With the Irish artist’s cultured use of synths resonating with publications across Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe, Keelan X has been on our radar for the past year or so. After a short break, Keelan has returned revealing his latest single Running Red Lights.
Keelan Cunningham, AKA Keelan X, has developed his sound since his days playing in bands back in his homeland. Since flying solo, the artist has taken inspiration from 80s composers in the vein of Giorgio Moroder and combined this with modern production values the likes of which The Weeknd and M83 have become renowned for.
Running Red Lights expands upon Keelan’s exploration of the synth-pop genre, the musician continuing to highlight his uncanny ability to unearth dance-worthy pop gems. The track begins with a thudding beat, before Keelan’s gravelly, powerful vocal takes the limelight. The raw emotion in Keelan’s delivery is further emphasised by mighty guitar licks kicking in as the song builds into an indelible chorus, much like our horizons opening up both physically and metaphorically.
Running Red Lights not only leaves its mark from a listing perspective, but also from a lyrical standpoint. Having grown up in Ireland during the troubles, Keelan was moved to write this piece from a female point of view, shining a light on the difficulties associated with having a relationship with a revolutionary. A weighty subject matter come together with superb soundscapes, producing another triumphant release.
Keelan’s cinematic sound has caught the eye of a number of magazines and radio hubs around the world including BBC Introducing Three Counties & Northants, RTÉ 2, Amazing Radio, Today FM, The Vinyl District, Synthpoplover, Hot Press, Side-Line Magazine, and Electricity Club. Running Red Lights is part of a four track EP, rounding off a run of singles throughout 2023/24 and setting the artist up for a huge 2025.