Stereo Six: ESSIRAY on the Albums & Artists Shaping Her Jungle-Infused Electronic Pop Sound

Emerging as one of Ireland’s most exciting new voices, ESSIRAY is quickly building momentum with a sound that blends pop songwriting with jungle, UKG and drum and bass influences. A former opera singer who trained and performed across Dublin’s most prestigious institutions, her path shifted dramatically following a vocal injury, leading her into production, songwriting and a more experimental, electronic direction. That reinvention has become central to her identity as an artist, shaping both her sound and creative approach.

Since her debut, ESSIRAY has been widely recognised as a rising force, earning titles such as RTÉ 2FM Rising Artist 2025 and being named The Future of Irish Music by District Magazine. Her latest single, “Make It Happen,” marks another step forward as she continues to carve out her own lane in modern electronic pop.

In this latest edition of Stereo Six, ESSIRAY breaks down six records and artists that have shaped her sound and creative outlook, from the cinematic electronic textures of Paradis and the timeless songwriting of Lauryn Hill, through to contemporary influences like Chappell Roan and piri & tommy. Together, these selections offer an insight into the influences behind her evolving sound and the foundations of an artist very much on the rise.

1. Paradis – Recto Verso (2016, Barclay)

“This is probably my favourite album of all time. I found Paradis when I was about 16, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the kind of music I make now has a similar feel. It’s got that soft, slightly choppy pop electronic sound, with really clean synths that build slowly and don’t feel overdone.

For me, this album just makes everything feel a bit more cinematic. You put it on and suddenly life feels like a film. I particularly love “Toi et Moi”. Now that I live in Paris, I’ll sometimes be walking through the streets listening to this album and it just makes me reminisce.

The production is simple but really evolves throughout the songs and the way they let things breathe, always with a funky bass or guitar underneath. They definitely influenced how I make music. The lyrics are quite minimal too, but they stick with you.”

2. Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998, Ruffhouse/Columbia)

“I grew up listening to this album because my sister played it all the time. It’s one of those records that’s just always been there, so it feels really tied to my childhood. I always think of Sundays, just chilling, sun coming through, and this track is playing on vinyl.

Musically, it’s just solid. The grooves, the songwriting, the way Lauryn Hill delivers everything. It all feels really natural but still powerful. Songs like “Doo Wop (That Thing)” have so much character, but there’s also a lot being said in them.

It’s one of those albums where every time I go back to it, I hear something new. It’s definitely influenced how I think about lyrics and making music that actually connects, not just sounds good.”

3. Chappell Roan – The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (2023, Amusement/Island Records)

“This is one of my newer favourite albums, but I’m honestly obsessed with it. It gave me so much joy when I first heard it last year, and it still does. Every song feels really thought through, and I don’t get bored of it. “Naked in Manhattan” and “After Midnight” are always on repeat for me.

I just think she’s really smart with pop. The whole project has a strong identity, and that pop girl energy that feels fun but still intentional. It’s bold, a bit dramatic in the best way, and just really well done.

I also saw her live because we were playing the same festival, and I remember just watching her thinking “wow wow WOW.” I was properly in awe of her. That made me connect to the album even more.

It’s one of those albums that just makes you feel good and empowered and that’s something I really value.”

4. piri & tommy – froge.mp3 (2022, Polydor Records)

“This was a big one for me when I was moving more into a pop/electronic sound. I love how light everything feels, but the drums still have so much energy. It’s fun, but it still hits, which is something I’m always trying to get right in my own music.

“beachin” especially, I love that track. It’s got that really effortless, bouncy feel but it’s still super tight production wise. In general, I think they’re really great at mixing genres without overthinking it. It pulls from drum and bass, pop and electronic, but it all feels natural.

I was definitely really inspired by this project. That balance of playful and polished, and keeping things simple but effective, is something I’ve taken into how I make music.”

5. The Last Shadow Puppets – The Age of the Understatement (2008, Domino Records)

“I’ve been a big Last Shadow Puppets fan for years, and this is an album I’ve gone back to a lot. I first got into it when I was younger and just kept listening to it, it’s one of those where I know every lyric.

What really stands out is how they bring orchestral elements into their sound without it feeling forced. The strings are such a big part of it, and it made me think differently about how you can build a track. It definitely inspired me to experiment more with adding strings into my own music, even where you wouldn’t expect it.

I also got to see them live twice in Dublin a few years back and they had all the live orchestral parts. Songs like “Meeting Place” are just really beautiful.

It’s one I still go back to all the time.”

6. Geo22 – Various Releases / “Flames” (Independent)

“This is more of a curveball because they don’t have a full album, but I’ve been listening to Geo22 a lot recently, so I had to include them. They’re a Berlin electronic duo, and all their singles and EPs together feel like they could easily be one full project.

I love how ethereal their sound is. It’s like whimsical, dreamy electronic music. It’s more like you’re inside a world. Their sets and whole aesthetic are really immersive.

They also bring in elements that feel almost like choral or church music, which I find really interesting, especially because I come from an opera background. That contrast really works for me.

I’ve been a bit obsessed with them lately, and “Flames” is one I keep going back to.”

ESSIRAY “Make It Happen” Single Artwork