One of Ireland’s most refined singer songwriters, Stewart Agnew, is emerging from his self-imposed musical exile clasping a clutch of AOR masterpieces to his chest in the shape of his fourth album, Into the Black Hills, which will be released in April 2024, simultaneously with the single “Old Time Religion”.

With initial writing and pre-production sped along by contributions from Phil Wilkinson, Duke Special and Roger Bechirian (BellX 1, Elvis Costello & Squeeze), Stewart headed into Echo Zoo recording studios in Eastbourne, UK. Renowned producer & songwriter Phil Wilkinson (Duke Special, The Amazing Pilots) took control of the console and in a whirlwind of eighteen studio days in the depths of Eastbourne the 12 songs that resulted offer slivers of magic and moments of sublime comfort. All of which makes for an album of light, optimism and progression that can’t fail to appeal, both musically and lyrically, to the broadest possible audience.

Agnew has expanded on the palate suggested by his previous albums (Tailor Made, Songs from The Gasstation & Hello Bright Spark) displaying a pop-nous and songwriting maturity previously only glimpsed at.

Stewart has played live with everyone from Ron Sexsmith (who guested on Songs from the Gasstation album) and Duke Special (who guested on Into the Black Hills) to Mick Flannery, Beth Orton, Josh Ritter & Gemma Hayes.

Praise for Hello Bright Spark
“Hello Bright Spark unleashes a pop sensibility so pronounced it's a wonder that Ron Sexsmith hasn't gone into hiding.” Irish Times
“A real highlight here is the album opener ‘Laces’ which displays some impressive power-pop smarts and an arrangement that would impress Brian Wilson.” Hotpress
Voted HMV Hotpress Album & Single of the Week