Torpey: Why Won't The World Stop Turning?
Torpey Finds His Voice in “Why Won’t The World Stop Turning?” — A Stirring Meditation on Loss and Resilience
by Jack Rush
Born in Tulla, County Clare, Irish singer-songwriter Torpey has music in his DNA. The son of Kate Purcell—vocalist with the Grammy-nominated Cherish The Ladies—Torpey grew up immersed in melody and lyricism. Starting piano at age five and learning to play pop songs by ear in his early teens, he later picked up the guitar at 15, influenced by the likes of The Beatles, Oasis, and The Arctic Monkeys. His musical palette broadened further to include introspective folk artists such as Bon Iver and Bob Dylan—an eclectic mix that now underpins his signature sound: grounded in folk, with pop-rock hooks and an emotional core.
Torpey made waves earlier this year with his debut single “Only The Good Die Young,” which garnered over 6,000 organic Spotify streams, earned a premiere on Dan Hegarty's RTE 2FM show, and clocked over 50 radio plays across Ireland—including Today FM, 98FM, and Clare FM. Reviews and interviews followed from Hot Press, RTE Entertainment, and Otherside Reviews, firmly positioning him as one of Ireland’s emerging talents to watch.
Now, with the release of “Why Won’t The World Stop Turning?”—the title track of his upcoming EP—Torpey shifts emotional gears, revealing a deeper, more introspective side of his artistry. Written in the aftermath of his grandfather's death, the track captures the surreal stillness of grief amid the bustle of everyday life.
“I wrote ‘Why Won’t The World Stop Turning?’ after my grandfather died, noticing how people were going about their day, oblivious to what I felt should be world-changing,” Torpey shares. “It is a song about escapism and how life relentlessly carries on, no matter how much you feel as though you need a break.”
Musically, the single draws heavily on the acoustic sensibilities of Oasis, R.E.M., and Bon Iver, while building gradually into a sweeping, anthemic climax. Produced, mixed, and mastered by Darragh Purcell (Scoth), the song is anchored by Torpey’s haunting vocal delivery and the subtle emotional arc of the arrangement. His voice—deep, textured, and expressive—recalls the melancholic resonance of Gary Jules’ “Mad World”, with a similar ability to speak directly to the soul.
The chorus, in which he repeats the titular question—“Why won’t the world stop turning?”—feels like a mantra for anyone who has ever experienced personal tragedy in a world that refuses to pause. It’s hypnotic, vulnerable, and deeply relatable.
What’s most impressive is how Torpey balances sorrow with resilience. Even amid the grief, the song radiates a quiet hope, suggesting that healing is possible. His ability to transform personal pain into universal reflection marks him as a storyteller with genuine emotional depth and artistic purpose.
With “Why Won’t The World Stop Turning?” set for release on May 13, Torpey appears poised for a breakthrough. This is more than just a follow-up single—it’s a defining artistic statement. A fresh voice with a timeless sensibility, Torpey is a name you’ll want to remember.
Verdict:
A cathartic blend of folk intimacy and pop-rock energy, “Why Won’t The World Stop Turning?” is a must-listen for anyone navigating grief, growth, or the relentless rhythm of life. Torpey isn’t just arriving—he’s already arrived.
Have a listen and connect with Torpey:
