Orla Gartland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Orla Gartland
Gartland performing in 2022
Background information
Birth name	Orla Joan Gartland
Born	(1995-02-03) 3 February 1995 (age 30) Dublin, Ireland
Genres	Acoustic folk indie pop indie folk pop rock
Occupation(s)	Musician singer-songwriter
Instruments	Vocals guitar ukulele piano
Years active	2007–present
Labels	New Friends

Orla Gartland (born 3 February 1995) is a talented Irish singer, songwriter, and musician. She is known for her unique indie pop and folk music style. Orla released her first studio album, Woman on the Internet, in 2021. This album was very popular, reaching number 3 in Ireland and number 10 in the UK. It even topped the UK Indie Chart!

Her second album, Everybody Needs a Hero, came out in October 2024. Besides her albums, Orla has also released five shorter music collections called extended plays (EPs). These include Freckle Season (2020) and Why Am I Like This? (2019). In 2023, Orla joined a new band called Fizz.

Early Life and Education

Orla Gartland grew up in Drumcondra, a part of Northside, Dublin in Ireland. Her home was close to Croke Park. She has a younger sister and a younger brother.

Orla started playing music at a young age. She played the violin and fiddle from about five years old. She also learned traditional Irish music. When she was about 12, her parents got her a guitar. She quickly fell in love with it. Orla almost went to music college, but she decided to move to London in 2015 instead. She knew many musicians there through YouTube.

Orla's Music Journey

Starting on YouTube (2009–2012)

In 2009, when Orla was 13, she started her YouTube channel. She called it "MusicMaaad." Her first videos were covers of other artists' songs. Soon, she began sharing her own original songs. Her very first original song was called "Green Eyed Monster."

As a teenager, Orla also performed on the streets of Dublin. This is called busking. Through busking, she became friends with the music duo Hudson Taylor. In 2012, Orla performed as an opening act for other artists. She released her first single, "Devil on my Shoulder," which became popular in Ireland.

Roots and Lonely People EPs (2013–2015)

Gartland performing live at The Cookie Jar in Leicester, 2013.

In March 2013, Orla announced her first tour. She played five shows in the UK and Ireland. Later that year, in November 2013, she released her EP called Roots. The main song, "Roots," was chosen as "Single of the Week" by Apple iTunes in the UK and Ireland. Orla toured again in 2014 to support this EP.

Many news outlets in Ireland noticed Orla. The Irish Daily Star named her one of "20 music acts to watch in 2014." Her second EP, Lonely People, came out in 2015. Critics praised it for mixing funk and alt-pop music styles.

Why Am I Like This? and Freckle Season EPs (2018–2020)

After a break, Orla released new singles in 2018. In 2019, she released "Why Am I Like This?" and "Flatline." These songs were part of her EP, also called Why Am I Like This?. The song "Why Am I Like This?" became very popular in 2022. It was featured in the Netflix TV show Heartstopper. This helped the song reach high spots on music charts.

Orla then released another EP, Freckle Season, in 2020. Songs like "Figure It Out" and "Heavy" were on it. "Heavy" was even used in a trailer for the TV show Normal People. Orla later released both EPs together on vinyl, adding a new song and an acoustic version of "Figure It Out."

Woman on the Internet Album (2020–2023)

In 2020 and 2021, Orla released several singles leading up to her first full album. "Pretending" was about trying to please others. "More Like You" explored feelings of identity and jealousy. "Zombie!" talked about the importance of sharing emotions.

Her debut studio album, Woman on the Internet, came out on August 20, 2021. Orla worked with her band and producer Tom Stafford on this album. She created a fictional character for the album, describing the 'woman on the internet' as a modern-day guide. The album was a big success. It reached number 3 on the Irish album chart and number 10 on the UK album chart. In 2022, she released a special Anniversary Edition of the album.

Everybody Needs a Hero Album (2023–Present)

On August 1, 2023, Orla released a new single called "Kiss Ur Face Forever." This was her first solo song since 2021. In May 2024, she released "Little Chaos" with a music video. Orla also announced her second album, Everybody Needs a Hero, which was released in October 2024. It includes a song called "Late to the Party" featuring Declan McKenna.

Collaborations and Appearances

Joining the Band Fizz (2023–Present)

In 2023, Orla Gartland formed a new band called Fizz. She joined with other musicians: Dodie, Greta Isaac, and Martin Luke Brown. Their first song, "High in Brighton," came out in June 2023. Their first album as a band, The Secret to Life, was released in October 2023.

Other Musical Projects

Orla has performed on TV shows, like The Saturday Night Show in Ireland. She also sang "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with Greta Isaac for a charity album. This album helped raise money for a breast cancer charity. Orla has also toured with the artist Dodie as a supporting act.

She even helped write a song for the famous K-pop boy band BTS. The song is called "134340" and is on their 2018 album Love Yourself: Tear. In 2020, Orla was part of a group of Irish female singers. They were called "Irish Women in Harmony." They recorded a cover of the Cranberries' song "Dreams." This was to help a charity that supports people dealing with domestic violence during the COVID-19 lockdown. In December 2022, Orla was featured on Half Alive's song "Never Been Better."

Musical Style and Influences

Orla Gartland grew up listening to many different artists. Some of her favorites were Avril Lavigne, Brandi Carlile, and Van Morrison. She also liked the English band Busted.

In her early career, she described her music as folk pop. She was inspired by artists like Joni Mitchell and Regina Spektor. She has also mentioned Kate Bush, Fleetwood Mac, and Cyndi Lauper as influences.

The Irish Times newspaper has called Orla a "pop rock purveyor." She really likes playing the electric guitar. Her favorite guitar is a pink Fender Telecaster. However, she has said she dislikes ukuleles! Orla's 2021 album, Woman on the Internet, explored themes like growing up, feeling lost, and identity. The music was influenced by artists like Fiona Apple and the Cranberries.

Personal Life

As of 2020, Orla Gartland volunteered regularly at the Ealing Soup Kitchen. This organization helps people in need. In 2021, she shared a flat with her fellow musician and friend, Lauren Aquilina.

Discography

Studio Albums

EPs

Singles

Music Videos

Awards and Nominations

Choice Music Prize