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Photo: Nicole Ngai

We love it when we stumble upon a song like "The Hit," a mood-altering gem that feels like a numb limb coming back to life, a thought unstuck, a momentum-generating feeling that makes the day less, well less. The second single from Orla Gartland's just announced sophomore album, Everybody Needs a Hero, set to release October 4, "The Hit" is a wonderful pulsing song featuring the artist's famed perceptive wit. Needing to know more about this Dublin-based singer-songwriter, we sent our e-carrier pigeon to find out what Gartland is doing, thinking, and drinking:

OnesToWatch: Who is Orla Gartland?  

Orla Gartland: I'm an artist from Dublin, Ireland out here trying to put my feelings into songs.

What is "The Hit" all about? 

'The Hit' is about experiencing deep, painful empathy with someone you love; you feel everything they feel, good and bad! 

Any collaborations or features? Who produced the track? 

I wrote this song with my co-producer Tom Stafford and my best friend Lauren Aquilina. Lauren and I have been besties for 10 years and before this album had never written together; for some reason it finally felt like the right time.

What do you recommend drinking while listening to ‘The Hit?’ 

It's a pretty cosy song, so probably just a lovely cup of hot tea (and a biscuit).

This is one of the first releases of your upcoming album, Everybody Needs a Hero. How have you changed since Woman on the Internet?

I think I've become louder, bolder, braver. I think this upcoming record Everybody Needs A Hero pushes out at both ends even more than WOTI—the big songs are bigger, the raw and honest songs are more raw & more honest! 

Can we expect more of this style in the future? Or are you ever-evolving? 

Who knows - it's anyone's guess. Generally, I like to keep pushing forward and reaching for something new.

Besides this excellent song and your upcoming album, what else should we be on the lookout for? 

Shucks, thank you. I will be touring a lot over the next year - my first US/CA tour is this November and all shows barre one sold out in the first day! So I'd like to tour Europe and plan a North American return for 2025.

What is inspiring you right now outside of music? 

Food! Food really excites me. I'm loving Justine Doiron's recipe videos right now.

Who are your OnesToWatch? 

Not sure how NEW is new but I really love Remi Wolf and Dora Jar. Both artists have been out there for a couple years but both creatively hitting an amazing stride right now! There's a new UK band called Soft Launch who I also really love.