An affecting, lo-fi offering that gently celebrates the authentic joy of truly existing in the moment, Dublin-born, London-based interdisciplinary artist Constance Keane aka Fears has shared her latest single, ‘11249’. Taken from her upcoming second album, affinity, which is set for release on 22nd March via TULLE, the track is an exquisite blend of tender vocals, raw lyricism and tentative beats.
Following on from her recent single ‘4th of the 1st’ – a poignant reflection on emotional resilience and self-soothing – Fears has created another deeply moving offering on ‘11249’. Written whilst she was visiting New York city back in February 2023, the new single sees her reflect on the life-affirming realisation that her present emotions powerfully contrast with those of her past. The track also features fellow musicians Jemima Coulter on brass and Ailbhe Reddy on accompanying vocals.
“Sometimes, you encounter things that hit you so hard, [that] you think ‘wow, so if I had actually died a few years ago when I tried to, I’d never have gotten to see and experience this’” Fears explains about the feelings that underscore her new track. From her softly delivered, striking opening lyric “Sometimes I remember that I tried to die”, through to her hopeful closing lines – “So I call my Mum, cry on the pier / Think about how it feels to still be here / with two feet on the ground / When I look how far I can see clear / overwhelmed that I didn’t disappear / when I tried to drown” – Fears quietly, yet defiantly marks a truly impressive personal milestone.
Much like her debut album Oíche, on her upcoming second record, affinity, Fears continues to create emotive, elegant and enlightening soundscapes. This time however, she spotlights her ability to find peace in the often chaotic settings around her. Written and recorded between London, New York, and Dublin, across 10 tracks she shares stories of human connection in its strongest and most fragile forms, something which her new single ‘11249’ beautifully highlights.
The track is accompanied by a video, filmed at Fears’ birthday party and directed by her close friend and M(h)aol bassist Zoe Greenway. Watch it below.
Fears Irish & UK Tour Dates 2024
Wed 3rd April – Dublin, IE – Sugar Club
Wed 1st May – London, UK – Oslo Hackney
Fri 10th May – Glasgow, UK – The Hug & Pint
Pre-order Fears upcoming album, affinity, here
Follow Fears on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter (X) & Facebook
Follow TULLE on Instagram & Twitter (X)
Photo Credit: Niamh Barry
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