well as online coverage from The Thin Air, The Last Mixed Tape, Finbar Hoban Presents, and Hotpress. ‘bone house’ was also included on The Thin Air’s “Top 100 Irish Tracks of 2021” in December of that year.

“Since hearing the track for the first time we have fallen in love with ‘bone house’. The track
reminds us at times of Waterford artist Katie Kim with its dream-like landscape.” – Finbar
Hoban Presents

“With a simple but captivating melody as the background drapers to her soft voice, étáin’s
words are urgent in their need to be heard. Often displaying an angelic vocal range, the brutally
honest lyrics resonate deeply with any listener who pays attention.” – Hotpress

“Gentle, delicate and atmospherically charged, étáin’s striking songwriting is made clear in a song that melds that lyrically abstracting expressionism and spacious indie-folk production into a sound that is instantly gratifying to listen to.” – The Last Mixed Tape

About Hymnus
Hymnus is the debut EP from Faoi Bhláth, released August 2023. Throughout the four tracks, Faoi Bhláth’s songwriting explores ideas of femininity and Irishness, violence and innocence, power and faith. Hymnus was recorded and produced by Brian Casey (Wavefield Recordings), with drums played by Brendan Fennessy (Raja Baal, formerly O Emperor). The EP’s single ‘Witches’ discusses the demonisation of women in power both historically and in the present day. Hymnus is a short collection of work that hopes to grasp the essence of Faoi Bhláth, and offer a preview of what’s yet to come.

“The newest release from Faoi Bhláth is a dark, unique rock song with an enthralling sound you can’t quite place...Dramatic and melancholic, the track is a blazing effort from the Cork-based indie artist, whose delicate yet powerful vocals explore power and femininity.” – Hotpress

“The brand new track from Faoi Bhláth is a catchy little number with throwback to hints of
indie shoegaze.” – Finbar Hoban Presents

“Faoi Bhláth is the Irish for blooming or blossoming. She’s a really talented artist...” – John
Barker