MacD on Music: Louise DaCosta ‘Poolside’

It’s almost summer, which means it’s almost time for sitting by the pool, chilling out and listening to music (in most places. In Derry it’s mostly trying to stay dry and hoping that the sun a couple of weeks ago wasn’t all we’re getting).

This week, I’m talking to Louise DaCosta, who’s new album ‘Poolside’ is perfect for those scorching hot days, when you’re sipping cocktails in the sun at ten in the morning before going to the beach and buying a genuine Rolecks watch that’s going to break before you get on your flight home.

Tell me a bit about your new album.

Hey Domhnall, great chatting to you, thanks for the interview! The new album is called 'POOLSIDE' and it's all about Latin inspired Summer vibes. There are Portuguese, Spanish, South American influences on the album with all different sorts of sounds including House (‘Tchau’), Disco (‘Sunset Boulevard’) Tech (‘Ayahuasca’), Chill Out (‘Funky Banana’) etc. Perfect for Summer playlists and chilling out at the beach or pool. The album is out now on DaCosta Records and available on all stores including Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Deezer etc.

You've been on a roll these past few years with your releases. Tell me a bit about your process. How does something go from an idea to an album?

Thank you! Well, generally it starts either as a track or two that begins the ball rolling and then just kind of blossoms into an album project or it begins as a concept and that can end up being like 20/30+ tracks and the best or most suitable of those are then chosen for album release. It's one of the major benefits of being in charge of your own label, publishing, distribution etc. It means there's no delay or compromise on releases which is great!

What's the reception been like so far to this latest release?

Brilliant so far big thanks to everyone who's supported the album! It's had lots of airplay in Ireland, Canada, UK, Italy, South America and the USA so far which has been fantastic!

Have you got anything else coming up you want to talk about?

I've got LOADS I would LOVE to tell you about Domhnall!!! But I can't just yet! I have been working on some film and TV projects that hopefully you'll see this year and we can chat about them in our next interview! Haha.

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How's DaCosta Records doing? Are there any other artists/DJs/groups you think we should be keeping an eye on?

It's going fantastic thank you!  As I say we've taken on some brand new projects and commissions and we have signed some brilliant new releases and artists including a new one from Irish artist DJ Dave O Reilly, a recent release from Polish artist David Morrati, a new remix out from Toronto's Cozmic Cat and we've just signed a brilliant Dublin based South African star Robin T. We're releasing a vocal version of 'Dayo' from the 'POOLSIDE' album featuring Robin plus two fantastic new singles. 

We also have a brand-new track from Derry's Pharma Phil coming out at the end of June! I myself have a project coming out with tracks featuring poetry from some wonderful Derry wordsmiths including Gavin McFadden which I am really excited to share after the Summer! Definitely check out this talented bunch and keep an eye on our socials for release dates and events.

@pharma_phil @cozmiccatofficial @robintmusic @dj.daveoreilly @davidmorratimusic @dacostarecords

And that’s it from Louise DaCosta. Her new album ‘Poolside’ is out now on all good streaming services.

Now, onto other business. We’re almost at the end of spring, which means it’s almost festival season. If you’ve been reading this column regularly for the past few years, you’ll probably be able to guess what’s coming next. Yes, Stendhal! Next month, Stendhal returns for it’s fifteenth year and, as usual, it’s got a great mix of local and not-so-local talent gracing it’s many stages. This year, headliners include Kate Nash, Lightening Seeds and Joshua Burnside.

READ MORE: MacD on Music

Also playing that weekend are Duke Special, Winnie Ama, TRAMP, The Bonnevilles, Emer Maguire, Problem Patterns, The Wood Burning Savages, Leo Miyagee, George Houston (who will also be appearing on Jools Holland this month), tessio., Cora Harkin, Maddams Last Discovery, Declan McLaughlin, Paddy Nash, Polosa, Seventh Heaven, Pseudonym, Polar Bolero and many more.

This year’s festival takes place from July 4th-6th and tickets are available now at www.stendhalfestival.com.

Finally, this Friday (June 6) will see the launch of Pilosa’s new single, and a local art exhibition take place in Hang-ten. The event will also feature music from Rachel Craig and tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Now, time for the socials. Stendhal can be found on Facebook and Instagram @stendhalireland, Pilosa @pilosa__music and Louise DaCosta @thelouisedacosta.