Rhythm Nation

Ailbhe Reddy reveals her musical inspirations

The Dublin singer-songwriter on the tracks that mean the most to her, from Fiona Apple to Arcade Fire . . . and John Denver

Ailbhe Reddy: her new single, A Mess, is ‘about not feeling good enough in a relationship and examining old patterns and habits’. Picture: Fergal Phillips

“Last week at a gig in England, promoters gave me a badge that read Alba Roody,” a new Dublin singer-songwriter told this newspaper in one of her first interviews five years ago. These days, there’s no excuse for getting Ailbhe Reddy’s name wrong.

Her debut album Personal History was shortlisted for the 2020 Choice Music Prize, she has collaborated with electronica artists including Daithi and Elaine Mai, and her boisterous new single A Mess looks ...