With Bob Dylan there are many lessons to be had the songwriter extols virtue in his early lyrics to an unparalleled degree. However noble these lessons are, I think the one that is most interesting is the idea of his realisation of self after the times they are a-changin.

A boy of only 23-years-old was to be saddled with the weight of the world, the civil rights movement in America, and to be expected to live up to the seriousness of this. In his casting off of this identity, and to live his life for himself, he shows the world the first punk motivethat to be great in itself is not good if youre not free.

In essence he embodies with his own life the virtues signalled by his earlier art, through the act of forsaking it. To reclaim his youth and be free was by no means an easy move, but one which paved the way for so many to come to constantly assess where they are in life, or in art. And this is a lesson for anyone who has suffered, who has lived too seriously too young, only to find life becoming a drag and the most mundane crisis.

Maybe there would have been an evolving Bowie or Sex Pistol, but the bar was there for them to climb on to. And youth culture, (read: lowbrow culture) was never the same again, through his synthesis of the nave and the profound. And through it all he blurred the line between the intentional and the nonsensicalwho really is Dylan, and how does he really feel? To be a complete unknown...

Even now, Dylan constantly reinvents himself now into a man who actually smiles during his own concerts.

Well never really know Dylan. But I hope he still feels like the man who proclaimed, Oh but I was so much older then, Im younger than that now.

That was very much the first albums vibe, Claire Kinsella, the cello-wielding half of the duo, reflects. I dont think we knew we were making an album. If you havent made an album before, how do you know that youre actually doing it? It was just something we were doing as we went along.

Long before the release, the pair with their compelling blend of sincerity and playful irreverence, forged between Carlow and Donegal had already established themselves as key players in Dublins folk-adjacent music community, and a crucial force in independent Irish music at large, through extensive gigging, collaborations, and early EPs Stuck Upon The Staircase (2018) and Oil and Water (2020), which clocked up millions of streams.

Lemoncello, released via Claddagh Records, went on to score international praise and two nominations at the RT Radio 1 Folk Awards, while also helping them land tours with the likes of Fionn Regan, Ye Vagabonds and Joshua Burnside. The album even earned a unique place in online sketch comedy lore, after a vinyl copy appeared in the background of a @veronika_iscool video (albeit on the floor, for some reason).

Now, two years on, theyve returned with their follow-up, Perfect Place. Compared to their approach to their debut, they say it was night and day, with the duo entering into the new project with a lot of intention, from the beginning exploring complex themes and a boldly expanded sonic world.

Co-producer Ruth OMahony Brady known for her work with the likes of Lisa ONeill, Gorillaz, Glen Hansard and Sam Smith played a key role in helping Lemoncello bring their vision to life, out in her Cabinteely studio.

When she heard the demos, she knew exactly where to take them, Laura Quirke remarks. And everything she suggested was exactly where we had wanted to go with it. It was like finishing each others sentences. For that time we were recording, she sort of became a third member of the band every decision was made between the three of us.

They were also guided by a carefully curated playlist of references.

Mitski was a reference for Unfinished Business, Laura reveals. Theres a turn in her song Bug Like an Angel, at a really important, cathartic moment, where a choir starts singing, and we wanted that kind of effect. We were also listening to choral arrangements in other songs, like Joni Mitchells Rainy Night House. That melody almost sounds like some sort of animal to me.

I was also listening to Julee Cruise, who did the Twin Peaks theme, she continues. That comes in a little bit in Perfect Place, with the treatment of the guitar.

There was also a Joanna Newsom song, Does Not Suffice, Claire adds. It feels like youre really safe the whole song, and then at the end it just throws you around the place, with these thrashing drums and piano. That would have been a reference for White Flag.

As Laura notes, Perfect Place started off as an exploration of an inner place between control and surrender. But as they worked away in the midst of global uncertainty and chaos she felt it zoomed out further from the self.

In the end, it became more about accepting precariousness, instability, dissonance, and the reality of life accepting the situation that were living in, in the world, at the moment, she resumes. But also, those dissonances also exist within ourselves, and within our relationships with other people. So some of the songs are very specific and in the moment but theyre also about looking outside and inside yourself at the same time.

Credit: Cait Fahey

From the dramatic instrumental opener, Clear Eyes Open Ready, its clear a real spirit of adventure guided the project too with the pair pushing beyond their organic folk roots, to incorporate synths and electronic elements across the album.

I think we were just trying to get beyond the box that weve grown out of, Laura remarks. We really wanted to explore arrangements more, and experiment with different instruments and not stick with just playing the guitar and the cello, and having to stand behind these two things. We could both sing, or not sing. I could maybe take the guitar away like on Karaoke Night. Weve done that live, and it was really fun, just being able to walk around.

And have your Beyonc moment! Claire laughs.

Perfect Place also differs from their debut in how it was recorded opting to go digital this time, after recording Lemoncello to tape. While they still have a lot of love for the analogue world, Claire admits that, in retrospect, its a crazy way to approach a first album.

The process of recording to tape can be restrictive so it's like going, 'Okay, here are the parameters,'" she resumes.At the same time, we learned so much from that, and we learned to really appreciate the place of everything in a song. It made us quite intentional about what goes on in an arrangement.

But this one felt a lot more fun, she adds. Because we could just add stuff, and have more control.

In addition to their work as Lemoncello, both members have been busy over the past few years with their own projects and collaborations. Laura, who has previously recorded with the likes of Alannah Thornburgh and Joshua Burnside, released her solo Something To Lose EP in December while Claire has been playing on projects by Dermot Kennedy, Kingfishr and Junior Brother, as well as touring internationally as part of Jamie Duffys band. With their long-term friendship providing the foundation for Lemoncello, do Claire and Laura feel that individual work ultimately makes them stronger as a duo?

I think it does, yeah, Claire reflects. It is such an intense thing, to be in a band with someone. Its an unnatural amount of hanging out time! Id say we hang out more than a lot of spouses in Ireland.

If not the world, Laura nods, sagelike.

And you have to be very mindful of that space, Claire adds. Other experiences coming into that is always a good thing the same as individuals within any kind of relationship.

Equally, any sort of restriction, as Laura points out, can be an opportunity for creativity.

With Lemoncello, its creating through collaboration, she says. So Lemoncello in itself is a restriction, to work between ourselves on this project. Really amazing things can come from that pressure, between two people. Its really valuable as well, to have to collaborate and discuss things. Its good practice for life.

But you also have to be able to express your creativity elsewhere, and learn from those different things, she continues. If youre constantly going through the same thought-funnel, you get a distorted view of life, or a distorted view of the way you would otherwise create.

So whatever Claire is doing with Junior Brother or Jamie Duffy, or whoever else, that all feeds into her own work, and her work with the band. And likewise with the other projects that I do. Its all feeding the one thing.

Perfect Place is out now. Lemoncello play Cyprus Avenue, Cork (September 23); The Button Factory, Dublin (25); The Spirit Store, Dundalk (27); Risn Dubh, Galway (30); Phil Grimes, Waterford (October 2); and The Limelight 1, Belfast (22). See their full list of dates here.

The album was released for streaming on December 5 last year to huge critical acclaim.

This release coincided with two sold out shows in Workmans last week, where physical copies of his record were snapped up by attendees.

Even in a room where you could reach out and touch him, you don't leave knowing much more about Dove Ellis than when you arrived, said Hot Press in a live report.

But maybe that's the point. In an era where young artists are stressed over posting content, Ellis reminds us that if youre good enough people will have no choice but to show up.

Ellis displayed a flurry of new tracks at the gig as new releases are expected in the future.

Blizzard, gives off that same feeling that youre witnessing the beginnings of greatness, but his vocals steer away from [Cameron] Winter's signature, unconventional baritone, instead boasting angelic harmonies and the slightest twang that makes every alternative-folk tune so addicting, said Hot Press in their album review.

