By Colin 
Annika Kilkenny has released her new EP, Me In The Mud, a deeply introspective project that chronicles the highs and lows of young adulthood. Out today, 14 February, the Irish singer-songwriter weaves themes of self-discovery, stagnation, and transformation into a body of work that resonates with her growing audience.
Named as one of Guitar.com’s “singer-songwriters making acoustic music cool again,” Annika has steadily built a devoted fanbase. By consistently sharing clips of new songs online, she keeps listeners engaged, with fans hanging on every word.
Her impact has not gone unnoticed by fellow artists. Laufey personally invited her to open for her in London last year, while Matt Maltese, Jensen McRae, and Leith Ross frequently express their admiration for her music. On the Irish live circuit, she has supported James Vincent McMorrow, Pillow Queens, and Aimee Carty, solidifying her reputation as one of the country’s most exciting young talents.
A Journey of Growth and Transformation
At its core, Me In The Mud captures the struggle of feeling stuck before embracing change. Annika describes the EP as a project that moves from emotional stagnation to a newfound clarity, zooming out to reveal a much bigger and brighter picture.
Speaking about the EP, she explains: “You should allow your experiences to mould you into a better version of yourself. Take guidance from people you trust, but disregard comments or critiques from those you wouldn’t go to for advice.”
‘Tango’—A Moody, Lyrically Playful Standout
A highlight of the EP is today’s focus track, ‘Tango’, which takes Annika’s songwriting in a new direction. Co-written with Emily Phillips (Florence and the Machine, Matilda Mann, SOAK) and produced by Ant Whiting (Lana Del Rey, Matt Maltese), the track blends moody instrumentation with playful lyrical storytelling.
“It was really fun to string together,” Annika shares. “I remember being in my room finding all these James-Bond-type chords and thinking about how I could do something quite moody with them. The phrase ‘the ball is in your court’ shaped the lyrics, creating a back-and-forth, my-move-your-move motif. That later inspired the title, linking it to the fiery Latin dance.”
A Rising Voice in Irish Music
Annika’s talent for crafting emotionally rich songs has drawn widespread acclaim. Hot Press calls her “one of the country’s most compelling young talents,” while The Line of Best Fit praises “the depth of emotion captured in her vocals.”
She recently performed a live session of the EP’s first single, ‘It’s Shaped You’, with Mahogany, filmed in a woodland near her home. The session captures her music in its purest form, reinforcing her reputation as an artist who thrives in raw, intimate settings.
With Me In The Mud, Annika Kilkenny continues to establish herself as a songwriter whose honesty and relatability set her apart. Me In The Mud is available now on all streaming platforms and you can follow Annika over on Instagram.