Kilkenny musical duo to release second single

'Sunny Day', the second single from Kilkenny musical duo Novatone, is set to be released this month. The single is now available on Bandcamp, and will be available on streaming platforms from Friday, June 13.

Novatone have also announced a series of upcoming gigs this summer, one of which will see them returning to Kilkenny to perform at Cleere's Theatre on Friday, July 11. 

Novatone are Ann Marie Walsh on vocals and Mark McCorry on vocals and guitars. They are based on the Wexford-Wicklow border, but are originally from Kilkenny. ‘Sunny Day’ was written by Ann Marie and Mark and recorded, mixed and mastered by Chris Byrne. It features Dylan Bailey on bass and Áengus “The Goose” Samuel-Maher on drums.

'Sunny Day' is about the urge to leave the long commute behind on a sunny day. The song is inspired by Mark's commute. “On my drive to work, I pass the exit for Brittas Bay on the N11. Some days all I want to do is put on my indicator and drive straight to the beach," says Mark.

"Commuting can be boring - so the idea for Sunny Day germinated like a daydream in my head on those long drives. I began thinking about the film ‘Falling Down’ & the scene where Michael Douglas’ character just abandons his car. That scene resonates with me - I’m sure most commuters know that feeling - of just wanting to leave the rat race”.

'Sunny Day' is the follow up to Novatone’s debut single 'Spotlight' which was released in February. Hot Press Magazine reviewed it as "indie pop resplendence", while Sarah Corcoran from Pillow Queens enthused, “‘Spotlight’ is so great! Reminds me of Rilo Kiley meets Belle and Sebastian meets Carnival era The Cardigans - very cool”. 

Spotlight was playlisted on 8Radio.com, Spirit Radio, The Sound of Ireland and played on RTE Radio 1, KCLR FM, Shannonside, Highland, Dublin City FM and Amazing Radio in the UK/US. 

SUMMER GIGS

Novatone will be teaming up with Waterford artist Tadhg Williams for three gigs this summer.

• The first will be on Friday, June 6, in Record Room Limerick. 
• The second will be on Saturday, July 5, at Geoffs Cafe Bar Waterford.
• The third will see Ann Marie and Mark play their home city of Kilkenny on Friday, July 11 at Cleere's Theatre - a double headliner for Novatone and Tadhg Williams.

On Saturday, July 26, Novatone will celebrate the launch of ‘Sunny Day’ with an intimate acoustic performance in The Star Bar on Baggot Street, Dublin with Chiara Browne joining on keys and vocals.

Having performed as an acoustic duo previously, Novatone expanded their sound with a full band and played their first electric Novatone gig in November 2024 to a packed room in Little Whelan’s.

In February, they headlined Whelan’s Upstairs. In April, they shared the main stage at Whelan’s with Sack, Mundy, and Brian Branigan (A Lazarus Soul) at the Stay Human fundraiser, and played an acoustic concert at Fennelly's in Callan.

Mark was a member of acclaimed Kilkenny band Kaydee who signed to EMI Records, released an album and toured in the UK and Ireland. Ann Marie is a radio presenter who works in Audio Creation and Arts PR but who began her career as a musician and music booker.