Blending a rich tapestry of Blues and Folk with a Pop sensibility Cork songwriter Meghan Ali has captivated a wide audience in Ireland, gaining praise for her catchy singles that entwine folk with contemporary elements. Following the success of singles ‘Mystic Forest’ and ‘Whiskey Neat’ Meghan returns with her third single ahead of the release of her debut album later this year. ‘The Battle’ will be released June 14, 2021.
The ethereal almost tribal feel of ‘The Battle’ is a nod to Meghan’s involvement with MMA Cork, a Mixed Martial Arts Gym in Blackpool, Cork City. The single will act as an anthem for MMA Cork competitors in their upcoming bouts. ‘The Battle’ is a tribute to all of the MMA Cork competitors who travel far and wide to test themselves against the toughest competition. The indomitable spirit of these athletes is captured wonderfully by the eerily beautiful music along with its inspirational and moving lyrics.
A native of Montenotte in Cork City, five-Time Irish Champion John Mitchell will be the first fighter to walk out to ‘The Battle’ as he represents his country on June 19th against Arbi Emiev in Abu Dhabi. John has already represented Ireland on the world stage at the IMMAF World Championships. Having travelled all over the world competing John found himself in the Middle East in an effort to keep up his training uninterrupted by the pandemic.
Co-written with musicians Billy Farrell & Clare Sands ‘The Battle’ was written, recorded & produced during Covid. ‘The Battle’ proved to be the most challenging song from Meghan Ali’s upcoming Judgement Day album, due out in 2021, as it required each musician to record from home with each part mixed together later. The trio have yet to perform the song together.
From a young age, once guitar was in hand and the first strings plucked, melodies and concepts came naturally to Meghan. Reluctant to be defined by a specific genre, Meghan instead crafts her songs around people, places and life experiences making them instantly relatable.
Although the lyrics may set the scene, Meghan begins with the melody, describing it as the “seed from which the plant grows”. Although she frequently finds herself in the recording studio more so than on stage Meghan has performed her original material as support for the likes of Bagatalle & John Spillane and thread the boards of the INEC Kilarney.
