With his debut studio EP, Uncovered Vol. 1, Cork-born, Belfast-based artist Nathan O’Regan offers a powerful homage to Northern Ireland’s rich songwriting talent. Released on August 30, this five-track collection features stirring covers of songs by Northern Irish songwriters, reinterpreted with O’Regan’s unique Acoustic Rock and Blues Rock sensibility. Known for his gritty, emotive voice and heartfelt storytelling, O’Regan pours his soul into each track, blending the melancholic with the hopeful and showcasing his profound respect for his musical roots.
Uncovered Vol. 1 opens with It’ll Be Alright, a poignant cover of Gareth Dunlop’s classic. This track strikes a chord with its message of resilience and comfort during challenging times, drawing on classic themes of friendship and support. Nathan’s rendition brings warmth and depth to Dunlop’s lyrics, likening it to timeless songs like Lean On Me and You’ve Got a Friend. O’Regan reflects, “The first time Gareth Dunlop’s It’ll Be Alright hit my ears, I swore it was a long-lost classic… He’s a true gem of Northern Ireland’s songwriting scene, and including it on this covers EP was a no-brainer.”
The second track, Follow You Down, originally by Ciaran Lavery, exemplifies O’Regan’s skill for reimagining a song. Here, his rich, bluesy vocals turn Lavery’s delicate folk tune into a soulful ballad. “This song always resonated with me,” he says, “its stripped-down arrangement left so much space for interpretation.” O’Regan’s ability to transform Follow You Down into a sweeping acoustic anthem underscores his talent for infusing covers with his own voice while preserving the heart of the original.
Is That What You Wanted?, penned by MCVEIGH, showcases O’Regan’s admiration for Northern Irish songwriters. Originally performed with raw passion and intensity, O’Regan recalls first hearing MCVEIGH play this song live, a performance that left an indelible mark on him. “Effortlessly, he commanded the stage—a true star,” O’Regan reminisces. His rendition brings a fresh perspective to the song, maintaining its raw emotional core while highlighting his own distinctive style.
The track Permanent, written by Fiona Harte, explores themes of impermanence and the fleeting nature of time. O’Regan is drawn to Harte’s lyrical depth, noting that “nothing is permanent in a world that’s not still.” This sentiment, coupled with O’Regan’s soulful interpretation, turns the song into an unforgettable listening experience, where the artist’s voice resonates with the haunting beauty of Harte’s lyrics.
The EP concludes with Strange People, an unreleased track by Fiona O’Kane, known as LARKS. O’Regan was introduced to this song in its demo form and has been captivated by it ever since. With O’Kane’s blessing, O’Regan’s cover serves as a stunning finale, revealing his deep admiration for his fellow artist’s talent. His haunting delivery of Strange People feels both intimate and powerful, embodying the beauty and depth of Northern Irish songwriting.
With Uncovered Vol. 1, Nathan O’Regan has crafted more than just a collection of covers; he’s created an emotional journey, a tribute to the artistry of his homeland. His voice, raw yet tender, navigates between gritty rock energy and bluesy introspection, breathing new life into each track. This EP is a celebration of Northern Ireland’s songwriting, capturing its spirit through O’Regan’s skilled interpretations. His full-band sound adds layers of warmth and resonance, making Uncovered Vol. 1 a memorable debut that places Nathan O’Regan as a rising force in the acoustic and blues rock scenes, with much more to come.
