Following a rapid and head-turning ascent since her 2021 emergence, we had a chat with highly rated Irish singer-songwriter Etaoin
Since her sudden emergence in 2021, Irish artist Etaoin has wasted no time establishing herself unique writing style and effortlessly memorable brand of modern pop. With just a debut EP and a handful singles to her name, the artist has amassed over 10 million streams, and has showcased a sense of guile and deftness within her sound, ranging from brooding intensity to carefree, poppy bliss.
The artist is gearing up to release her new EP I Hate Everyone (but I don’t mind you) and its new title track has continued to draw attention to the unique talents that the artist has as a writer. The track feels deeply personal, delving into a complicated situationship that the artist has found herself in, set to a lush, upbeat acoustic soundscape that feels both rousing and familiar but packed full of personality and drive. Etaoin has had something of a rapid ascent so far, and the sky really does seem to be the limit for the exciting artist.
Who TF is Etaoin?
Hello!!! So who tf is Etaoin. Lemme think. I’m an Irish singer-songwriter who writes songs about all my unfortunate encounters with the male species. Also would gladly give up a finger for either Dermot Kennedy, Taylor Swift or MUNA/can fit 18 marshmallows in my mouth. That’s a pretty broad spectrum but feels like it nails my personality and artistry on the head pretty well.
How long have you been making music?
I first started making music when I was about 8/9, and my first ever song was written on the tin whistle (rogue I know, Irish genes). I started writing full songs with guitar when I was about 12 and had a crush on this boy like 6 years above me in school haha. Both very niche facts
What are your biggest influences?
Influences I would say are Phoebe Bridgers, Dermot Kennedy, Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff and Elliot Smith. Also have a had huge metal phase and lyrically I’m super into La Dispute.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
Oooo biggest moment so far. Has to be either getting named as one of Amazon Music’s Ones to Watch 2022 and being put on a massive billboard in the middle of Leicester Square, or going on my first Ireland tour with Beoga (Ed Sheeran – Galway girl). Huge wide eyed mind blown moment for both.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
Somewhere between stripped back Dermot Kennedy/ Taylor Swift (pop era)/Phoebe Bridgers all served up with a pint of Guinness and pink fairy lights flashing angrily to ward off loser boys from ruining my life.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
My “I made it” moment would be selling out Wembley. My “I’m on my way to making” it would be O2 academy brixton.
We love your new single ‘I Hate Everyone (but I don’t mind you)’, what more can you tell us about it?
I’m so glad you’re liking the new song!! I Hate Everyone (but I don’t mind you) was about this boy in my friendship group. I think he might know it’s about him but I would literally sooner deep fat fry my face than ever tell him. We were in this on/off thing for ageeeees and we would just end up making out on nights out, then I’d wake up the next morning in his room having just cuddled and made out the entire night?? And then we’d just act like we are pals and nothing happened!? Such a weird situation. Neither of us ever had a conversation about it and it never went any further, so I wrote a blatantly obvious song as my way to talk about how if we were together it would definitely be a car crash but also kind of confessing I fancied him. Ish.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
I’ve got my London and Manchester live shows coming up in October 19th and 20th!! You guys should come!! Loads more music coming out over the coming weeks and months too, very exciting! Also going on tour to Germany in a few weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for new stuff very soon!!
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
My biggest fan from day 1 old would have to be my best friend Florence who’s always supported me and encouraged me so much. She literally was there when I wrote my first song. Also all of my family and friend group are super supportive. But if we’re talking about someone who I didn’t previously know, there’s this girl Leona who turned up at my first show and knew EVERY single word. Even the unreleased stuff somehow?!? She stood in the front row and we just connected when I was singing. It was super cute and it felt like a proper moment.
