Niall Horan, the globally acclaimed pop music phenomenon renowned for his emotive and soul-stirring music, recently joined forces with Vevo to unveil an exhilarating new live performance series titled “Extended Play.” He left his fans awe-struck by kicking off the new series with an astonishing live performance of his hit song, “You Could Start A Cult,” from his newly released third studio album, The Show, on June 9 via Capitol Records.
The Show is a remarkable testament to Niall Horan’s unparalleled artistry, where he effortlessly intertwines his globally beloved sound with a newfound emotional depth. This seamless fusion resonates deeply with listeners, leaving an indelible imprint on their hearts. Notably, the lead single, “Heaven,” soared up the charts, making an impressive mark on both the Global and US Spotify rankings. This achievement marked a significant milestone in Niall’s solo career, as it became his highest volume streaming day to date. The Show is an endlessly spellbinding statement on following your heart to its absolute truth.
Specifically tailored to Horan’s aesthetic, the “You Could Start A Cult” live performance was shot in the picturesque hills of California to embody his essence. The serene and reflective atmosphere, with Niall perched on a chair, gazing into the distance, instantly captures the viewers’ attention, as he croons under the sun. With his guitar in hand and his trusted harmonica nearby, Niall is one with nature, serenading the surrounding flowers in a solemn, reflective performance that leaves the audience yearning for more and eager to explore the depth of his artistry. The intimate setting amplified the beauty of these big songs, allowing Niall’s genuine self to shine through.
“Performing live is my favourite thing to do.” says Niall Horan, “To bring the songs I’ve spent so much time with, seen through from start to finish is an amazing feeling. Shooting these performances with Vevo was a really special experience. I was able to go back to the place where I made the music, an area of California I adore and have spent a lot of time in over my career. To have these big songs played in an intimate setting is beautiful to me.”
JP Evangelista, Vevo’s SVP, Content, Programming & Marketing, expressed his excitement about launching “Extended Play” with Niall Horan, highlighting Niall’s exceptional talent as a songwriter and performer. He states, “When we were selecting our first artist for Extended Play, we knew we needed a unique talent that checked a long list of boxes, and Niall was the perfect fit: a deeply gifted songwriter and proven performer who was looking for new and exciting ways to connect with his fans.”
What sets “Extended Play” apart is its innovative approach to capturing the essence of an artist’s project and his creative vision in various awe-inspiring, spectacular locations. It is a tribute to the candid and often unseen moments that contribute to their superstardom, highlighting the jam sessions, the reworking of lyrics, the tinkering of arrangements and the tweaking of melodies. By marrying the art of songwriting with breathtaking visual settings, Vevo’s collaboration with artists in “Extended Play” delivers a series of bespoke performances. “Extended Play It’s an opportunity for artists to articulate the deeper meaning behind their art and linger in a certain vulnerability while doing so, which can be a difficult task for those who are “on” when performing. We knew that Niall would be up to the challenge, and he did so beautifully,” Evangelista concludes.
“At the heart of this new series is the artist’s intention and their willingness to draw their listeners close to witness both contemplation and the process of creating something new that goes out into this wild world.” says Executive Producer, Chris Pereira, Vevo, “It was important to us that we worked with an artist who understood the very particular vision we were trying to capture: the intimate, behind-the-scenes moments that are paramount to making the bigger, show-stopping moments of careers happen. While these “in-between” times are often quieter, there is always an incredibly distinct allure to that quiet – this is when artists can truly be themselves, and that’s the true beauty in Extended Play.”
Watch Niall Horan’s live performance on “You Could Start A Cult” (Live) – Vevo Extended Play below:
Niall will embark on a global headline tour in February 2024. The demand for tickets has been overwhelming, with over half a million already sold out, resulting in numerous sold-out shows around the world. To accommodate the enthusiastic response, additional dates have been added to “THE SHOW” LIVE ON TOUR 2024, including a highly anticipated show on July 28, 2024, at The Kia Forum in Inglewood, CA.
Fans can secure their tickets at www.niallhoran.com.
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