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In her latest single, Irish singer-songwriter and multi-hyphenate artist Orla Gartland pulls us into the unresolved complexities of a post-break-up period, posing the question we’ve all mulled over before: “Now What?” The new track follows Gartland’s previous album in an exploration of the depths and nuances of love and relationships, intertwining angsty guitar riffs and bold lyrics that question the confusing newfound freedom that hits soon after a relationship ends. 

“Now What?” opens with raw honest lyrics that describe the emotional experience of bumping into someone who looks like an ex, and wishing it had been them. Just before the first chorus, Gartland reveals the confusing stage of being physically unrestrained yet mentally unable to move on: “I am completely f*cking free, now what?” In this track, the singer songwriter admits that heartbreak is painful: “And just like that I missed my chance to call you up / You’ve only gone and fell in love.” But with upbeat percussion, unrestrained lyrics, angsty rock guitar instrumentals and synths, Gartland avoids falling into a state of pitying herself. Instead, she finds a way to romanticize the commonality of break-ups: “It’s a tale as old as time.” And accepts the journey it takes to find yourself again, because “whatever you’re meant to feel, you’ll feel eventually.” 

The release of Gartland’s break-up anthem serves as a preview for the soon to come deluxe version of her exciting sophomore album, Everybody Needs a Hero, out May 16th. This proves as just the beginning of another substantial year for Gartland. Her 2025 headlining tour across North America begins this month, following select performances with Glass Animals during their US tour. Gartland will also perform at festivals including Lollapalooza, Kilby Block Party, and Outside Lands this summer. 

Listen to “Now What?”: