Léim Thart Ruairí Egan

Making her return to Léim Thart, Dublin pop artist Aimée has a new banger, the heartfelt 'Passenger Seat' takes us through a comforting journey dedicated to her late mother, as a trip down memory lane is set to slick pop production.

Written with Gabrielle Aplin and Ash Howes (Kylie Minogue, Atomic Kitten), Aimée describes her latest offering as her ‘best therapy session yet’ written for everyone who is missing someone, whether it’s an ex-partner or somebody who has passed on; ‘Passenger Seat’ is the song to sing, dance and drive home to.

This new release follows the success of Aimée's Christmas single, ‘Grafton Street Lights’, which won the Christmas FM Song Contest to be crowned Ireland’s Christmas Song of the Year in 2023. Aimée also plays the Academy Green Room on the 4th August, tickets on sale now.

Watch this episode on YouTube HERE
Follow Ruairí Egan / Léim Thart HERE
Watch Aimée on Léim Thart in 2022 HERE

American popstar and TikTok sensation Leah Kate joined me recently while in Dublin for her 'Super Over' Tour, which boasted even bigger crowds than ever as she made her way across Europe. I got to know her and her music through playing a few quick-fire games, including some podcast-exclusive content right here just for you :)

No stranger to the stage, she has toured alongside Madison Beer, Hayley Kiyoko, and Anne-Marie. Leah Kate is proving to be a star on the rise with 300M+ global streams, 200M+ TikTok views to date, and millions of followers across all socials.

Follow Ruairí Egan / Léim Thart ⁠HERE⁠

Norwegian superstar Astrid S has blown the world of pop music away with a staggering 5 billion streams of hit songs such as "Hurts so Good", "Think Before I Talk" and "It's OK If You Forget Me". Her second album, the newly-released 'Joyride', reflects her growth as an artist, inspired by car journeys with her Dad. They listened to bands like The Killers, Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, and HAIM - early musical impulses that are reflected throughout the new album.




Astrid S is a global pop artist with sold-out world tours and several awards in the luggage, including Spellemann (Norwegian Grammy) and MTV award. She has previously collaborated with talents such as JP Cooper, Shawn Mendes, NOTD, and previous Léim Thart guest Dagny.



2020's debut album 'Leave It Beautiful', became a bible of Scandipop, crafted mostly with Swedish production duo Jack & Coke. Astrid compares the process of making the new album to speed dating. She has stepped out of her comfort zone and jumped into sessions with many different producers, including JT Daly (K. Flay, Benson Boone, PVRIS), Oliver Lundström (Carly Rae Jepsen, Dagny) and Matias Téllez (girl in red, Sondre Lerche, Maisie Peters).



Watch this episode on YouTube HERE

Follow Ruairí Egan / Léim Thart HERE

One year on since his first Léim Thart, Fred Roberts has gone from strength to strength with the release of his debut EP 'Sound Of My Youth'. With over a million streams to date, packed-out headline gigs, and a summer full of festivals ahead, we sat down for a much-needed catch-up on all things music... and sleeper trains. and underwater tunnels.




Lead single Sound Of My Youth was written in LA on the last day of a writing trip with Andrew Wells(Phoebe Bridgers, Halsey) and Anthony Rossomando (Lady Gaga, Ellie Goulding). Fred’s cross generational inspirations move from The Killers to The Smiths, Billie Eilish to LittleSimz, Matty Healy to Frank Ocean and his idol Troye Sivan.



Stream the 'Sound Of My Youth' EP HERE

Learn about underwater tunnels in the Faroe Islands HERE

Learn about sleeper trains on a boat HERE



Photography by Jono White



Watch this episode on YouTube HERE

Follow Ruairí Egan / Leim Thart HERE

4 years since her last album, and continuing her reign at the top of the muisc world, we have finally been treated to Dua Lipa's third album 'Radical Optimism' 🦈 Following the juggernaut disco-infused 'Future Nostalgia', Dua worked with the aim to build a new psychedelic, Britpop-inspired record. Did she succeed? Here is my full review.


Since 2020, Dua Lipa has remained at the forefront of pop culture, with a 3rd Grammy win, 7th BRIT award, and the lead single of Barbie movie 'Dance The Night', to name but a few achievements. Her song 'Levitating' went on to become the official #1 song of 2021 the US, and certified Diamond. Inspired by Dua’s own self-discovery, Radical Optimism is an album that taps into the pure joy and happiness of having clarity in situations that once seemed impossible to face. The album was co-written by Lipa, alongside primary album collaborators Caroline Ailin, Danny L. Harle, Tobias Jesso Jr. and Kevin Parker of Tame Impala fame.


Big thanks to Rút, Seán, and Conor for their contributions to this episode.



- Stream the Léim Thart 'Future Nostalgia' review HERE
- Watch this episode on YouTube HERE
- Follow Ruairí Egan / Leim Thart HERE

Cover photo by Tyrone Lebon

Making a grand return to Léim Thart, one of my favourite guests is Bandon Beyoncé LYRA! Having freshly released her self-titled debut album, we just had to catch up and discuss all the new music. Hear her talk about working with Lady Gaga's producer, keeping a song from David Guetta, and the juiciness of a live show!



The debut album is a comprehensive reflection of the Irish pop- dance sensation today. Consisting of 14 tracks, the album conveys the broad range of her musicality, journeying from the dark and sultry ‘Chess’ to the pulsating dance anthem ‘Lovers’ to the empowering latest single ‘Queen’.



Watch this episode on Youtube ⁠HERE⁠

Follow Ruairí Egan / Léim Thart ⁠HERE