Nathan O’Regan releases stunning new single ‘Killer’.
Rising Irish singer-songwriter Nathan O’Regan released his latest single, Killer, on March 5th. Available digitally and as a limited 7-inch vinyl, the track showcases O’Regan’s masterful blend of country and blues, delivering a high-energy performance that cements him as one to watch.
Photo by Jamie Neish
From the very first note, Killer bursts into action with twanging guitars, the rich wail of a Hammond organ, and a driving rhythm that never lets up. O’Regan’s powerful and soulful vocals command attention, bringing an undeniable swagger that wouldn’t be out of place among Nashville’s finest. The track captures the raw energy of classic blues-rock while maintaining a modern edge, proving O’Regan’s ability to bridge genres seamlessly.
Written alongside Belfast-based musician and mentor Gareth Dunlop, Killer emerged from a conversation about their life partners, adding a personal touch to its fiery delivery. Recorded at Attica Studios in Donegal, under the guidance of Villagers guitarist Tommy McLaughlin, the song benefits from a rich and dynamic production, allowing each instrument to shine without overpowering O’Regan’s emotive performance.
“Gareth and I have incredible, fierce women in our lives and we were joking about how we both need that from time to time” explains Nathan. “It’s like dealing with an assassin – they kill all the worst parts of you, and leave you with the bits they like the most.”
Born in Cork to a musical family, Nathan O’Regan’s journey into the industry began early when, at just 16, he signed to a major label after his band won a radio competition. Reflecting on those early days, he admits, “I was absolutely terrible to begin with, to be honest,” but credits the experience of working with professional songwriters as a valuable learning curve. However, like many young artists navigating the major label system, his career was soon stalled. His debut project never saw the light of day, and after four years, he was eventually dropped.
Determined to carve out his own path, O’Regan relocated to Belfast, where he immersed himself in the city’s vibrant live music scene. “There was always a gig on, and it was a good way to make money while also honing my live performance,” he explains. Unlike those who wait for the perfect venue, O’Regan took every opportunity to perform, sharpening his skills in front of any audience that would have him. He was also struck by the wealth of talent around him, saying, “Belfast definitely punches above its weight—there are so many world-class players.” Last year, O’Regan signed to the Belfast-based independent label Zenith Café, a move that felt like a fresh start.
“It feels momentous. I’ve been working towards this for almost half my life, It’s like an introduction, or starting from the very beginning.”
While his early label experience was creatively enriching, it also gave him a dose of reality about the industry. “It was an amazing experience, but also a bit of a learning curve—it made me realize that a lot of people in this business have no idea what they’re doing.”
You can give ‘Killer’ a listen below: