Keelan X Modernizes Eurovision Classic “What’s Another Year”

Keelan X is the project of transient Irish artist, Keelan Cunningham. Having cut his teeth as a musician in bands during the Indie music height of the 90s, Keelan has transformed his creative output by tapping into his fascination with Synth, Electro and Pop music.

2022 saw Keelan X at his most prolific with the release of singles “These Days,” “Fever” and “The Other Side.” His love of classic 80s synth soundscapes ranging from Moroder to Tears For Fears, combined with a growing admiration for a modern take on the genre developed by the likes of The Weeknd, is laid bare in the woozy sonics Keelan X produces.

The latest single, “What’s Another Year,” perfectly combines these two influences into one expertly crafted synth-pop song. Profoundly affected by fellow countryman Johnny Logan’s 1980 Eurovision Song Contest-winning entry, Keelan X was inspired to recreate the track in his own image. Commenting on the single Keelan says:

“This is a bit of a departure for me; adapting a Eurovision-winning ballad into a slightly more up-tempo, modern pop track. I always loved the song (by Shay Healy) and thought it would be interesting to give it a Synth Pop makeover. It’s my favourite song ever put forward by Ireland to the Eurovision. It’s very musical…I just love the wistful melody line & vocal delivery by Johnny …and the instrumental sections are beautifully crafted by Bill Whelan (of Riverdance fame). All these elements in the song’s composition appealed to me as a songwriter”.

Working with London-based pop producer Imad Salhi, Keelan X has honoured the original incarnation of the song, whilst injecting a hazy, shimmering Electro-Pop veneer. The track is accompanied by a sumptuous Cyber-Punk/Anime-inspired animated video charting the journey of a young lad travelling back in time to The Hague, 1980 to meet Johnny Logan just prior to his iconic Eurovision performance.

The single kickstarts Keelan X’s 2023, as he releases further singles throughout the year. With a multitude of press support including RTE 2, Amazing Radio, Today FM, The Vinyl District, Synthpoplover, Hot Press, Sunday Times, Side-Line Magazine, and Electricity Club, Keelan aims to continue his rise at both home and abroad.

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