Dove Ellis is set to play a series of live US shows in New York and Los Angeles before he takes to the stage at Beyond the Pale on June 14.

Those US dates will be his first headline shows in America after opening for Geese during their American tour last year.

2012 single Tomorrow is fantastic, the orchestrated synths forming a solid backdrop, for frontman Samiel Herring to go full-on soul supernova, while the Caribou-esque Calliope, from the 2018 Adult Swim Singles Program, is another highlight.

The regret-filled Haunted By You has a stately sway, while As Long As You Are sails by on shimmering synths. Previously unreleased demo Rager has Herring wondering why he is so full of anger, amid tinkling ivories that are at odds with the weighty lyrics.

The closing, sepia-tinged Glimpse, with a bassline that surges into your cranium and refuses to leave, is as good as anything theyve released elsewhere, Herrings regretful ever wait so long recalling the Pixies Here Comes Your Man.

This collection is a whirlwind of pulsating beats, tinkling synths and earworm melodies, which is hugely enjoyable even if not totally essential, except for diehard fans of the Baltimore synth-poppers.

• Out Now.

The theme of the event is Bogland, Water, Mountains, designed to reflect the beauty of the surrounding landscape and highlight the importance of environmental action.

Speaking at the event is Gerry McGovern, the author of 99th Day: A Warning About Technology, a book that critiques techno-optimism.

McGovern is also the CEO of Customer Carewords, through which he has consulted for global technology companies and national governments as well as hosting theAfter the Goldrushpodcast which covers environmental preservation and mining across Ireland.

The festival will focus on protection of peatlands, rivers, upland landscapes, biodiversity, cultural heritage and community resilience followed by an evening of live music.

The event will also celebrate the Sperrins as a living landscape and a special place of heritage, ecology, music, language and community. The Sperrins faces the threat of a vast gold mining toxic dump that, should it go ahead, will destroy the mountains and water sources.

It is about building relationships between campaigns, communities, activists, artists, environmental educators and people who care deeply about the places they live, read a statement from the event.

The Gathering grew out of compassionate campaigning. It was created to support grassroots citizens and community campaigns working on urgent environmental issues. The idea was to create a space where people could come together not only to campaign, but to do so with compassion, care and connection at the centre.

It recognises that people and nature are interconnected, and that communities need shared voice, practical skills, emotional resilience and strong networks when facing environmental threats. The Gathering has become a platform for those voices and a place to learn, connect, support one another and build momentum together.

Tickets are free and available through Eventbrite. The organisers encourage those to book in so plans can be made for walks, workshops, food and camping.

The programme of workshops runs from 10:30 until 5pm with dinner and live music afterwards.

Jack Antonoff has been a busy man over the past 10 years, with the effect that his role as a producer-for-the-megastars has somewhat overshadowed his job as frontman with rock outfit Bleachers. Fans, of course, have always known just how excellent Bleachers are. On their new album, Everyone For Ten Minutes, Antonoff and co. deliver indie- rock thats nicely positioned between mellow and anthemic.

The LP is exquisitely produced, while Antonoffs nostalgia- tinged lyrics are joyous. The best songs are the jangly, jumping You And Forever, and Upstairs At ELS one of those earnest, synth-rock power anthems you dont really hear much anymore.

There are moments when it feels derivative particularly on the Springsteen-like Dirty Wedding Dress and the Killers-style Cant Believe Youre Gone. But Everyone For Ten Minutes makes for very pleasurable listening.

7/10

"This is our last chance to show government that we will no longer accept outdated legislation that continues to hold back nightlife, damage our creative communities and limit the potential of culture in Northern Ireland", stated the group online.

"If you believe our artists, venues, promoters, workers and communities deserve better, now is the time to stand with us".

Under the current licensing laws, pubs and bars are generally permitted to sell alcohol from 11:30 am to 11 pm, except on Sundays, where hours typically run from 12:30 pm to 11 pm. Venues holding specific late licences can serve alcohol up to 1:00 am or 2:00 am, depending on the type of premises and whether they have successfully applied for additional permitted hours.

Free The Night strongly objects to these laws, calling them dated, irrelevant, and a missed opportunity.

"They do not reflect the needs of modern society. We believe that progressive licensing allows a progressive approach to the creative industries and encourages cultural change", they said.

"Even after waiting 25 years for a change in licensing, our opening times remain the most restrictive in the UK and Ireland. A key opportunity to rebuild and grow our night-time economy after the COVID-19 pandemic has been missed".

The open letter outlines six core demands: Remove the artificial "one-in-one-out" cap on liquor licences that prevents grassroot venues from opening, eliminate unnecessary barriers and costs for running pop-up events and temporary arts programming, establish a new licensing category specifically for grassroot venues, arts, and cultural spaces, modernise opening hours to align with European standards, prevent businesses from using the license objection proces to block competition, and demand transparency over why the Department for Communities blocked rejected the recommendations of the University of Sterling's independent review.

The review identified structural issues within the system and proposed reforms to better support mixed-use and cultural venues, but campaigners say little progress has been made.

Free The Night was co-founded in June 2021 by Belfast-based DJ Holly Lester and human rights advocate Boyd Sleator. They marked the group's fifth anniversary with a fundraiser at The Ulster Sports Club in Belfast on April 11, featuring Marion Hawkes, Timmy Stewart, and Jordan Nocturne.

More information on their open letter is available here.

Both tracks are widely expected to feature on an upcoming album, although no official announcement has been made. Musically, the new material marks a noticeable departure from the sound of her 2024 album Brat.

SS26 was co-produced by Charli XCX, A. G. Cook and Finn Keane, longtime collaborators who have worked together on several previous projects. Cook also played a significant role in Charlis remix album Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat.

Earlier this week, Charli XCX shared the songs lyrics through her Substack newsletter, revealing that the title SS26 stands for Spring/Summer 2026. A reference commonly used in the fashion industry to denote seasonal collections.

The accompanying music video sees Charli XCX walking through a Paris fashion show. It was directed by Torso, the creative team behind the video for Von Dutch.

SS26 and 'Rock Music' are not Charli XCXs first release this year. In January, she contributed to the soundtrack of the film adaptation of Wuthering Heights and also released her mockumentary The Moment, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival.

Her biggest success to date remains Brat. The album became a cultural phenomenon upon its release in 2024, topping charts around the world, including reaching number 1 on the Irish Albums Chart.

A civic reception will be held at 6:45pm at the Tin Arts Centre, which is strictly invitation only a limited number of tickets have however been made available to the public Council's Consultation portal here.

Note that the deadline for applications is 5pm today. The draw will take place on Monday.

 

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Elsewhere, there will be an official viewing of The Corrs mural, run by Dundalk BIDS, on Longwalk Road at 2:30pm.

The County Museum in Dundalk is also due to launch a new exhibition titled All The Way Home: A Celebration of The Corrs, in an event for invited guests only.

Dundalk Siblings - Andrea, Sharon, Caroline and Jim have sold 40 million albums since their debut 1995 Forgiven, Not Forgotten, becoming renowned for the mix of Celtic music with pop-rock.

Announcing the event in a statement, Louth County Council wrote that: This special occasion will recognise The Corrs exceptional musical achievements, their international success, and the pride they have brought to their town, county and country.

McCartney's performance marked his return to the very room where the Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Showon February 9, 1964.

62 years later, he closed the show with Colbert and Elvis Costello singing backup vocals, along with former Late Showband leader Jon Batiste, final band leader Louis Cato, and the rest of theLate Show band, performing 'Hello, Goodbye' as the show's crew and staff gave their final bow.

Throughout the episode, there was speculation over who would be Colbert's final guest.

