DUG drops new single “Livelong Day”

Coming from transatlantic origins, DUG is the collaboration between Irish-based songwriter Conor Lorkin O’Reilly and California banjoist Jonny Pickett. Born of shared heritage and complementary influences, the duo stitch a contemporary folk fabric that’s both based in tradition and thoroughly modern. With Conor’s past decade spent in the indie folk circles of upstate New York and Jonny’s Americana-leaning stylings, DUG offers a sonic intersection that feels at once new, familiar and fully their own.

Having relocated to Dublin in 2022 to open a new creative chapter, Conor linked up with Jonny to form DUG, a name now steadily gaining momentum on both sides of the Atlantic. Their debut single “Jubilee” made an instant impact, earning Grammy shortlists in both Best Americana Roots Song and Best Americana Roots Performance categories. A nod to their musical talents and distinctive sound, it served notice that DUG weren’t here to craft a new sphere in modern folk.

At the heart of their music lies a blend of resonator guitar and banjo, two instruments that have long histories in both Irish and American folk traditions. In DUG’s hands, they become something else entirely; organic and alive with movement. Their arrangements are marked by intricate fingerpicking and intuitive interplay, creating a sound that ebbs and flows with warmth and subtle energy. It’s in this musical conversation that DUG truly shine, where the individual threads of their backgrounds meet to form something greater.

Now signed to Claddagh Records, home to some of the most progressive voices in Irish folk today, including Niamh Bury, Lemoncello and ØXN, DUG are set to release their debut record later this year. Having released a string of well-received singles that have clocked hundreds of thousands of spins on Spotify alone, the duo brings us their latest offering with the fifth track from the forthcoming album titled “Livelong Day,” produced by Mike Halls.

Opened by the flicker of strings, the lively groove of rhythmic acoustic guitar and pattering of percussion sets the track in motion as animated string dashes add colour to the arrangement. With warm, expressive delivery, Conor’s engaging vocals spin bouncy melodic lines above the steady stomp of the beat and fluttering instrumentation, casting a timeless folk sound that pays respect to the style’s past while carrying forward in DUG’s own vision.

Reaching a stripped back breakdown, the smokey atmosphere of plucked guitar and emotive vocals builds up with the thump of drums to deliver one final chorus of their catchy folk sound. With their highly anticipated debut record on the horizon, DUG are sure to win over more and more fans around the world on what’s sure to be their breakout year.

Listen to Livelong Day below

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