Wexford band’s new single ‘Sunny Day’ is inspired by N11 commute

On 13th June, Novatone will release their second single ‘Sunny Day‘…

The band is fronted by Ann Marie Walsh and Mark McCorry who live between Gorey and Arklow.

Their new single is available now on Bandcamp and will be on all streaming platforms on release day.

Speaking to Wexford Weekly, Mark said his daily commute is the inspiration for ‘Sunny Day:

“On my drive to work, I pass the exit for Brittas Bay on the N11. Some days all I want to do is put on my indicator and drive straight to the beach. I began thinking about the film ‘Falling Down’ & the scene where Michael Douglas’ character just abandons his car. That scene resonates with me! I’m sure most commuters know that feeling of wanting to leave the rat race,” he told Wexford Weekly.

Having only played their first full band gig in November, Novatone have a busy live schedule ahead – they will support Waterford artist Tadhg Williams on Fri 6th June in Record Room Limerick and Sat 5th July at Geoffs Cafe Bar Waterford.

Then they play their home city of Kilkenny on Friday 11th July at Cleere’s Theatre – this is a double headliner for Novatone and Tadhg Williams. On Sat 26th July, Novatone will celebrate the launch of ‘Sunny Day’ with an intimate acoustic performance in The Star Bar on Baggot Street, Dublin.

‘Sunny Day’ is the follow up to Novatone’s debut single ‘Spotlight’ which was released in February – Hot Press Magazine reviewed it as “indie pop resplendence” while Sarah Corcoran from Pillow Queens said “‘Spotlight’ reminds me of Rilo Kiley meets Belle and Sebastian meets Carnival era The Cardigans – very cool”.

Novatone are Ann-Marie Walsh on vocals and Mark McCorry on vocals and guitars who are originally from Kilkenny, but they are based in North Wexford.

Having performed as an acoustic duo previously, they expanded into a full band and played their first electric Novatone gig in November 2024 to a packed room in Little Whelan’s.

In February, they headlined Whelan’s Upstairs and in April they shared the main stage at Whelan’s with Sack, Mundy, Brian Branigan (A Lazarus Soul) at the Stay Human fundraiser. They also played an intimate acoustic concert at Fennellys in Callan.

‘Sunny Day’ was written by Ann Marie Walsh and Mark McCorry and recorded, mixed and mastered by Chris Byrne. It features Dylan Bailey on bass and Áengus “The Goose” Samuel-Maher on drums. Mark was a member of acclaimed Kilkenny band Kaydee who signed to EMI Records, released an album and toured in the UK and Ireland. Ann Marie is a radio presenter who works in Audio Creation and Arts PR but who began her career as a musician and music booker.

Advertise on Wexford Weekly