McCartney "happened to be in the area" and sat down with Colbert to share his thoughts on returning to the theatre, and his first impressions of the US when touring with the Beatles.

"Where all the music we loved came from, all the rock 'n' roll, the blues, the whole thing...America was just the land of the free, the greatest democracy," he said about the US. "Yes, that's what it was. That's what it still is, hopefully".

In the days leading up to the final show, an abundance of guest stars paid tribute to Colbert.

Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen, and Colbert's late-night colleagues Jon Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver all stopped by his desk.

CBS said last year that the cancellation of the show was "purely a financial decision" and "is not related in any way to the show's performance, content or other matters".

The Late Late Show, hosted byStephen Colbertsince 2015, was cancelled by CBS last July, three days after Colbert slammed the network for settling a lawsuit with theUS President.

The lawsuit against CBS alleged that the network deceptively edited an interview with former US Vice PresidentKamala Harristhat aired on its60 Minutes news programme, in an effort to tip the scales in favour of the Democratic Party in the 2024 US Presidential election. Paramount agreed to make the payment of $16 million to settle the lawsuit.

Niall Horan has released his new track End of an Era today, taken from his upcoming album Dinner Party. The song serves as a tribute to his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, who died in 2024 following an accident. Built around a heartfelt melody, the track balances grief with hope, reflecting on loss while celebrating a lasting friendship.

On social media, Horan revealed that the song had been years in the making. Some songs take a minute to get to what you're actually trying to say. This one was one of those. I hope it means as much to you as it does to me.

Niall Horan

mischa and the bear, Bleach

Mischa and the Bear have released their new single Bleach, taken from their upcoming EP True Colours. The Dublin duo build on their signature blend of heavy beats and synth-driven production, pairing it with Mischas aggressive vocal delivery. A full techno-like section midway through the track marks a bold step forward in their sound. Direct and full with sarcasm, the lyrics add another layer to what is arguably their most compelling release to date.

Sen Joyce, You

Sen Joyce has released his new EP, All In Good Time (Chapter One), today. With the singles Weeds and Towers, the Mayo native had already offered a glimpse into the four-track project. The closing track, YOU, strips things back to just Joyce, guitar, and backing vocals, presenting arguably his most intimate moment on the record. The song reflects themes of resilience and learning to let things go.

Laura Ampersand, Remember

Laura Ampersand has released her second single, Remember, today. The Mayo-based artist and composer delivers a piano-led track layered with dramatic strings, exploring the space between life and death. Ampersons performance channels a Regina Spektor-like vocal style, playfully intertwining with the melody.

Photo: Caitrona Muireann

Edwina van Kuyk, Here To Stay ft. St Kevins Community College Choir

Edwina van Kuyk has released her new single Here To Stay today. The Limerick native delivers a beautifully layered track in collaboration with the choir from St Kevins Community College Choir in Clondalkin. Her vocals deliver a deep emotional tone that could not fit better.

I've always been really inspired by gospel music and have dreamt about having a live choir on one of my songs, so I feel really lucky to have the choir from St Kevin's Community College in Clondalkin involved, van Kuyk says. They're incredibly talented, and thanks to them, I was able to bring the vision for Here To Stay to life.

Johnluke, Nervous

Johnluke is releasing his new track Nervous today, taken from his upcoming EP Comical Romance Vol. 2. The Galway native delivers a pop-rock sound that tells the story of having hope for something that ultimately doesnt work out in the end.

Nervous was written straight after a night out where a friend set me up with a girl who I felt was completely out of my league, only for her to reject me immediately, Johnluke says. It explores how rejection can quickly spiral into a lack of confidence and even a sense of madness when trying to find a partner.

The Riptide Movement, All Works Out feat. National Symphony Orchestra Ireland

To celebrate 20 years together, The Riptide Movement have released an orchestral version of their track All Works Out alongside the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland. Originally released in 2014 on Getting Through, the song transforms from a rough-edged rock track into a cinematic and softer composition, offering a fresh take on one of the bands most recognisable songs.

All Works Out has always been a really important song for us and for everyone who has connected with the band over the years, the band said about the track. Weve played it hundreds of times live, but hearing it performed with National Symphony Orchestra Ireland brought a whole new emotion to the song.

Credit: Mark Nixon

Aby Coulibaly, Control

Dublin R&B artist Aby Coulibaly is back with her brilliant new single Control, a glistening tune flavoured by catchy rhythmic sections and delicate guitars, making for the perfect backdrop to the singers smooth vocal delivery. Stirringly honest, the tune features lustrous chorus melodies that transport the listener in Coulibalys world with ease.

Aby Coulibaly

Gurriers, Nobodys Coming To Save You

Out today, Nobodys Coming To Save You is the title track from Gurriers upcoming second album, due out on September 25. Fierce and unflinching, the new single is driven by pounding rhythms, jagged guitars, and a deliciously dissonant vocal delivery, slowly building from bleak to deeply galvanising.

Its a song that feels hopeless on its first listen, the band explain, but if you look at it more deeply its a call to action, no one is going to rise up if everyone expects someone else to do it. We all have to do our part in creating the change.

Gurriers

SexyTadhg, Townie Girl

Mixing trad flavours with the rowdy energy of classic house music, SexyTadhgs new track Townie Girl comes ahead of the musicians brilliant upcoming EP Tadhg due out next week. Joyous, celebratory and magnificently fun, the tune is as hard-hitting as it is catchy, and will make for the perfect danceable track at any of this summers festivals.

Townie Girl is a tribute to the strong, beautiful women of my childhood, said SexyTadhg. The women who taught me what it means to be an individual, to be strong, to be feminine, and to be proud. I grew up in Carlow Town surrounded by these women. The makeup was big, the tan was dark, and the River Island skirts were impossibly short. While I adore the Carlow Huns and Townie Girls, I feel like they rarely get the praise and recognition they deserve in Irish pop culture. I wanted to put them on a pedestal because they are the backbone of my femininity and identity.

SexyTadhg

Mick Flannery, Graces Waltz feat. Lisa Hannigan

Hailing from Mick Flannerys new album The House Must Win, out now, Graces Waltz features the magnificent Lisa Hannigan for a brilliantly dark, slow paced waltz that transports the listener out this world, silky-smooth voices blending seamlessly against the backdrop of intricate piano and unsettling strings.

Mick Flannery. Credit: Susie Conroy

Decoy Octopus, High Speed Chase

Coming from Ara Sheehys project Decoy Octopus, High Speed Chase is a brilliant electronic track lined with techno flavours and the melodic sensibilities of house music, incredibly uptempo without leaning into heaviness, bringing an almost ambient feel to the production. On Instagram, Sheehy described the tune as PS1 flavoured uptempo racing jungle for fans of Ridge Racer Type 4.

 

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Gerr Walsh, Ten Tonne Heart

A laid back summer groove laced with teenage angst, Ten Tonne Heart is the final single release from Gerr Walshs upcoming album Ages & Ages. Blending delicate bass and guitar riffs with gentle percussions and lush vocal textures, the track is bursting with melodic flair and glistening production.

KETTAMA, Comes and Goes

An incredibly rousing dance track, KETTAMAs Comes and Goes blends dark production and heavy bass with uplifting synths and vocal melodies, making for the perfect tune to move your feet to late at night, certain to wake you up after a long day of partying. With thoughtfully layered arrangement, the track proves once again that he is one the heavyweights of Irish dance and electronic music.

Dose, 'Arvo'

Alternative rock band Dose have released their new single, Arvo. It serves as the focus track of their debut EP, Sycophantic, closing out the EP by zooming out into something more existential and darkly funny.

Built around repetitive hooks, wiry guitars, driving rhythms, and dry humour, the track leans into contradiction. The result is one of the bands most deceptively catchy songs to date.

