- Music
- 18 Aug 23
New Irish Songs To Hear This Week
Listen to some of our favourite new Irish releases of the week below!
Hozier, ‘Damage Gets Done’ feat. Brandi Carlile
The new album from our favourite Wicklow man, Hozier, is finally here - and with it comes the stunning collaboration with Brandi Carlile, 'Damage Gets Done'. With a hint of noughties pop sensibility and two powerhouse vocals blowing out the speakers, this track is everything we could have wished for and more.
Marking the only collaboration on this remarkable 16 track release, it's no surprise 'Damage Gets Done' floored us. Other words of praise came in Stuart Clark's review of Unreal Unearth, where he said: "The highlights come thick and fast after that (DeSelby Parts 1 and 2) with ‘Damage Gets Done’ featuring some wonderful harmonising with his Music City pal Brandi Carlile."
Speaking about the release of his third studio album, Andrew Hozier-Byrne said: "It's with no small amount of pleasure and pride that I get to share my third album #UnrealUnearth with you today. This album represents a reflection on the journey through the last few years, and all that was reckoned with in that time. I'm proud of the work and look forward to taking all that I've gained in its making into projects to come. Thank you for all your incredible support for my music and for me as an artist. I can’t wait to see some of you at shows soon and to play this music live! I feel incredibly lucky to have your support!"
Soda Blonde, ‘Midnight Show’
The last single to emerge from their upcoming album, Dream Big, Soda Blonde have brought forth possibly their best work yet in 'Midnight Show'. There are so many possible influences that could be brought forth from this - or so many works that it could be compared to - but listening to this track, you're too busy taking in every sense-filling element. It's impossible to do anything but just listen on in awe.
Groovy '90s beats guide lead singer, Faye O'Rourke's, epic vocal through waves of synth and jubilant guitar. The infectious chorus hooks you in, leaving you with a deeply emotional earworm. Listeners are almost too distracted by the enrapturous beats to take in the true deep meaning behind the track and the depth of these expertly crafted lyrics. If you take a moment to listen deeper, the volumonous strings and stunning production hide intensely emotive lyrics like: "I'm not understood nearly all of the time" or "everything is changing but I don't grow."
This reflection on the industry and how little it feels like the arts can be valued is tied up in this incredibly anthemic track. If this is the quality coming from the band's singles - we're incredibly excited for the release of their sophomore LP Dream Big. A vive la révolution air is stirred.
Kojaque, ‘CABRA DRIVE’
'CABRA DRIVE' is another hit from rapper supreme, Kojaque - just after the release of 'BAMBI' last month. The track speaks about the musician's childhood, growing up in Cabra, telling of the hardships faced by the community and things observed by kids every day. The frankly emotional track is lifted with twinkly keys, booming bass, and irrisistable melodies. Along with the single, the rapper/producer has brought out a delightfully strange accompanying video.
Speaking about his second offering in his new era, the rapper said: "It can feel weird coming back to your home after you’ve been away for a long time. Shit really does change, it can be hard to even know who you know anymore. It’s kind of alienating, you feel a bit like a caricature of yourself.I get really nostalgic for Dublin but each time I go back I recognise it less and less. I wanted to convey that visually. The character kind unintentionally came out looking very Celtic tiger, considering the erasure of space, the emigration and the state of housing in Dublin at the moment it feels apt. ‘Cabra Drive’ is a nostalgic tune, it’s what I felt growing up in Cabra, wanting more from life."
JyellowL, ‘Benteyga’
Irish rapper JyellowL’s 2020 breakout album 2020 D|vision earned him both national and international acclaim, earning him a nomination for RTE’s Irish album of the year; but he’s only carved out more of a name for himself in the years since. Fresh off of his most recent EP earlier this year, ‘Benteyga’ has a flow that’s as smooth as the song is catchy. It’s an undeniable banger, with an irresistible beat that invites you to move.
