Free Flight Records artist Darren Kiely returns with a deeply reflective new single, “Hidden Away,” released today. Produced by David Baron, the track captures a moment of emotional crossroads — where the pull of the past clashes with the need to move forward. Balancing introspection with subtle momentum, the song highlights Kiely’s expressive vocal range, anchored by a wistful yet uplifting harmonica that threads through the arrangement.
Written alongside Joey Hendricks, “Hidden Away” taps into the emotional uncertainty that often comes with starting over. The lyrics explore the instinct to escape not as liberation, but as a way of coping — a theme that resonates with anyone navigating change, loss, or self-reinvention.
Speaking on the track, Kiely explains: “‘Hidden Away’ is about trying to outrun your problems and mistaking escape for survival instead of freedom. It lives in that tension between wanting to become someone new and still needing the people and pieces of life you’ve left behind.”
An official music video for “Hidden Away” is also out now, offering a visual companion that mirrors the song’s emotional weight and sense of transition.
The release arrives as Kiely continues to build global momentum. This June, he will join The Lumineers on select dates of their “The Automatic World Tour.” The new single follows a standout 2025 for the Irish singer-songwriter, highlighted by the release of “Weight,” which amassed over 6.7 million streams and gained traction on TikTok, inspiring widespread user-generated content. Kiely also completed his Never Been Here Before World Tour, performing across Ireland, the UK, Australia, South Africa, Switzerland, Germany, and beyond, alongside appearances at multiple US festivals.
About Darren Kiely
Originally from County Cork, Ireland, Darren Kiely’s sound is rooted in traditional Irish music, shaped by modern folk influences such as The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, and Noah Kahan. His musical journey began early — learning the tin whistle at age five, the fiddle at eight, and later teaching himself guitar. Kiely began singing in 2019, quickly gaining attention for his emotionally charged vocals and raw delivery.
After earning multiple national honors in Irish traditional music, Kiely relocated to New York City in 2022 to further develop his artistry, later spending time in Nashville’s songwriting scene. Now signed to Free Flight Records, he has carved out a distinctive style built on folk-driven melodies and vivid storytelling, drawing inspiration from the Irish landscapes of his upbringing.
His debut EP, Lost, introduced audiences to themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and resilience, featuring standout tracks like “Mom & Dad,” which charted in the Irish Top 40 and reached the Top 5 on the Irish Homegrown Chart, as well as fan favorite “Sunrise,” which claimed the No. 1 spot. His follow-up EP, From The Dark, expanded his emotional range further, confronting the realities of growing up, letting go, and moving forward.
With “Hidden Away,” Darren Kiely continues to sharpen his voice as a storyteller, offering music that feels both personal and universally relatable as he steps into his next chapter.
