Cork singer-songwriter Shimmer Boy reacts to his song being used on reality TV show

A Cork singer-songwriter has said it was “genuinely class” to see their debut single featured on one of the UK’s most popular reality TV shows.

Skibbereen native Aaron O’Sullivan, aka Shimmer Boy, has been featured on the new season of Made in Chelsea with his debut single ‘ Under the Surface’.

Mr O’Connell said the reaction he has received has been “unreal”.

“It was genuinely class to have Under The Surface featured on Season 30 of Made in Chelsea.

“Getting a song onto TV was one of my main goals for the year, and I couldn’t be happier that it happened with my very first release,” he said. “When the email came in from Universal, I honestly thought it had to be a scam —but the reaction since has been unreal.

“The messages, the support, the buzz around the track, it’s been deadly to see. Looking ahead, the whole thing has given me serious confidence for what’s next.”

Mr O’Sullivan has explored various musical pursuits since playing DeBarra’s Folk Club on Friday nights at the age of 15. Under the Surface is the first track from his debut album, In The Aftermath, We Bloom, coming late 2026.

He has gigged extensively in Ireland and abroad since his teens, supporting and sharing the stage with the likes of Eric Bell of Thin Lizzy, James Arthur, Cory Wong, Ariel Posen, Kellie Lewis, and Culture Kid, as well as playing guitar with artists such as Oscar Blue, Stephanie Rainey, and Harry Hudson Taylor.

Under the Surface was co-written with Fionn Hennessy, drummer with Cian Ducrot, Pa Sheehy, and Little House, and Mr O’Sullivan said the choice of debut song had felt appropriate.

“At almost two years sober, it feels like the right song to put out first,” he said.

“We’ve always been great friends, and we spoke heavily about alcoholism and addiction when writing this. It’s a song about friendship, holding out hope and never giving up on those around you, because it’s never too late to turn it all around.”