Naked Lungs, ‘Boo Boo’
The noise-punk four-piece Naked Lungs have released a cracking new album Doomscroll this week, complete with previous singles and the crashing finale ‘Boo Boo’. With a stripped bassline that’s almost haunting, its drums are almost mechanical. It dips between a moody, almost apathetic verse and a booming, powerful chorus that never fails to catch you off guard, while still managing to feel controlled and tight. It’s almost new-wavy and proves a powerful ending to a highly anticipated debut album.
Aby Coulibaly, ‘DYWS?’
“Don’t you want to stay?” asks Aby Coulibaly on her newest track of the same name– and with a track like this, we absolutely do. Immediately a neo-soul classic, the Dublin-based Coulibaly has created an infectious song with catchy melodies, flowing verses and near-perfect production. She’s currently working on her debut EP At the End of The Day, It’s Night, which will absolutely be required listening if it continues along the path she’s set for herself with her last few singles.
Glen Hansard, ‘Sure As The Rain’
A new side to Glen Hansard is revealed through 'Sure As The Rain', a Leonarch Cohen-esque creation of grit and pure vocal elegance. Sweeping strings and steady beats build the background for Hansard's vocal painting - dancing through both English and French as he creates a sensual, emotion-filled track. The lyrically incredible release comes from Hansard's forthcoming album, All That Was East Is West Of Me Now, inching closer to release on October 20.
Speaking about his upcoming release, Hansard revealed the album came together through a series of five word-of-mouth gigs he arranged at his local pub over the course of November 2022. “A song only becomes what it is through witness,” Hansard commented, and according to him, in the presence of an audience, “the song finds a different way.”
Michelle Grimes, ‘Off My Mind’
Limerick's pop queen Michelle Grimes brings forth epic club beats with her stunning new single 'Off My Mind'. Oozing with Ibiza-fit summer vibes, Grimes lifts the clouds off our rainy Irish summer with manufactured sunshine in this new release. The track discusses the singer's devotion to one person who she can't get off her mind - "You got your arms around my waist/Everybody wants a taste/But you got me singing."
Recently revealing her engagement, we can't help the sneaking suspicion that 'Off My Mind' might act as a lover letter to the singer's new fiancee. And honestly, who wouldn't want a track as addictive as this dedicated to them! Announcing the release of 'Off My Mind', Grimes said: "Prob my favourite song to date guys. Wrote this in May and went straight into the boysss @dannylanhammusic and @benwandersmusic and cooked up a storm. I genuinely can’t wait for ye to hear this in full!"
ZASKA, ‘Nothing But You (Live In Dublin)’ feat. Tolü Makay
A new live recording of ‘Nothing But You’ off of ZASKA’s latest album, the live in Dublin performance captures all that makes the band so powerful and captivating. Founder and guitarist Max Zazka introduces the track to the audience before featured vocalist Tolü Makay launches into the song with her sultry, chocolatey vocals. She soars above the 7-piece band, blending together with its guitars and horns to create soulful magic. Sharing a release date with their original vocalist Hozier, the live track is funky indie jazz, an alt-R&B piece that corroborates the band’s reputation for quality music and a high-energy live show.
Brad Heidi, 'Nobody But You'
'A New Local Hero' winner, Brad Heidi, is back with 'Nobody But You' - an upbeat summer tune, bringing remixed vocals and catchy melodies to the forefront. True to his Northern Irish roots, the singer's charming accent comes shining through in 'Nobody But You'. The catchy masterpiece comes just in time for the last stretch of festival season which sees Heidi take to the Electric Picnic stage in two weeks' time! If you're looking for your new pre-drinks anthem - it's just arrived with 'Nobody But You'.
Niall Stokes and Brad Heidi at Irish Music Month's 'A New Local Hero' event at The Academy on April 25th, 2023. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.comASH, ‘Usual Places’
The Northern Irish rock band, ASH, released the third single leading up to their highly anticipated new album Race The Night, and it’s a buoyant track about getting older and the changing world. It follows the well-worn traditions of power pop with ease, a testament to their experience within the industry. With catchy riffs and smooth vocals, it’s a tribute to a world that no longer exists.
