Irish singer-songwriter Sorcha Richardson has shared her deeply reflective new single Ellen Forever, offering another captivating glimpse into her forthcoming third studio album Draw The Outline, due for release on 11th September.
Following the recent releases of Grenadine and Illinois Again, the new track further showcases Richardson’s gift for transforming intimate, deeply personal experiences into universally resonant songwriting. Built around delicate fingerpicked guitar, understated double bass and her unmistakably warm vocal delivery, Ellen Forever explores friendship, vulnerability and the complicated relationship between self-expression and self-doubt.
Sorcha Richardson
Co-written with fellow Irish artist SOAK (Bridie Monds-Watson), the song was inspired by an unexpectedly profound conversation with a close friend that forced Richardson to confront her own insecurities about creativity and the emotional cost of opening herself up through her music.
Reflecting on the song, Richardson explains that what began as a casual discussion about the progress of her new album quickly spiralled into questions about identity, honesty and how much of herself she was willing to reveal. That conversation ultimately became one of the emotional foundations of Draw The Outline, while also reminding her of the unique clarity close friendships can provide.
The single arrives as anticipation continues to build around Richardson’s third full-length record, a collection shaped by major personal changes over the past few years. After spending almost a decade living in New York before returning to Ireland, Richardson relocated from Dublin to the quiet surroundings of West Kerry, where the slower pace of life profoundly influenced both her writing process and the sonic direction of the new album.
Rather than forcing songs into existence, she embraced a more patient approach, allowing ideas to emerge naturally during long walks, solitary drives and quiet moments of reflection. The result is an album that favours atmosphere and emotional nuance over straightforward storytelling, capturing fleeting memories, imagined conversations and internal monologues with remarkable sensitivity.
Musically, Draw The Outline also marks a subtle evolution. Moving away from the synth-heavy textures that characterised earlier releases, Richardson leans into acoustic instrumentation, incorporating piano, Hammond organ, woodwinds and saxophone to create a warmer, more organic sound. Produced by Chris W Ryan (Chalk, Just Mustard, NewDad), the record promises an intimate listening experience that mirrors its deeply personal themes.
Since emerging with her acclaimed debut First Prize Bravery, Richardson has steadily established herself as one of Ireland’s most compelling contemporary songwriters. Follow-up album Smiling Like An Idiot became a Top 5 record in Ireland while cementing her reputation internationally, helping her amass more than 80 million streams and earn support slots alongside artists including Mitski, Snow Patrol, Villagers and Dodie, in addition to acclaimed headline performances across Europe and North America.
Earlier this summer, Richardson also debuted new material during a special performance for Other Voices at St. James Church in Dingle, giving fans an early taste of the introspective world that would become Draw The Outline.
With Ellen Forever, Richardson continues to reveal an album that appears less concerned with providing neat answers than embracing life’s uncertainties. It’s a beautifully understated release that highlights her ability to find profound emotional depth in everyday conversations, reinforcing why she remains one of Ireland’s finest songwriting talents.
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