Buncrana singer/songwriter George Houston is quickly gaining international acclaim after his debut on Later… with Jools Holland.
George’s appearance on the iconic music show launched on BBC iPlayer last Sunday and will be televised this Sunday the 15th on BBC2.
For those who cannot access UK channels or players, the performance of Lilith is now live on YouTube:
The 23-year-old alt-folk visionary was part of a star-studded line-up this week, which featured the Sugababes, Peggy Seeger, Obongjayar, Kae Tempest and Wolf Alice.
George’s stripped-back version of Lilith has earned him plenty of high praise online.
YouTube viewers said: “What a performance! A modern day Cohen / Dylan and a perfect antidote to a lot of the manufactured music that’s around!”
Other comments said: “Hauntingly beautiful from start to end.”
Another person said it was amazing to see George “finally getting the recognition he deserves”.
From L-R: George Houston, Peggy Seeger, Sugababes, Jools Holland, Obongjayar, Kae Tempest, Wolf Alice. BBC Studios / Michael Leckie
The track Lilith is taken from George’s whimsical fourth studio album, ‘TODC’ (The Original Death Card), set to drop Friday, June 13th, 2025.
The lyrics of Lilith were inspired by Lifford singer Siânna Lafferty, lead singer with Derry band Tramp.
“I saw Siânna performing live and a line came to me about protest singers and I wanted to pay homage to the protest singers of the world,” said George.
Recorded at Paul Weller’s Black Barn Studios, following a whirlwind year touring with the legendary musician across North America and Ireland, TODC is Houston’s boldest, most personal project to date. The 13 track album mourns the hardship LGBT+ individuals and women endured for generations, and a celebration of their resilience, and beauty.
He said: “TODC has been an incredible healing experience from start to finish. The death card, in tarot, is not only a symbol of death, but the change and rebirth that comes with it.
“To have a project that is unapologetically feminine, queer, and Irish, all rolled into one has been a massive step in removing myself from the shame that comes with growing up queer in rural Ireland. Even if I do go to hell, at least I lived honestly.”
Since launching his career in 2020 with the viral debut Boo Fucking Hoo, Houston has released three studio albums, been longlisted for the Glastonbury Song Contest, and received praise from BBC Radio One, RTÉ Radio One, Hot Press Magazine, and more.
The TODC album launch will take place at Kinnegar Brewery, Letterkenny on Saturday 19th July. George’s second home show will be at the Balor Arts Centre on 14th August.
Find George’s Spotify, social media links and all tour dates and tickets at: https://linktr.ee/georgehouston
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