Emerging Irish Artist ESSIRAY: A Fresh Force in Modern Pop

In the vibrant landscape of contemporary music, few artists are capturing attention quite like ESSIRAY. Known for her eclectic blend of pop, jungle, UK garage, and drum and bass, she has rapidly garnered recognition as one of Ireland’s most exciting new voices. With her unique sound and artistic reinvention, ESSIRAY is poised to make a significant impact on the music scene.

A Journey of Reinvention

ESSIRAY’s musical journey is both inspiring and transformative. Once an opera singer, she honed her craft across Dublin’s most prestigious institutions. However, a vocal injury led to a pivotal shift in her creative path. Instead of succumbing to adversity, she embraced a new direction that included production and songwriting, ultimately forging a more experimental and electronic sound. This evolution isn’t just a footnote in her biography; it is central to her identity as an artist, influencing both her music and her creative outlook.

Rising Recognition

Since her debut, ESSIRAY has accumulated accolades that reflect her burgeoning talent. She earned the title of RTÉ 2FM Rising Artist 2025 and has been hailed as The Future of Irish Music by District Magazine. Her latest single, “Make It Happen,” is yet another testament to her growing prowess as she continues to carve out her niche in modern electronic pop.

Musical Influences: A Curated List

In a recent feature with Stereo Six, ESSIRAY shared six records and artists that have profoundly shaped her sound. Each selection serves as a glimpse into the influences that help define her artistic voice.

1. Paradis – Recto Verso (2016)

Describing this as perhaps her favorite album of all time, ESSIRAY notes that Recto Verso captures a cinematic quality that resonates deeply with her. The soft, choppy electronic pop sound is perfectly balanced with clean synths and evolving production. Tracks like “Toi et Moi” uplift her whenever she walks through the streets of Paris, embodying a nostalgic yet invigorating spirit.

2. Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)

A defining record of ESSIRAY’s childhood, Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation is interwoven with memories of family and warmth. With powerful grooves and songwriting, it offers a model for making music that connects on a deeper level. ESSIRAY appreciates Hill’s authenticity, with songs like “Doo Wop (That Thing)” resonating in terms of both style and substance.

3. Chappell Roan – The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (2023)

A more contemporary selection, this album has struck a chord with ESSIRAY for its joy-infused pop sensibilities. Tracks such as “Naked in Manhattan” and “After Midnight” stand out for their deliberate craft and strong identity. A live performance by Chappell Roan left ESSIRAY in awe, reinforcing how energizing pop music can be.

4. piri & tommy – froge.mp3 (2022)

Transitioning more into pop/electronic, the duo’s work resonates with ESSIRAY for its playful yet polished feel. The track “beachin” exemplifies their ability to blend genres seamlessly. Inspired by their approach to making music both fun and impactful, ESSIRAY integrates similar elements into her own creations.

5. The Last Shadow Puppets – The Age of the Understatement (2008)

ESSIRAY has been a long-time fan of this ensemble, captivated by their orchestral flair and lyrical depth. The strings in tracks like “Meeting Place” enrich her understanding of musical layering and have inspired her to experiment with surprising components in her own music.

6. Geo22 – Various Releases / “Flames”

Wrapping up her list is indie electronic duo Geo22, whose ethereal soundscapes evoke a sense of whimsy and dreaminess that ESSIRAY finds mesmerizing. Their music often feels immersive and otherworldly, evoking her background in opera while introducing unique contrasts that inform her own artistic ventures.

A Bright Future Ahead

As ESSIRAY continues her creative journey, she seamlessly integrates her past experiences with contemporary influences, crafting a sound that is distinctly her own. With every release, she navigates through genres while connecting with listeners on a personal level. Her story showcases the resilience and evolution of an artist determined to make her mark in the world of music.