Maria Somerville reveals latest album “Luster” on 4AD and upcoming shows in Ireland

Maria Somerville, an Irish singer-songwriter from Galway and morning host on NTS Radio, recently made headlines with the news of her upcoming album release. After signing with 4AD in 2021, Somerville dropped the track ‘Projections’ last year, which garnered attention for its dark shoegaze sound. Now, fans can anticipate her second album, ‘Luster,’ set to be released on April 25th under the same label.

The lead single ‘Garden,’ produced by Diego Herrera, aka Suzanne Kraft, continues with the atmospheric vibe seen in ‘Projections.’ Accompanying the release is a music video directed by Anna Heisterkamp. ‘Luster’ boasts a lineup of talented contributors, including J. Colleran, Brendan Jenkinson, Diego Herrera (Suzanne Kraft), Ian Lynch from Lankum, Margie Jean Lewis, Henry Earnest, Finn Carraher McDonald (Nashpaints), Roisin Berkley, and Olan Monk. Additionally, Somerville has announced a series of gigs across Ireland in April, including dates in Cork, Limerick, Belfast, and Dublin.

The tracklist for ‘Luster’ includes songs like ‘Projections,’ ‘Garden,’ ‘Corrib,’ ‘Halo,’ ‘Spring,’ ‘Stonefly,’ ‘Flutter,’ ‘Trip,’ ‘Violet,’ ‘Up,’ and ‘October Moon.’ Fans can also catch Somerville live on tour, with dates spanning from Paris to London to various cities in the United States and Europe. This extensive tour will showcase Somerville’s mesmerizing sound to audiences worldwide.

Somerville’s musical journey reflects her deep connection to her homeland’s rural west coast, where she draws inspiration for her music. Her 2019 release, ‘All My People,’ earned critical acclaim for its atmospheric dream pop style, characterized by ambient electronics, ethereal guitar strums, and evocative lyrics. Returning to Connemara, near her childhood home overlooking Lough Corrib, Somerville found inspiration for ‘Luster,’ an album that reflects her growth as an artist.

With renewed creativity and a strong community of collaborators, Somerville’s latest work showcases a more confident and mature sound. ‘Luster’ captures the essence of her surroundings, blending memories with newfound clarity and purpose. Collaborations with musicians like J. Colleran, Brendan Jenkinson, and Suzanne Kraft have elevated the album, infusing it with rich textures and emotive melodies.

Fans of Maria Somerville can also catch her on NTS Radio, where she hosts the Early Bird Show, sharing her eclectic music taste with listeners every Monday and Tuesday morning. After joining 4AD, Somerville has continued to captivate audiences with her unique sound, touring alongside artists like Dry Cleaning and contributing covers for the label’s anniversary celebrations.

In conclusion, Maria Somerville’s upcoming album ‘Luster’ promises to be a captivating musical journey, showcasing her growth as an artist and her deep connection to her Irish roots. With a lineup of talented collaborators and a series of exciting gigs on the horizon, Somerville’s music is set to enchant listeners around the world.