Fast-rising Irish rapper producer Alex Gough has unveiled new single ‘GIVE IT A GO’
A self-reflecting, but ultimately uplifting ode, Gough grapples with other people’s perception of his own music on the new cut with the thought provoking-lyrics set against a backdrop of lo-fi beats and reassuring artists to go with their gut instincts.
Explaining the meaning behind the track, he says, “Artists put time into their craft everyday, everything stems from that. I’ve seen too many artists in the last while suffering just cause someone has a different idea of what that craft should look or sound like. If you’re that someone, come back when you’ve given it a go.”
Also announced today is the producer and musician’s brand new EP ‘LEMON****’, due for release on 15th July. A collection of five tracks bursting with the buoyant creativity we’ve come to know and love from the rising artist, it features previously heard tracks ‘GLOW’, ‘DUMB!’ and ‘BUSY!’.
Reflecting on the title Alex offers, “I called the EP LEMON**** cause it captures the essence of these tracks and where I was at during the process of making it. This EP, more than ever, gave me space to explore what I really wanted to hear when I listened back to my music from the outside I guess. It’s the product of me experimenting and trying to get closer to presenting myself in a way that accurately reflects who I am as a person and an artist.”
Gough has already firmly established himself as one to watch, delivering a pair of creative projects that showcase both his boundless studio and live talents ‘FOREVER CLASSIC’ and ‘BONUS FEATURES’ off the back capturing everyone’s attention from the soundtrack of the BBC’s hit TV series Normal People back in 2019. Now ‘LEMON****’ looks set to solidify his ascent even further.
‘GIVE IT A GO’ is out now. ‘LEMON****’ is released on 15th July.
About Alex Gough
Coming up behind established talent like Rejjie Snow, 23 year old Drummer/Producer/Arist Alex Gough is helping blaze a trail for Irish hip-hop internationally. Following radio support and prominent placings in high profile playlists, he’s racked up millions of streams for his 2019 debut EP, ‘80%’, and earned a high profile sync on the BBC adaptation of Sally Rooney’s ‘Normal People’.
Sonically, there’s dizzying variety within Gough’s productions. Graduating from the sample-heavy sound of 2018’s acclaimed ‘Infomercial Tape’, ‘80%’ features both brilliantly old school beats on ‘Breakfast’ and jazz-influenced understatement in the shape of ‘Dear SJ’. On 2020 B-side ‘Be Kind’ he delves even further into the woozier side of the latter, as inspired by contemporary names like Yussef Dayes, Kamal Williams, and Alfa Mist, as he is undisputed giants of the form, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Chet Baker. Vocally, there’s an engaging authenticity to his easy flow, adding additional weight to his quick-witted bars.
According to Gough, future material is set to be even more diverse. Debut mixtape ‘FOREVER CLASSIC’ released in October 2020 is 90s-inspired but with a range that extends from bossa nova to the breakbeat and Beastie Boys-influence of lead single ‘Heart Attack’. Following this up not even 6 months later with a full live EP and Studio Documentary package entitled “BONUS FEATURES”, Gough shows no sign of taking his foot off the pedal. With 2022 material further pushing his artistic envelope, the combination of creative restlessness and undeniable talent makes Gough an exciting proposition, even if he’s far too modest himself to admit it.
‘LEMON****’ Tracklisting1. ‘4 DAYS’2. ‘DUMB’3. ‘BUSY!’4. ‘GLOW’5. ‘GIVE IT A GO’ (Extended)
FOLLOW ALEX GOUGH
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago and married my childhood sweetheart and life is good.
