Orla Gartland - 'More Like You'

Orla Gartland’s new single ‘More Like You’ is a confessional but upbeat indie pop track about envying others.

The Dublin singer-songwriter’s candid jealousy story feels universal, and is layered over arena-ready computerised percussion sounds, making a story of personal low moments feel sky high.

Already a fan favourite following live performances on YouTube, ‘More Like You’ follows on from last autumn’s ‘Pretending’ as the second taste from a debut album anticipated later in 2021.

The song is initially driven by a pulse, a unique presence which feels apt. In a song about feelings of imitation, it’s an important distinction from the normal bases of a guitar or a piano.

She sings: “I heard it from a woman on the internet, she told me to eat well and try to love myself”. Orla honed her craft through the internet as a teenager, so its natural the expectations and pitfalls of the digital world would be integral in her songs.

For the track, Orla worked with Haim’s musical director Tommy King, and you can feel the trio’s influence in the lyrics. He also worked with Carly Rae Jepsen, and ‘More Like You’ is like if Carly sang the unvarnished truth while channelling The 1975.

While the desire to be someone else is pretty common, being Orla is pretty good right now, if this song is anything to go by. Despite the insecurities, there’s a glimmer of hope, mirrored in its sound.

Words by Samuel Draper

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