Irish LGBTQIA+ artist SexyTadhg ,widely recognised for their theatrical, politically charged creative style, returns with a new single, ‘Never Been Loved in the Daylight’. The track marks a departure from the expansive, big-band sound of their acclaimed debut EP Sexy, instead embracing a more intimate, unguarded tone.
Recorded live in a close-knit setting, the performance highlights Tadhg’s magnetic stage presence and skilled musicianship—qualities that have earned them sustained praise across Ireland’s live music scene. Produced by Daniel De Burca and mixed and mastered by Alex Borwick, the single explores themes of introspection, longing, and emotional openness.
Centred solely on piano and voice, ‘Never Been Loved in the Daylight’ ranks among Tadhg’s most affecting releases. The pared-back arrangement brings their lyricism and emotional nuance to the forefront while maintaining the melodic character that defines their work.
Reflecting on the making of the song, SexyTadhg shares:
“While I was very lucky to be able to take refuge in my childhood bedroom during the pandemic, it triggered a lot of self reflection. I was so hopeful of falling in love once I’d left home but I came back to realise that I was even lonelier than before.
As a result I was listening to a lot of Joni Mitchell and Adrianne Lenker. I remember coming up with this syncopated rhythm and the words ‘I’ve never been loved in the daylight, the sun always scares them away’ spilled out of me and it felt like an emotional shotgun had gone off. I open-mouth cried for a bit and then stayed writing all afternoon in my bedroom and completed the lyrics the next morning on the bank of the river Barrow.
Towards the end of covid gigs were starting to come back and I noticed there were some cabaret gigs starting up in Dublin. I remember seeing a sticker for “Cabaregg” in town and thinking, “God, I need to do that”. And sure enough only a month later Aoife O’Connor and Pea Dineen asked me to close their next Cabregg show in Bellobar. I had never performed in a cabaret before so I was petrified. Having to follow the hilarious Goblins Goblins Goblins and the mesmerising Bella Agogo who was very kindly offering me many words of affirmation backstage felt like a terrifying task. I hadn’t got to perform this song much because I didn’t often get to perform to a crowd who were really listening to my lyrics. So I walked out in a leather trench coat and duct tape and sang the song.
Once I’d finished I found myself enveloped by a roaring applause and a seemingly never ending standing ovation. I felt truly heard, appreciated, respected, even loved. Every performance of this song since feels like a moment of healing for me and a reminder that we’re never alone in loneliness.”
The release follows the continued success of Tadhg’s debut EP, Sexy (September 17th), a vibrant and politically engaged exploration of queer experience that fuses theatrical soul, big-band jazz, and pop sensibilities. The project won support from BBC Radio 6, RTÉ 2FM (playlist), RTÉ Radio 1 (playlist) and across music pess, firmly positioning SexyTadhg as a dynamic and fearless new voice in Irish music.
Beyond strong press and radio traction, SexyTadhg has also appeared on national TV programmes including The Six O’Clock Show, Ireland AM, Ireland In Music, and Irish-language shows such as Síorstíl and Glúin Z. Their live résumé includes an 18-date UK tour supporting The Mary Wallopers, sets at major summer events including Fairview Park, Galway Big Top, and Cork Marquee, festival main-stage performances, and multiple sold-out headline shows—further solidifying their reputation as a standout live performer.
Listen to the new single below:
