Ready to Burst onto the Scene: SOAK

A few weeks back we had a look at the career of young Carlow band The Strypes. Well, it seems there’s another pesky, musically-talented kid on the scene and her name is Bridie Monds-Watson aka SOAK.

By Eoghan Doherty

Only 17 years old and the dinosaur-loving, daddy long leg-fearing Derry native has signed a deal with Universal Music, has already made a number of appearances on Other Voices (in Dingle, Derry and London), was also nominated for the Choice Music Prize and has been named on the Hot Press ‘Hot for 2013’ list.

Shouldn’t she be out pushing a push pop or something instead of writing really intelligent, beautiful music? I mean really, come on Bridie.

In addition to all of that, the self-described “super cool musician who writes songs about creatures from the sea” has released two EPs (Trains and Sea Creatures) and can count The Undertones, Snow Patrol and Duke Special among her fans.

Enough of us waffling on about how good she and her unique voice are though, why don’t you have a listen to her yourself? Her most well-known song to date is without doubt the haunting Sea Creatures and a quick search on YouTube will result in numerous clips of her performing it.

We’ve picked out two particularly excellent renditions for you to enjoy.

The first performance is from Derry’s City of Culture 2013 opening concert, Sons and Daughters, featuring SOAK, her guitar and full orchestra accompaniment.

Goosebumps at the ready please:

The second was a much more stripped down performance on The Late Late Show back in January 2013. This rendition was also particularly memorable as a certain Mr Brian O’Driscoll revealed himself to be a big fan. Clearly all those years of Paul O’Connell knees to the head hasn’t affected his hearing thankfully.

Just one girl and her guitar:

From the two clips it’s testament to the great tune that, no matter what way it’s performed or what ensemble is used, it still sounds brilliant either way, with each version being as good as the last. And, for what it’s worth, having heard her live on a number of occasions, this JOE can testify that she is an absolute class act with an incredible voice, brilliant lyrics and really simple and effective musical guitar playing.

SOAK will be performing on Other Voices on RTE 2 on May 29th at 22.55 where she’ll no doubt be introduced by the completely non-aggressive sounding and non-intimidating Aiden Gillen.

For more information on upcoming gigs, tours and festival appearances, check out her Facebook page here and Twitter here.