Odhran Murphy, one of Ireland's most promising emerging artists, lays bare his emotions in "Stuck in the Middle," a confessional and cathartic debut EP that encapsulates the pain of being caught between love and heartbreak, fear and freedom, stillness and change. In an interview with Atwood Magazine, the folk rock singer/songwriter guides us track-by-track through six heartfelt and restless songs brimming with charm, honesty, and unabashed vulnerability.
For fans of Sam Fender, Noah Kahan, and The Lumineers, listen to “Close to You” – Odhran Murphy.
“See I’m stuck in the middle, like a riddle I can’t solve…” There’s something hauntingly human about Odhran Murphy’s lyrics – they capture a gentle unraveling in real time. Across six evocative tracks, the Irish singer/songwriter draws us into the emotional core of his inner turmoil: a space between heartache and healing, between letting go and holding on. "Stuck in the Middle" – both the titular song and the EP itself – expresses the quest for self-discovery, longing for understanding, and the pursuit of peace. It portrays vulnerability and resilience in a balanced manner.
Constructed from elements of grief, longing, identity, and love, Murphy’s debut EP does not attempt to resolve everything neatly. Instead, he and his music connect with listeners amid chaos, discomfort, and the raw experience of living in 2025. This is a collection that stings, comforts, and ultimately lingers. It’s not about possessing all the answers; it’s about having the courage to voice the questions.
Stuck in the Middle – Odhran Murphy
Oh these walls they are closing in
The air feels paper thin
No sense of where to turn
Who have I become?
Just a lonely broken fragile soul
Who’s fighting on his own
In the silence, it echoes
The voice inside my head
Oh, I’m running out of time
Oh, I can’t see the light
Oh dear god
Please forgive me
For the sins I’ve caused
See I’m stuck in the middle
Like a riddle I can’t solve
Please take control
I can’t handle this
On my own
See I’m stuck in the middle
Like a riddle I can’t solve
– “Stuck in the Middle,” Odhran Murphy
Originating from the rural County Armagh in Northern Ireland, Odhran Murphy has always approached music with passion. The 25-year-old self-taught multi-instrumentalist grew up immersed in live music, sneaking into pubs to watch his parents and grandfather perform on weekends, learning guitar from his mother, and soaking in the storytelling that characterizes the Irish folk tradition.
Following the viral success of “Limitless Love” on TikTok in 2023, Murphy's career quickly gained momentum, leading to notable performances at The Great Escape and a sold-out show at London’s Camden Assembly. Now signed to 10K Projects, he is forging his own niche in the folk rock genre, rooted in honesty, determination, and uplifting choruses.
“This EP embodies many aspects of me, from vibrant bursts of joy to deeply personal songs,” Murphy explains. “These six tracks explore the various facets of love: its exhilarating highs, tender moments, and unavoidable heartbreaks.”
The emotional range is evident in every note and lyric, especially knowing that the songs were conceived and recorded in London, Nashville, and the wooded splendor of Woodstock. Collaborating with producers like David Baron, Adam Argyle, and Evan Cline, Murphy crafted this project methodically: transforming raw moments into clarity.
“This record emerged during a time when I was processing a lot – loss, self-worth, love, identity,” he reveals to Atwood Magazine. “Each song became a space for me to make sense of the disorder surrounding and within me. It started as a form of therapy, and over time, evolved into a personal map – transitioning from pain to clarity, from feeling lost to beginning to rediscover myself.”
“Initially, my goal was simply to be truthful; I wasn't thinking about genres or trends – I just needed to speak my truth. As I continued writing, it naturally formed into a cohesive and emotionally raw body of work. The constant was a commitment to authenticity – allowing the songs to express what they needed to.”
For Murphy, this EP represents his “best foot forward”: a defining compilation that introduces him without unnecessary embellishments. “I think this EP reflects my dedication to honesty,” he shares. “I’m a songwriter at heart; the lyrics are where I expose my soul, where I delve deep. Musically, it lies somewhere between acoustic storytelling and emotional fervor, but what matters most to me is that the songs authentically represent me. If this is your first encounter with me, this EP will reveal precisely who I am.”
That authenticity
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Odhran Murphy, one of Ireland’s most promising emerging talents, reveals his innermost feelings in his debut EP ‘Stuck in the Middle.’ This confessional and cathartic collection captures the pain of being caught in the middle, grappling with love and heartbreak, fear and freedom, stillness and change. In an interview with Atwood Magazine, the folk rock singer/songwriter guides us through each of the six candid and restless tracks, showcasing their charm, honesty, and unyielding vulnerability.