Senie Bermingham, 'El Dorado'

Seanie Berminghams new single, El Dorado, is one for fans of Sufjan Stevens and Adrianne Lenker.

His debut album, The First Telling, is led by this track, and its easy to see why.

El Dorado explores a time he spent backpacking through South America, following themes of his journey to find stillness within himself, a search for something steady to hold on to, and the beauty in the search, all filtered through memory, giving it a dreamlike quality.

It's a deeply personal debut that drifts between past and present. Throughout there are sounds of birds chirping, and his father driving a tractor outside of the cowshed he recorded in, making the farm and nature as much of an instrument as anything else on the album.

Eva St Maria, 'Heartache, Baby!'

Written in the immediate aftermath of a breakup, Eva St Marias new single, Heartache Baby!captures grief as it unfolds unfiltered, and uncertain, and finally accepted.

The single finds Irish singer-songwriter at a turning point, tracing the emotional shift between holding onto hope and confronting the reality of loss.

Built around a cinematic blend of strings, and soaring vocals, the track fuses nostalgic 90s rock textures with modern indie-pop and country influences. Produced between Dublin and Berlin, it builds towards an emotionally charged final chorus that lands like release rather than collapse.

The Last Party, 'Jimmy'

Scottish/Irish indie-rock duo The Last Party released their powerful new single, Jimmy.

Blending atmospheric guitars, driving baselines, and swirling synth textures, the track marks a striking new chapter for the duo.

Jimmy stands out as one of their most ambitious and socially conscious tracks to date. The single incorporates the sampled words of legendary Scottish trade union leader Jimmy Reid, adding historical weight and urgency to the bands sounds.

With a cinematic soundscape and thought-provoking message, Jimmy captures the bands ability to merge introspective storytelling with expansive, immersive production.

Jester, 'Talking In Your Sleep'

Jesters new single, Talking In Your Sleep, is a dark, melodic guitar-driven track with a hazy late-night atmosphere, built around delay-soaked riffs, pulsing rhythm, and a huge singalong hook that lingers long after the song ends.

Jester offers a place for the old school, showing that rockn roll still exists and is very much alive. Theres still a place in the music world for guitar music written by five friends in a shed that's not in any way manufactured.

Tanya O, 'Kingdom Come'

The Irish singer-songwriter from Kerry, Tanya O has released her new single Kingdom Come, from her upcoming debut album.

The single was inspired by Irish pride, community spirit, GAA culture, and that special feeling of instantly recognising another Irish person abroad no matter where in the world you are.

Its a celebration of home, identity, and the connection Irish people carry with them everywhere.

I wanted to write a song that feels like home no matter where you are in the world, said Tanya.

Kingdom Come is about pride, connection, and never forgetting where you come from. I think we all recognise an Irish person abroad and before we know it the laughs begin, the slagging starts and we are all instantly brought back to our roots.

Softdrink Millionaire, Good Enough

Composed of Josh Fortune, Joseph Dillon, and Tombo Earls, the Bray-based alternative rock trio Softdrink Millionaire has returned with their latest track, Good Enough. This new release serves as an ideal soundtrack for a relaxed summer, defined by its playful and engaging atmosphere. The band expertly blends a laid-back indie aesthetic with evocative instrumentation and lighthearted lyrical themes that capture the essence of teenage life and angst. Like a cross between Tally Hall and Mac DeMarco, this song features a sound that bridges the gap between the high-energy bursts of post-rock and the chill sound of slacker-rock.

Goldbug, Aqueduct

Goldbug's latest offering, Aqueduct, features a hazy, soft vocal performance set against a backdrop of sweeping strings, brass accents, and dusty mellotrons. The track evokes a sense of contemplative lightness, reminiscent of running through open fields.

The creative project of Irish and French musician Danilo Ward, Goldbug is inspired by forgotten landscapes and the creatures that dwell within them. Similar to Big Thief, and Sufjan Stevens, Wards music seamlessly integrates art rock with neoclassical elements and lo-fi electronic sounds.

"Im always craving the stillness and the calm of rural places," says Danilo. "Thats where I came from. I wrote this track about those little moments of peace where you think to yourself 'I could die happy right now'. A feeling of things being perfect and falling into place, and thats enough. That moment is like a wave of stillness crashing on your shore. But the tide pulls out eventually, and waking up the next day, I just forget it ever happened. Here I am reminding myself of it.

Shobsy, Silver Line Livin

Irish pop artist Shobsy has unveiled his latest single, Silver Line Livin, an upbeat and optimistic track that blends elements of disco, alternative pop, and dance. The song is a fun and engaging bop that radiates a hopeful and exciting energy.

"I wanted to capture a feeling of defiant optimism with 'Silver Line Livin'", says Shobsy. "To love your own life is deceptively difficult. Part of my journey as an artist is learning to allow myself to assume any role I wish to play. To constantly search out and not shy away from positive change and become more comfortable with being the lead character in my own story."

Papa Boyle, Hello (How The Fuck Do You Know Me?)

Dublin singer-songwriter Papa Boyle new single, 'Hello (How The Fuck Do You Know Me?)' embodies chaotic storytelling in a song. This focus track from his debut EP, We Can Clear a Strange Devide, blends vintage warmth reminiscent of Elvis Presley with a sharp, modern indie sensibility. The song blends energy, character and storytelling. Boyle channels humour and strangeness into an energetic, playful track about a random run in with a stranger at a chipper.

Rattling Ark, Coleraine Jig

An evocative blend of contemporary folk and experimental textures, Coleraine Jig finds Rattling Ark operating at the height of their powers. Led by Kevin Murphys haunting cello, the tracks atmospheric building creates growing excitement. These traditional jig structures are reimagined through a lens of zither-inflected psychedelia and driving percussion. Its a hypnotic preview of their forthcoming debut album, Top of a Mountain, capturing a sound that feels both deeply rooted in Irish trad and modernity.

Grinne Duffy, 'What Am I Supposed To Do?'

Grinne Duffy's 'What Am I Supposed To Do?', the title track from her sixth album, is a blast of pure blues-rock authority. Recorded in LA during the January 2025 fires, this song is a piece of angsty country bar music through which Duffy observes the world. Drawing comparisons to Shania Twain-meets-Alanis Morissette country twang, this is the sound of an artist grappling with the world and delivering nine tracks of blues-rock gold.

Lauren Wallace, Mr Saving Grace

17 year old Lauren Wallace combines a contemporary pop sensibility with deep emotional resonance, similar to Olivia Rodrigo and Gracie Abrams while remaining firmly rooted in the Irish tradition of storytelling. Mr Saving Grace is a blend of alternative indie and pop-rock, features catchy beats and explores themes of teenage angst and early romance, reminiscent of Florence Road.

"As much as I adore a good ballad, I just didn't feel like writing another sad song because I think letting yourself realise that things don't have to hurt to be important is such an essential thing to learn. In my opinion at least, it's always better to miss something that to keep letting it chip away at you."

Audrey, Real Life (2026 Mix)

Audrey has unveiled a 2026 mix of her track 'Real Life,' originally featured on her 2022 debut album, Fire in your Soul. Written by Audrey herself, the song is an inspiring and high-energy anthem that blends rhythm and blues with a funky sensibility. The track highlights her authentic vocal delivery and remains a standout example of her signature sound.

The 2 Johnnies, 'South Tipp To Sydney'

The 2 Johnnies return with another track-trad mashup.

The Cahir men are known for commenting on the phenomena of rural Ireland and this track is no different as a trad/rock mashup is the backdrop for comment on the flurry of young Irish people emigrating to Australia.

The chorus breaks into a catchy anthem centred around a father calling his son in Sydney from south Tipperary. Although light-hearted on the surface, the song tackles themes of emigration and longing in a classic Irish way of using craic as a shield where serious or uncomfortable topics are deflected using humour.

