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Colm Warren Announces New Chapter with 'Without You'
- Melodrift Team
- May 11
- 2 min read
Derry-born songwriter Colm Warren has unveiled his latest single “Without You,” marking the beginning of an ambitious run of releases planned throughout 2026. Issued to coincide with World Down Syndrome Day, the track arrives alongside a striking video created in collaboration with Down Syndrome Cork, already drawing attention for its message of inclusion and emotional clarity. The release signals not only a new creative phase for Warren but also a deepening of the personal themes that have increasingly defined his solo work.
Warren’s artistic trajectory has been anything but conventional. Formerly the frontman of The Twenty, he first emerged within the urgency of punk before stepping away from music for nearly a decade. His return in 2020 with “Void,” followed by “Shame” and “Choked,” formed a stark and introspective trilogy that explored alienation and existential unease, reintroducing him as a markedly different artist. Subsequent releases revealed a gradual shift in tone. Tracks such as “Just Me” and “September Roses” suggested a more reflective sensibility, while 2023’s “Truth,” a duet with Maeve Smyth, brought widespread acclaim. That momentum culminated in a landmark appearance with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at the National Concert Hall, where Warren also delivered a poignant rendition of A Rainy Night in Soho in tribute to Shane MacGowan.
Throughout 2024, Warren maintained a steady output with singles “Alright,” “Dead Days,” and “Thinking of You,” each accompanied by visually driven releases that collectively surpassed 140,000 online views. “Alright” in particular resonated strongly, earning praise from Clash for its emotional openness. In 2025, he continued to broaden his scope with a reinterpretation of Estranged, reinforcing his reputation for unflinching emotional exploration.
With “Without You,” Warren turns inward once again, this time focusing on family. Written for his sister Emma McCarthy and inspired by her son Ódhrán, the song reflects on the transformative impact of children born with Down syndrome. Warren has described the relationship as “life-saving in the most beautiful way,” positioning the track as both tribute and acknowledgement.
The accompanying video, directed by Tetsuhiko Endo and produced by Therese Shannon at Rubberduck, places members of the Down Syndrome Cork community at its centre. Featuring performers including Sean McMahon, Emma O’Connor, David Wall and Mike Clifford, the project foregrounds creativity and visibility. As Warren embarks on his 2026 release series, “Without You” stands as a defining statement of intent—one rooted in empathy, authenticity, and evolving artistic vision.
“Colm Warren is one of those rare artists who operates entirely on his own terms; ‘Without You’ is a beautiful, deeply human piece of work that doesn’t just showcase his evolution as a songwriter, but also his ability to connect, uplift, and give voice to stories that truly matter,” shares music publicist Danielle Holian, Decent Music PR.
