Cavan singer aims for the Stars

A Cavan singer songwriter is flying high with his latest single in New Zealand.

Alan (Ned) Gray who is “in the top 10 and climbing” with his super-catchy tune ‘Under the Stars’.

The Arva man will be familiar to many, as he was part of Lucas who graced the Irish top 40. They undertook successful tours of the US East Coast where they also recorded a debut album with grammy-nominated Rob Fraboni.

Now living in Dunedin, a city in the South Island, performs under the stage name ‘Flying Man’. ‘Under the Stars is the follow up to his hugely popular ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’. That melancholic acoustic number had over 40,000 streams on Spotify alone - deservedly so as its strong melody and clever lyrics, are matched by sophisticated production. A more upbeat tune Under the Stars paints a picture of wealth and status dreamt up by a young couple while they promise to maintain their love for each other by continuing their current relationship traditions. Through their star-studded lifestyles they’ll still frequent local karaoke bars and sleep ‘Under The Stars’.

Alan has enlisted Lara Rose, better known in New Zealand as one half of folk duo ‘Tall Folk’ to share vocal duties. Lara Rose’s is blessed with a voice of understated richness, that doesn’t need to exert itself to entice.

The feel good track melds a host of influences - with a cool electronica vibe when the couple are dreaming up their futures, that unpacks into an acoustic chorus as they celebrate their current romance.

This electro-acoustic flavour is typical of Flying Man’s style as he populates tracks with programmed beats, live looping and layered harmonies.

It’s definitely worth checking out both ‘Under the Stars’, and his debut single ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ on Spotify. You’ll be humming them for weeks to come.