Pa Sheehy, 'Diamond'

Kerry-based singer-songwriter Pa Sheehy has released his third single this year, Diamond.

The track blends elements of traditional music from his homeplace of Dingle along with elements of Americana music. It was written during a period spent in isolation in the hills of Kerry, where the singer said he reconnected with songwriting and storytelling. A rugged and raw vocal performance from Sheehy perpetrates a feeling of isolation that permeates a melodic arrangement of string instruments.

Our belief about ourselves can be so off and negative so this song is a reminder to you that you are beautiful, strong and worthy of all the beautiful things in this life, Sheehy said.

Absolute Lilt, 'P Stands for Paddy'

P stands for Paddy is the debut single from the trad lilting duo Absolute Lilt. The duo who recently signed for Heavenly Records, is made up of friends Lisa Canny and Niamh Hinchy who rose to fame on social media in mid-2023 as their unique, lilting harmonies gained massive traction on TikTok and Instagram. This release is a Balearic take on the classic Irish folk tune P stands for Paddy originating in the 1800s.

The vocals are a standout as the duo do not bear the shackles of traditional music yet portray the song's roots proudly. Harmonic and hypnotic lilting between the chorus and versus top off a fun and unique take on a traditional folk classic.

YINYANG, Think About It

Belfast-artist, YINYANG has released her latest single, Think About It, as a bold, uninhibited expression of optimism.

The track draws on inspiration from the 90s rave culture hallmarked by artists like Slayyter, and The Prodigy.

The Belfast artist is known for her frantic, immersive audio-visual live performance and looks set to perform the new track at Forbidden Fruit on May 30.

Brian Horgan, 'It's Still You'

'It's Still You' is one of a number of stand out tunes from Brian Horgan's new albumStart Again.

While the record shapeshifts between a number of genres from Its Still You is a powerful, piano backed showtune with a roof raising chorus.

Brian Horgan shows a lot of range with the rest of this album record with quality executions of a variety of genres.

Barry J Walsh, 'Star Ride'

Barry J Walsh has released his new single Star Ride, a jangly pop-rock track that draws inspiration from David Bowie and The Beach Boys.

Opening with a jangly guitar riff and a melodic verse the song breaks into a high-energy rock chorus, an unexpected twist from the tracks mellow opening.

Most memorable of all is the instrumental section which weaves in audio from the Apollo 11 countdown.

Star Ride is a song that brings together unique inspirations that makes for a memorable release.

Samuel Pierre, Dont Want You Around

The latest release from Samuel Pierre is a blend of pop, soul, R&B, funk and disco showing evident inspiration from Michael Jackson who features on the magazine cover of an image with the release.

The track features intricate layered vocals over a groovy bass line, musical features hallmarked by Michael Jackson.

Written and produced by the artist, Pierre is one of few artists flying the flag for new R&B disco music in Ireland.

Listen to our playlist:

This song means so much to me and Im so, so, so happy that its out in the world!, Rodrigo wrote on social media. This song is the thesis statement of You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love and it made the whole album click for me. I hope you enjoy it xoxoxox.

The accompanying music video shows Rodrigo in vintage nursery-style clothing, attempting to save lives, only to ultimately end up as a patient herself.

The song was produced with her longtime collaborator Dan Nigro.

The title of the song is not a reference to the band The Cure, although Olivia Rodrigo is an open fan. During her set at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, she brought out frontman Robert Smith to perform Friday Im in Love.

Olivia Rodrigo first rose to fame early in her career through roles on Disney Channel, including High School Musical. You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love is her third studio album. Her debut Sour achieved major international success, reaching number one in over 20 countries, including Ireland.

The Justice Department in the US recently announced a $1.8 billion fund for victims of lawfare and weaponisation. In the post, she accused him of destroying democracy and using taxpayer money to help defendants involved in the United States Capitol attack.

"Our democracy is disappearing right before our eyes", she said. "But don't worry about it. I'm sure posting selfies will fix everything".

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle dismissed Maines' criticism, saying, "Natalie Maines is a despicable nobody who clearly suffers from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has rotted her pea-sized brain".

"This nobody American stands by her post", responded Maines.

More than 90 Democrats in the House of Representatives filed a legal document to try to block the new fund, arguing that using a legal settlement to create such a large compensation scheme pushes the limits of executive authority.

"Trump deserves no credit for dropping this lawsuit. He's doing it to set up a $1.7 billion slush fund for right-wing political violence", said Oregan Senator Ron Wyden. "If Trump follows through, it will be the most brazen theft of taxpayer dollars by any president in history".

Maines and her band, The Chicks, are no strangers to political controversies.

Despite their late 1990s and early 2000s popularity, the group formerly known as the Dixie Chicks were virtually blacklisted in 2003, after Maines spoke out against then-US President George W. Bush just before the Iraq war.

While on tour in the UK, Maines told a London audience that The Chicks were "ashamed that the President is from Texas". As a result, country music radio turned its back on the group, and ticket sales decreased dramatically.

"You know, I joke today that I might actually make out with George Bush", said Maines in 2020.

"I don't rethink that I didn't want to go to war and that weapons of mass destruction were a lie, but yes, it would be a huge love fest if I saw George Bush right now because of where we're at with this current President".

The physical release of For The People in October follows its digital release back in July with the CD and vinyl version featuring five bonus songs. While touring the album, Dropkick Murphys have continued to advocate for workers rights and human rights, with appearances at picket lines across the US to support unions fighting for fair wages and better contracts.

For The People also features appearances from The Mary Wallopers, The Scratch, Billy Bragg and Al Barr.

To be in with a chance of winning two tickets to Dropkick Murphys and special guests at Fairview Park, fill out the form below:

Set in Victorian England at the isolated manor of Ensor House, Victorian Psycho follows an unusual governess, Winifred Notty, played by Maika Monroe. She quietly hides her psychopathic tendencies from the estate's children and staff. As Winifred assimilates, staff begin to disappear and suspicions grow about the new governess as she descends into madness.

Zachary Wigon directed the film from a script by Virginia Feito, based on her novel of the same name. It stars It Follows andLonglegs'Maika Monroe in the lead role, along with Jason Isaacs, Ruth Wilson, Tomasin McKenzie, Evie Templeton, and Jacobi Jupe.

Victorian Psycho was first announced back in 2024. The Substance's Margaret Qualley was to initially to star in the film. By 2025, Qualley had exited the film, with Monroe replacing her.

It had its debut yesterday at the Cannes Film Festival, and is set to be released in Irish cinemas in September.

Originally released in 2014 on their third studio album Getting Through, the track immediately reached No. 1 on the Irish charts. It also featured in a Discover Ireland campaign by Tourism Ireland and on NBC's Today show, helping it gain international attention.

All Works Out has always been a really important song for us and for everyone who has connected with the band over the years. Weve played it hundreds of times live, but hearing it performed with the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland brought a whole new emotion to the song, the band said.

It feels nostalgic, cinematic and new all at once, and releasing it now feels like the perfect way to celebrate 20 years together as a band.

The release is the first of two recordings from the band's collaboration with the orchestra. Although originally recorded in 2020, it is now receiving an official release.

Formed in 2006, The Riptide Movement have released four studio albums to date, with Ghosts remaining their most recent release. The band consists of frontman Malachy Tuohy, guitarist John Dalton, bassist Gerry McGarry and drummer Gar Byrne.

Following the fall of the Galactic Empire, Din and Grogu are enlisted by the New Republic, in the form of Colonel Ward (Sigourney Weaver), to rescue Rotta the Hutt (The Bears Jeremy Allen White) in exchange for information on a target. The Mandalorian And Grogu boasts all the qualities fans have come to expect from Star Wars movies, such as rip-roaring action sequences, incredible sci-fi world-building, and memorable characters (including a Martin Scorsese cameo as an Ardennian shopkeeper).

