- Words Solly Warner
London-based Irish singer-songwriter, Etaoin, delivers a blazing act of self-assertion with her new song “I Dare You”.
Despite having only launched in January this year and with two singles currently under her belt, the self-titled Irish powerpuff girl has made an outstanding introduction. Etaoin has seen support from several Irish radio stations in addition to spot plays on the BBC, as well as being placed in Spotify’s biggest pop, folk and acoustic playlist.
Already racking up over half a million streams for “Bedroom Walls” and “Pale Damp Cheeks”, her latest single, “I Dare You” is the penultimate release ahead of her debut EP coming later this year. Armed with just an acoustic guitar and her magnificent vocals, the new track delivers a powerful, soaring chorus that you can almost hear future crowds singing along to.
“I wrote it in my bathroom in my parents’ house, in ten minutes.” said Etaoin “I was so furious, I had heard from my friends this boy had been badmouthing me for literally no reason. I was like: If you wanna do that, fine. I dare you, keep going, see what it does for you. A lot of my life especially as a female I have felt underestimated. It’s a general feeling of being talked down to, people not expecting you to win.” Etaoin continues, “In life it’s not always about who turns up for you, it’s about the times you turn up for yourself. Self-respect is often used in such a screwed-up way, in this case I was respecting myself by cutting contact with this person. It’s me finding my voice again.”
Etaoin’s unconventional childhood, split between London and Ireland, has given her a unique world view and song writing ability. Whilst pouring her sadness from heartbreak into her folk infused pop music, Etaoin’s story is far from being a tale of woe, and more about growth and renewal.