NewDad’s ‘Pretty’ – A Galway-Inspired Love Song

NewDad Announce 2025 Tour Following Critically Acclaimed ‘Madra‘ & New Album ‘Altar‘

London, UK – Irish indie quartet NewDad have announced a complete 2025 tour spanning the UK, ireland, and Europe, hot on the heels of their debut album ‘Madra’ and the forthcoming release of their second studio effort, ‘Altar’.

The band, who relocated from their hometown to London, will be bringing their signature blend of shimmering guitars and emotionally resonant lyrics to fans across the continent. Tickets for UK and Ireland dates are available here and international dates here.’Altar’, slated for release later this year, delves into the complexities of navigating relationships, the pull of home, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of artistic ambition. The album represents a continuation of the band’s exploration of deeply personal themes, previously showcased on their critically lauded debut.

‘Madra’, released in 2023, quickly established NewDad as a rising force in the indie music scene. NME included the album in their Top 100 Albums of 2024, praising its ability to encapsulate the “roiling emotions of young adulthood” within a “glistening, propulsive sound.” A four-star review from the publication highlighted the band’s evolution from promising early EPs to a fully realized album experience.

Beyond their work with NewDad, vocalist and guitarist Julie Dawson has also been forging a solo path. Her debut solo album, ‘Bottom of The Pool’, released last year, offered a slightly different sonic landscape, incorporating more synth elements while retaining the core NewDad sound. dawson described the project as “definitely more pop-leaning, but still with all those heavy guitar and bass sounds.”

NewDad: A Band to Watch

newdad’s success story underscores a growing trend in the indie music world: the power of authenticity and emotional vulnerability. Their ability to connect with audiences through honest songwriting and captivating live performances has positioned them as a band to watch.

The band’s journey from Galway to London also reflects a broader pattern of Irish artists finding success on the international stage. This migration often fuels creative exploration, as artists grapple with themes of identity, displacement, and belonging – themes that are powerfully present in NewDad’s music.

As they embark on this new tour and prepare to share ‘Altar’ with the world, NewDad are poised to solidify their position as one of the most exciting and compelling indie bands of their generation.

How does teh geographical context of Galway, Ireland, influence NewDad’s music, particularly the song ‘Pretty’?

The Genesis of ‘Pretty’: A Galway Romance

NewDad’s breakout hit, ‘Pretty,’ isn’t just a catchy indie-rock tune; it’s a sonic postcard from Galway, Ireland.The song, released in 2023, quickly gained traction, resonating with listeners through its raw emotion and relatable lyrics. But beyond the infectious melody lies a story deeply rooted in the band’s hometown and a specific, tender romance. Understanding the context of Galway – its atmosphere, its landscapes, and its influence on the band – is key to appreciating the song’s depth.

The band members – Julie Dawson, Brian McGovern, Cian Sweeney, and Conor Deegan – all hail from Galway, and this geographical connection heavily informs their music. ‘Pretty’ specifically draws inspiration from a relationship vocalist Julie Dawson experienced while living in the city. The song captures the initial stages of falling for someone, the nervous excitement, and the overwhelming feeling of being captivated by their presence.

Lyrical Breakdown: Decoding the Sentiment

The lyrics of ‘Pretty’ are deceptively simple, yet powerfully evocative. they focus on small, intimate moments – a shared glance, a hesitant touch, the way someone’s presence alters your perception of the world.

Here’s a closer look at key lyrical themes:

Vulnerability & Hesitation: Lines like “I don’t wanna ruin it” and “I’m scared to say” highlight the vulnerability inherent in new relationships. This resonates with anyone who’s experienced the fear of jeopardizing a budding connection.

Idealization: The repeated use of “pretty” isn’t just a descriptor of physical appearance.It represents an idealization of the person, a projection of hopes and dreams onto them.

Galway as a Backdrop: While not explicitly mentioned in every line, the song’s overall mood and imagery evoke the feeling of a Galway evening – the soft light, the quiet streets, the sense of intimacy.

Musicality & Indie Rock influences

‘Pretty’ is characterized by its dreamy, atmospheric soundscape. The song blends elements of indie rock, dream pop, and shoegaze, creating a sound that is both melancholic and uplifting.

Key musical elements include:

Layered Guitars: The use of layered guitars creates a swirling, immersive sound that mirrors the feeling of being lost in thought.

Driving Bassline: A subtle yet effective bassline provides a grounding force, anchoring the song’s ethereal qualities.

Dawson’s Vocals: julie Dawson’s vocals are breathy and intimate, conveying a sense of vulnerability and sincerity.

The song’s production,handled by the band themselves,contributes to its raw and authentic feel. It avoids overly polished sounds,opting instead for a more organic and immediate aesthetic. Comparisons are frequently enough drawn to bands like The 1975, Pale Waves, and early Alvvays – artists known for their emotionally resonant indie-pop sound.

Galway’s Impact on NewDad’s Sound

Galway isn’t just the band’s hometown; it’s an integral part of their artistic identity. The city’s vibrant music scene, its rich cultural heritage, and its stunning natural beauty all contribute to the unique sound of NewDad.

The local Music Scene: Galway boasts a thriving independent music scene, with numerous venues hosting live performances. This environment has provided NewDad with a platform to hone their craft and connect with a dedicated fanbase.

The City’s Atmosphere: Galway’s bohemian atmosphere, its kind locals, and its sense of community have fostered a creative and supportive environment for the band.

Inspiration from the Landscape: The rugged coastline, the rolling hills, and the dramatic skies of Galway provide a constant source of inspiration for NewDad’s songwriting.

‘Pretty’s’ Rise to Popularity: TikTok & Beyond

‘Pretty’ initially gained traction on TikTok, where it became a popular sound for user-generated content. The song’s relatable lyrics and catchy melody resonated with a wide audience, leading to a surge in streams and social media engagement.

TikTok Viral Trend: The song was used in countless videos depicting relatable moments of young love and awkwardness, amplifying its reach and introducing it to a new generation of listeners.

Streaming success: following its TikTok success, ‘Pretty’ climbed the charts on major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

Radio Play: The song also received airplay on independent and college radio stations, further expanding its audience.

NewDad: Current Projects & Future Outlook

Following the success of ‘Pretty,’ NewDad released their debut album Bressie in 2024,receiving