With the film directed by The Mandalorian creator Jon Favreau (who co-writes with Dave Filoni and Noah Kloor), it all makes for one of the years most exhilarating blockbusters. First up, given that Pascal has been playing The Mandalorian since the series commenced in 2019, what does the character now mean to him?

Its the longest creative relationship Ive had, he replies. Its the longest Ive got to play a character and collaborate with incredible people. That it should be Star Wars is very fitting, because I grew up watching it. My earliest memories of going to the cinema is seeing Star Wars. It is an embarrassment of gifts, for many reasons.

Also Favreau I call him Favreau by the way! keeps on casting incredible people. So hes given me the opportunity to be sitting next to one of my icons, Sigourney Weaver.

Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver

With her character heading up the New Republics Adelphi Rangers, did anyone give Weaver a crash course in how to fly an X-wing onscreen?

If Id known what that entailed, Id have maybe tried to have a rehearsal, she says. As it was, I had to act that Id been in this cockpit a million times during the rebellion. It was so exciting. I have been in different space vehicles, but nothing that moved as fast, or was as athletic. To have these wonderful squadron members, it was really a dream come true.

To sit there, and at the end, be part of the climactic last scene, flying over the audience as it were, was just an unreal dream.

With Grogu gaining more independence in this film, how does Dins perspective of him shift? Is he still a child to be protected or has he finally become a true partner?

Hes a true partner, says Pascal. In my opinion, hes a true partner from the very beginning. I think theres a very parental instinct thats awakened in Din when he finds the child. But part of that has to do with his instinct that this creature has more power than he could possibly fathom power for good that must be guided and protected.

So now that hes officially adopted as his son under the Mandalorian creed, they are on these thrill-ride adventures together as partners.

I have to say even though no one asked me! I find one of the most touching things is that youre also orphans who found each other, adds Weaver. So as well as father and son, theres also a kind of brotherhood. For me, part of the joy of the film was waiting to see if Grogu could come through exactly what he was capable of. He looks like hes very good at snacking! What else he can do, I was lucky enough to find out watching.

Indeed, Weaver was very intent on sharing a scene with Grogu.

Well I hate to think of being in this movie without having a scene with him, she reflects. Fine not having it with Pedro but to not have one with Grogu! I really hit the jackpot. I did drop a heavy hint. Im not sure I had the power to insist, but I did anyway! I said, Please, Id like to have something to do with him. It could have been just a nanosecond. Instead, I got the whole scene.

I have to say, there are five puppeteers, who are geniuses and I didnt know where they were I didnt see anyone. They were all under the table, making this little guy live. So I just saw his ears moving and everything, and as far as Im concerned, Grogu is real.

What kind of adjustments did Pascal have to make, going from a series to a film?

Thankfully, we are in the hands of a director, Jon Favreau, whos drawing from all of his love of George Lucas original Star Wars, he says. Then theres Dave Filonis brilliant, infinitesimal knowledge of the world. Jon Favreaus a really great filmmaker. Hes also an actor, so he knows how to deal with us (laughs). It felt larger scale, for sure, which was no surprise.

We were utterly cradled by the skill of an entire village of people, who are the best in the business. Theyre incredible collaborators, inventors and world-builders. To put it literally, as far as my experience is concerned, you just dive right in.

How much does the physical environment like costumes and sets influence your performance in a world like this?

Well, I was thrilled to be on a set where there was an actual, life-size razor-crest, that I was giving Din Djarin, says Weaver. I mean, it was real and I just assumed it would be CGI, but we got to walk around it. So I think that Jon, being an actor as well, knows very well its a great help to have the world be as real as possible. As I said, I got to work in the caf-bar. I loved my costume right away. And then I got to put on the classic orange jumpsuit.

Were you conscious of the walk you have to have in that suit?

Do I need to redo it? chuckles Weaver. I was immediately surrounded by these tiny robots, who I think are also puppets, but Im not sure. They really made me feel at home they absolutely made me feel more confident, because theyre doing all their noises. I got to wander around with them, and get used to the suit, and carry the helmet. Now, of course, at the premiere, Ill have to watch how I walk.

What characters would you both liked to have played in the original trilogy?

I wouldnt dare touch any of those guys, because theyre already so brilliant, says Pascal. You cant mess with that. But I just remember in the first Star Wars, A New Hope, Id like to be the guy who gets choked out by Darth Vader. Its the very first time you see the Force get used Id like to do that. Id like to die! You gotta practice.

Im afraid I cant remember anyone but the main characters, adds Weaver. I could have been Mrs. Darth Vader, who stays at home, and also speaks like James Earl Jones!

In The Mandalorian And Grogu, theres also some incredible puppeteering on the Anzellans, the diminutive species noted for their tech expertise.

This is the first time I realised they were puppets I just thought they were played by very small people, says Weaver, causing Pascal to crack up. Ive never met one, I dont know how small they are maybe the forest is big! The puppets are really well done.

Those are great Star Wars creatures, adds Pascal, regaining his composure. Jim Henson homages, funny voices who does the voices, thats what Id like to know. Sigourney Weaver does the voice!

How did Pascal find playing Din Djarin in pure survival mode?

I feel like Din Djarin is always in deep survival mode, he considers. He seems to always be on a mission of some kind that turns into an incredible, exciting and sometimes utterly dangerous adventure. In this case, hes in deep water, shall we say, with some of the better known iconic villains of the Star Wars world. Again, its an embarrassment of riches to play with. Its not like, How do I imagine this?

Because Jon provides all the visuals, and its the best stunt people in the business. And I like the water, so it was just a good time.

What does Weaver think continues to draw audiences to stories set in space?

Well, personally, I feel its because they take place in the future, she says. Were not there yet, so were still hopeful about it. In Star Wars particularly, everyone no matter how many heads or tails they might have theyre able to get along and have drinks together in the bar. I think its a very hopeful, optimistic view of our future. And I very much hope we get to that point.

We have some evil empires to deal with here on Earth before we can all work together, and send spacecrafts manned and woman-ed by everybody into space to find out if there really are other beings out there. Im pretty sure there are, so Ive always been fascinated by the stars.

Were there any particularly memorable pieces of direction you received, where you thought, Only on a Star Wars production will you hear those words?

Having been an actor, and being so experienced and very good at casting, if Jon Favreau gives you notes, its just a technical help, says Weaver. Otherwise, hes just sending you confidence and faith that youre gonna come through."

Finally, for Pascal, during his time as part of the Star Wars world, has he had any especially memorable fan interactions?

What jumps out at me the most is when people dress up in these incredible costumes, he notes. You get reminded of all the world building that is Star Wars, and all of the different cultures as I see it in Star Wars storytelling. Thats the biggest thing, cos you see the good guys, the bad guys and everything in between with the fans.

And you see a love of storytelling that is so materialised in front of you by the people enjoying these stories. I just really dug the fact that it got to a point where, whether I was getting coffee or asking where the bathroom was, it always turned into, This is the way. And I really liked that.

The Mandalorian And Grogu is in cinemas now.

To coincide with the news, the Irish band have also announced a major The Man In The Arena Tour which includes two nights at Dublin's 3Arena (October 30 & 31) and a show at the SSE Arena in Belfast (November 2).

James Morrison has been confirmed as the special guest for the Dublin and Belfast dates.

The title is what this album is about," vocalist Danny ODonoghue says of The Users Guide To Being Human. "If you need something to remind you of the spectrum of feelings and emotions that make you feel human, this is it.

The album was recorded in Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles with the lyrics of 'Man In The Arena' taken, in part, from a famous speech by former US president Theodore Roosevelt.

