Actress Nuala Cleary Releases Debut Single “Pity Party”
by ella bianchi
Nuala Cleary is known for her acting career with credits including Bobbie in the indie film Three Birthdays now available to stream on Amazon and Eden in the Apple TV miniseries The Crowded Room. She also guest starred on Season 9, Episode 2 of Law & Order: SUV as Mia Zabatino. With a passion for singing and songwriting when she is not on screen, Nuala released her first single “Pity Party” on May 30, 2025.
Before releasing “Pity Party,” Nuala already had a group of fans ready for her to finally drop her music on Spotify as she recently opened for several of Jason Schmidt’s concerts, a musician known for his role in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies (Buddy Aldridge) and originating the role of Sodapop Curtis in the original Broadway production of The Outsiders. I had the opportunity to see her perform at City Winery Boston back in January alongside guitarist Freddy Hall, and instantly fell in love with her sound.
In “Pity Party,” Nuala laments a previous relationship where she is tired of her ex-partner throwing a pity party for himself, and finally confronts him, saying he is the one who left her, therefore she does not owe him acceptance of his apology and wishes to get back together.
The over 4-minute long song starts as a slow pop ballad, similar to Billie Eilish’s style; however, as the lyrics progress and the protagonist gains confidence in herself, the beat drives forward, giving the climax the feel of a modern rock song. Nuala focuses on engaging storying within her lyrics instead of crafting the perfect catchy chorus, leading to a real and raw song that anyone who has dealt with a toxic, indecisive ex-partner can relate to.
I sit alone,
Crying on the curb.
Comforted by a stranger, oh.
When will I learn to not look at you at home?
I sense some peace of me got lost inside you.
I gave it to you freely,
Just asked you to treat it kindly.
But when it feels wrong,
I don’t see clearly.
Almost lost myself between your sheets
Because with you it feels like home.
So please, don’t call me “baby”
Or say that you need me.
“Hold me,” “Can’t fix this without me,”
Well honey,
You left me and won’t leave me alone.
So keep your promise
And let’s be honest
I’ve had enough of all your “sorrys,”
It is always the same story.
You put the blame on me, again and again.
Well, damn your pity party.
Damn your pity party.
To stay updated on Nuala’s upcoming releases and gigs, follow her on Instagram @nualacleary. As of today there are no concrete announcements, but you will want to be there when the time comes for more Nuala!
