PITTSBURGH, PA – Acclaimed singer and songwriter, Cathleen Ireland will release her inspiring new single, “Breathe,” on Friday, June 5th, from her acclaimed LP, In the City. Blending infectious rhythms, empowering lyrics, and emotionally honest storytelling, the track captures the balancing act faced by countless working women striving to succeed in every area of life.
Written by Cathleen Ireland and co-writer Danny E. B. — a Mexico-based producer— “Breathe” was locally produced by legendary Pittsburgh producer Sean McDonald at Red Medicine Studios in Swissvale. Ireland and McDonald have collaborated on numerous projects over the past 15 years, creating a musical partnership rooted in trust, creativity, and authenticity.
At its core, “Breathe” is a deeply personal anthem about navigating the pressures of modern life. As a mother, wife, artist, bandleader, and entrepreneur, Ireland channels her lived experiences into a song that speaks directly to women carrying the weight of expectations while still chasing their dreams.
“Hair, makeup, nails and toes / Rushing to get to this gig,” Ireland sings in the opening verse, immediately painting a vivid picture of nonstop motion and emotional overload. The song’s instantly memorable chorus — “Breathe / You got this, you got this girl” — serves as both a mantra and a rallying cry for perseverance, self-belief, and resilience.
Throughout the track, Ireland confronts the challenges of existing in male-dominated spaces while refusing to let outside perceptions define her worth. Lyrics like “Every single one of them reeks of ‘you’re just a girl’ attitude” transform frustration into empowerment, ultimately delivering a message of confidence and determination.
Cathleen Ireland has built a celebrated career defined by artistic versatility and international recognition. Her song “Body For You” earned Honorable Mention in the R&B category of the USA Songwriting Competition, while both the single and its accompanying video were semi-finalists in the UK Songwriting Competition, each receiving Five-Star ratings. Her single “Drive” earned Best Adult Contemporary from The Artists Forum. She is a five time Bronze Medalist in the Global Music Awards. Beyond music, Ireland’s visual work has been celebrated at more than 105 international film festivals, earning 38 awards, including Best Independent Music Video honors for “ELEVATOR” and a Special Jury Award for “DRIVE” at the 2024 Thilsri International Film Festival.
A longtime fixture in Pittsburgh’s music scene, Ireland previously fronted Friday’s Child and theFIVE6 before founding the Pittsburgh-based band Hot Weather Holiday. In 2026, she further solidified her reputation as one of the region’s leading independent artists with Iron City Rocks Awards wins for Best Singer Songwriter and Best Album, “In the City” where the title track took home the Best Single award.
With “Breathe,” Cathleen Ireland delivers more than a song — she offers a reminder to slow down, trust the journey, and keep moving forward.
For more information, visit Cathleen Ireland Official Website or follow Cathleen on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.