He talks about how honours don't belong to the critics," says Danny. "They don't belong to the people sitting on the couch, laughing at the person in the ring stumbling and falling around. The honours belong to the one who gets in there and whose face is marred with dust and blood. I remember reading it and being like: that needs to be in a tune, the energy in it is beautiful.

The Users Guide To Being Human is available to pre-order / pre-save here.

Pre-sale for The Script's Dublin shows kicks off on May 26, while pre-sale for Belfast begins on May 27. The shows go on general sale on Friday, May 29, at 9.30am.

The band are also set to join Luke Combs as special guests at Slane Castle, Co. Meath on July 18 and 19.

See The Scripts headline dates below:

OCTOBER

• 30th - Ireland, Dublin, 3Arena
• 31st - Ireland, Dublin, 3Arena

NOVEMBER

• 2nd - UK, Belfast, SSE Arena
• 5th - UK, Newcastle, Utilita Arena
• 6th - UK, Birmingham, Utilita Arena
• 7th - UK, Manchester, Co-op Live
• 9th - UK, Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
• 10th - UK, Leeds, First Direct Arena
• 12th - UK, Aberdeen, P&J Live
• 13th - UK, Glasgow, OVO Hydro
• 14th - UK, Sheffield, Utilita Arena
• 16th - UK, Bournemouth, International Centre
• 17th - UK, Cardiff, Utilita Arena
• 19th - UK, Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
• 21st - UK, London, The O2
• 23rd - Germany, Munich, Zenith
• 24th - Germany, Dsseldorf, MEH
• 26th - Netherlands, Amsterdam, Ziggo Dome
• 28th - Belgium, Antwerp Lotto Arena

MARCH 2027

• 18th - Philippines, Manila, Mall Of Asia
• 23rd - Australia, Brisbane, Entertainment Centre
• 25th - Australia, Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
• 27th - Australia, Sydney, Qudos Bank Arena
• 31st - Singapore, Indoor Stadium

APRIL 2027

• 3rd - Indonesia, Jakarta, VENUE TBA

The result is The House Must Win, an ambitious soundtrack to the musical of the same name, which sees Flannery joined by an array of stunning musicians to bring these songs some old and some new to life. Arranged by American music supervisor Liam Robinson (Hadestown), the album features a host of duets with female singers, including longtime collaborators Lisa Hannigan (Graces Waltz), Yvonne Daly (Take Me With You) and Susan ONeill (The Rebel), alongside Vermont singer Anas Mitchell on the beautiful Rising Tide.

Portland songwriter Jeffrey Martin joins in on the gentle Talk To Me. Musicians include Killian Browne (piano, banjo, harmonium), Niamh Varian-Barry (violin/viola), Dan Bodwell (double bass) and Dominic Mullan (drums), alongside Flannerys brothers, Brian, David and Eamonn, who make their recorded debut on the foul-mouthed tirade of Take It On The Chin, the wonderfully Waits-ean western fable at the albums heart.

Indeed, the spirit of Tom Waits is on the loose the instrumentation and arrangements are reminiscent of the great mans junkyard orchestration, from the jazz-inflected cacophony of Daddy and Ride On, to the bar-room blues of All In and the galloping Let Me Be. Elsewhere, the country-tinged gospel of In The Gutter rolls like Ray LaMontagne.

Soundtracks dont always translate into effective albums, but this 20-track collection vibrates with two decades worth of love, care and attention.

Superb.

8.5/10

She was nominated alongside the likes of Lily Allen, Olivia Dean, Wolf Alice and Jim Legxacy with EURO-COUNTRYannounced as the winning album at this evening's ceremony at Grosvenor House in London.

This was CMAT's second Ivor Novello nomination, and her first win.

"This record,EURO-COUNTRY,is about the very complicated relationship that I have with my country..." she said in her speech. "I happen to be a legal immigrant in this country, only because Ireland was lucky enough to colonised 800 years ago by England...

"I have a very specific idea of what songwriting is supposed to be for. I think it is to reflect the times through your own personal view, so that everybody can have something to connect to, and something to learn from years later.

"Now, I would compel my fellow artists in the room, it is not the time to sit on the fence. Fascism is on the rise."

She went on to mention Bertie Ahern's widely condemned comments on immigration made as part of a conversation that was recorded and shared on social media, while he was out canvassing for Fianna Fil's by-election candidate.

"He revealed his true colours," CMAT said of Ahern in her speech. "Fuck Reform. Fuck Nigel Farage. I have no time, sympathy or empathy for anybody that decides to make life more difficult for people who are just trying to live and that's what EURO-COUNTRYis about."

In a post on social media, The Ivors Academy praised CMAT for how she "blends confessional songwriting with sharp humour, vivid storytelling, and social commentary" acrossEURO-COUNTRY, "while exploring themes of identity, relationships, and modern anxieties through a personal lens."

"The judges praised the albums honesty, originality, and particularly highlighted its ability to balance personal songwriting alongside political and cultural themes," they added.

EURO-COUNTRYpreviously won Irish Album of the Year at the Choice Music Prize, and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. It was also selected as Hot Press's No.1 album of 2025 while, more recently, CMAT emerged as the big winner in this year's Hot Press Readers' Poll.

David Holmes and Brian Irvine were also among the night's winners with their work on the seriesTrespasses taking the top prize in the Best Television Soundtrack category.

Established in 1956, The Ivors is presented by The Ivors Academy, and is considered most prestigious awards ceremony celebrating songwriting and screen composition.

See the full list of 2026 winners below:

The 2026 winners:

BEST ALBUM
EURO-COUNTRY
written and performed by CMAT
music published in the UK by BMG Rights Management UK

BEST CONTEMPORARY SONG
I STAND ON THE LINE
written by Fraser T Smith and Kae Tempest
performed by Kae Tempest
music published in the UK by Warner Chappell Music and Domino Publishing Company

BEST SONG MUSICALLY AND LYRICALLY
DONT FALL ASLEEP
written and performed by Jacob Alon
music published in the UK by Concord Music Publishing

PRS FOR MUSIC MOST PERFORMED WORK
MESSY
written and performed by Lola Young
music published in the UK by Sony Music Publishing

RISING STAR AWARD
JACOB ALON

BEST ORIGINAL FILM SCORE
TESTIMONY
composed by Tom Hodge
music published in the UK by Bucks Music Group Limited obo Rocliffe Limited and Underground Films Commissioning Limited

BEST TELEVISION SOUNDTRACK
TRESPASSES
composed by David Holmes and Brian Irvine
music published in the UK by Kobalt Music Publishing and Sony Music Publishing obo All3Media

ACADEMY FELLOWSHIP
GEORGE MICHAEL
THOM YORKE

OUTSTANDING SONG COLLECTION
LILY ALLEN

PRS FOR MUSIC ICON AWARD
CALVIN HARRIS

INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
ROSALA

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR with AMAZON MUSIC
SAM FENDER

SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL AWARD with AMAZON MUSIC
LINDA PERRY

VISIONARY AWARD with AMAZON MUSIC
KANO

But this time around, much of the coverage of the battle for Pascal Donohoe's recently vacated Dublin Central seat has instead been focused on a Wild West of unregulated betting.

Experts say a high volume of bets on Polymarket may shift voters' perception before they head to the polls on May 22, with the Government expressing grave concern at the nature of some activity on the platform.

Polymarket is a prediction market where users buy and sell shares in Yes/No outcomes. As of May 21, the Social Democrats Daniel Ennis is trading at $0.79 with Sinn Fins Janice Boylan at $0.169 and Independent Gerard Hutch at $0.05. Thus, the market believes Daniel Ennis has around 79% chance of winning this election.

Despite these figures being in line with most bookmakers, where Ennis is also the frontrunner, much of user activity on PolyMarket has been the source of scrutiny.

An Irish Times investigation classified 86% of trades on the election as suspicious, meaning instances where users bought $500 worth of No positions before cashing out within hours for minimal profit/loss.

Polymarket shows that $500,000 is the total volume of trades placed on Gerard Hutch. Despite reports suggesting otherwise, this does not mean that $500,000 has been bet on him to win, nor does it mean there is $500,000 wagered on him right now. Rather, it shows the total traded since the market opened in February. 92% of bets placed on Hutch on Polymarket have been classed as suspicious by the Irish Times.

Though there is no evidence of any wrongdoing on behalf of any candidates in the Dublin by-election, a high volume of trades could theoretically help their chances.

A 2012 study from the Encyclopedia of U.S. Campaigns, Elections, and Electoral Behavior on the media coverage of politics states that elections are often viewed through a horse-race lens; who is up, who is down, and who appears to have momentum. A claim that a large sum of money has been wagered on a candidate to win could therefore be interpreted as evidence of public confidence, insider knowledge or a late surge behind his campaign.

I would advise a candidate to put a few quid on themselves to get the media talking about them as a contender, said Eoin OMalley, author and Associate Professor in political science at DCU.

The perception of being a contender can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Many candidates who might have been in contention might have dropped off voters' radars, and supporters of some parties might be disinclined to vote if their candidate is thought to have no hope.

Elsewhere, over $180,000 has been traded on Gillian Sherratt, with her perceived chance of election on Polymarket spiking to 7% on April 29, two months after her Dil ambitions effectively ended when she lost out on the Sinn Fin nomination in February.

Polymarket declined to comment when asked by Hot Press to respond to claims of suspicious trading on their platform. They also declined to comment on what safeguards they have in place to detect wash trading, market manipulation, or other suspicious behaviour.

Since it was founded in 2020, there have been no reports that activity on Polymarket has directly changed the outcome of an election. However, it is changing the way elections are being covered. RT, the Irish Independent, the Irish Times, Breakingnews.ie, and Newstalk have all referenced Polymarket in their by-election coverage.

During the 2024 US presidential election, Polymarket shifted from a fringe crypto-betting platform to a staple in mainstream media. News organisations increasingly used its real-time odds alongside traditional polling data to gauge candidate momentum.

People placing money means they have skin in the game, OMalley adds. Some people bet what they want to happen, but I assume most bet on what they think will happen. And people often know things that newspaper analysts or academics don't know.

Despite all the furore and suspicion around some of the trading taking place, others believe that the platforms reach has not reached a stage where it could have significant influence over the outcome of the Dublin by-election. After all, its not an entirely new phenomenon - opinion polling and bookmakers have long gauged public perception ahead of elections.

Polymarket is too niche to have a mass effect on the outcome itself, " reflects polling analyst and Founder of Ireland Thinks Kevin Cunningham. It happens in the UK at a tiny level, but it's a complete waste of time. Any attempted distortion is very quickly swallowed up by other punters betting against that money.

Future of Polymarket

Still, trades made on the Dublin Central by-election have put the role of prediction market platforms in Ireland under the spotlight, with Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan telling Hot Press that It may be an issue that requires investigation by the Gambling Authority or the Electoral Commission.

As it stands, Polymarket operates in a legal grey area. Irish users can still access and trade on the platform, despite it operating outside of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. This means that Irish users who use the platform do so without the protections offered by the act, as a decentralised prediction market doesnt adhere to traditional safe gambling regulations.

Polymarket has also been central to controversies surrounding insider trading. Earlier this year, US army special forces soldier Ken Van Dyke was arrested after learning of plans to capture Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and wagering over $30,000 on Polymarket bets on the timing and outcome of the operation, winning over $400,000. He was subsequently charged with unlawful use of confidential information for personal gain, theft of nonpublic government information, fraud, and making an unlawful monetary transaction.

Then there's the fact that Polymarket is entirely built on cryptocurrency: a highly speculative, unregulated financial asset without traditional consumer protections.

The US, UK, and France have moved to block Polymarket over concerns that it violates gambling and sports betting regulations. The discourse from our own government suggests Ireland may move to do the same in the future.

"The developments that we have seen reported in recent days around the use of polymarkets to place suspicious bets on Irish elections also raises grave concerns for me, said Tnaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris. I have asked my officials today to do a deep-dive analysis into this area.

How swiftly and effectively they act is anyone's bet.

South London singer-songwriter Joy Crookes will be supporting her at the sold-out show on May 30 in St. Anne's Park, Dublin. All-female traditional music group BIIRD will be joining her on June 20 in Virgin Media Park, Cork. She will also be accompanied by queer line dancing groups, Strut and Queer Line Dance Club.

CMAT is performing these summer shows as part of her It's the Euro Country Tour.

Euro-Country is CMAT's third studio album, released August 29 last year.

The album debuted at No.1 on the Official Irish Album Chart, making it her third consecutive chart-topping album. Her title track 'Euro-Country' also peaked at No.9 on the Official Irish Singles Chart, becoming the first top-ten single of her career.

It was shortlisted as one of the 12 nominations for the Mercury Prize's UK and Ireland albums of the year, and won Album of the Year in RT's Choice Music Prize. Most recently, she won Irish Album of the Year, Track of the Year (for 'Take A Sexy Picture Of Me'), Live Act of the Year, Individual Artist of the Year, Groundbreaking Woman of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year in the Hot Press Readers' Poll 2026.

 

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British actress Emilia Jones and Irish actress Alison Oliver will lead the cast, according to Variety.

Jones is known for her Oscar-winning film CODA, as well as her role in the crime drama Task. She has also recently appeared in a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights.

The film is inspired by the 2024 book Bad Bridget: Crime, Mayhem and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women by Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick. Set in 19th-century famine-era Ireland, the story follows the mass emigration to the United States, focusing on two sisters and the often-overlooked realities faced by many Irish women, including involvement in crime rather than idealised heroic narratives.

Kneecap is a 2024 comedy-drama written and directed by Rich Peppiatt. The film depicts the rise of Belfast hip-hop trio of the same name and premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, becoming the first Irish-language film to screen at the festival.

The project is produced by Margot Robbie's LuckyChap Entertainment, the company behind 2023s hit Barbie. It is also developed with support from Queen's University Belfast.

Filming is expected to begin in Ireland in late 2026.

They will also play an accompanying Irish tour, which will include dates in 3Oympia, Dublin (October 4), Ulster Hall, Belfast (October 5) and Blackbox Theatre, Galway (October 6).

Today, Dexys Midnight Runners release the upcoming records lead single My Life In England Pt.1.

Check it out below:

Love marks the bands first release under the Dexys Midnight Runners name since 1985s Dont Stand Me Down, and gathers stories spanning Kevin Rowlands life - from his 2nd generation Irish childhood and family relationships to late-life romance, loss and reconciliation.

Founded in Birmingham in 1978, Dexys Midnight Runners released three critically-acclaimed albums Searching For The Young Soul Rebels (1980), Too-Rye-Ay (1982) & Dont Stand Me Down (1985) and a string of top ten hits in the 1980s, including two No.1 singles Geno (1980) & Come on Eileen (1982).

Frontman Kevin Rowland would go on to release both solo and further band albums, under the Dexys name. He also recently released his memoir, Bless Me Father.

Tickets for Dexys Midnight Runners Irish tour are on sale here now.

You can pre-order Love here.

Check out the full tracklist below:

1. 'My Life In England Pt. 1'
2. 'Youve Got The Love'
3. 'Once A Man, Twice a Child'
4. 'Youre Alright'
5. 'I Want To Be Holding You Next Christmas'
6. 'Ill Always Love You'
7. 'Strange Feelin'
8. 'Its Over Now'
9. 'Old Love'
10. 'My Life In England Pt. 2'