Frontman Tim Wheeler comments: “Originally written as a tribute to long forgotten bars and faces as I was leaving New York, ‘Usual Places’ took on extra significance as the first thing we worked on together post-lockdown. Below the surface of the joy of writing and playing together again, there’s a subconscious grief to all that was lost in those years. Friends and family, pubs and venues. This is our eulogy to them all. No coincidence the video was shot in the Marquis of Lorne, just a walk from Brixton Academy.”
Bklava & Model Man, ‘Thru U’
Irish-Lebanese Bklava returns with a catchy dance track, a collaboration with Model Man that will undoubtedly make its rounds through the dance clubs. It’s a certified bop, as Bklava’s vocals soar above a pounding piano part at an irresistible tempo. The musician grew up in South London, with both Irish and Lebanese roots that have found their way into her sound. She’s proved unstoppable since her emergence in 2019, and with three EPs and countless catchy remixes under her belt, she has made quite a name for herself in the dance music scene.
HAVVK, ‘Expiry’
Alt-rock trio HAVVK are releasing their inner anarchists in their newest single 'Expiry'. The half spoken-word, half scream-punk anthem sits at just over two minutes - but packs an incredible punch within a short time. Forceful drums lead the band through the opening verse and chorus before the entire track haults - misleading the listeners' ear. A common occurence throughout the track, the pauses combined with the frenticness of the instrumentalism, 'Expiry' creates an air of urgency and panic.
HAVVK Photo credit: Tim ShearwoodAccording to the band, ‘Expiry’ is about pushing back against the idea that the milestones of your life should be affixed to a certain age, and the joy of realising that you can shake these shackles off once you know they are a social construct. Lead singer Julie Hawk elaborates: “It’s about ageing as gracefully or ungracefully as you want, giving a middle finger to any expectations on how you should dress or behave, and particularly for me, enjoying being in a band and understanding new parts of my personality the older I get.”
CODYY, ‘Time 2 Be’
An Irish equivalent to rising star Noah Kahan, Waterford's CODYY brings a fusion of organic instrumentation with electronic undertones, creating a synthesised blend with the potential to reach high numbers on those streaming charts. Unveiling his debut single 'Time 2 Be', an indie-folk fever dream, his freshness on the scene is most definitely not for lack of experience.
The Waterford musician has spent most of his life perfecting his crafts of writing, recording, and performing music, forming a natural passion for music, which has brought him on a journey that began with piano and led to guitar, bass and vocals. 'Time 2 Be''s lyrics capture the longing to uncover hidden truths and find significance amidst the chaos. With a sense of urgency building from the start, this debut track takes us on a trip fuelled by indie influences, raw emotions, powerful guitar riffs, driving bass and dynamic drums.
Scally & The Ballyboyz, ‘Waiting Room’
The Wexford hip-hop duo The Ballyboys unite with the Mullingar artist Scally for their latest single ‘Waiting Room’. Its lyrics channel the uncertainty of the peak of the pandemic with a certain callousness, channelling a cast of characters sitting around a waiting room waiting to get a vaccine. The Ballyboys pair a classic Eminem-like style with some of the world’s most contemporary events, tackling a subject that a lot of artists are afraid to touch.
“When we chopped up the sample and added drums I knew this track had a vibe straight away,” said The Ballyboys’ Dylan of the track. “I contacted Scally because of his punk background and we created a fresh blend of both our styles.”
Scally added, “Collaborating with The Ballyboyz has been extremely fun and fruitful, we’ve formulated a unique sound and we’re rapping about topics that other artists are afraid to go near. Making this record was the most fun I had making a record and I can’t wait for it to be rolled out, so inject it into your veins!"
TV People, ‘Die Down’
Dublin’s TV People are back with an atmospheric, powerful new track this week. ‘Die Down’ excels with a fluctuating tempo that keeps you engaged and on your toes. Unique vocals from frontman Paul Donohoe paired with a dreamy, dark soundscape that channels elements from new-wave, post-punk and alt-rock to great effect. It’s an emotional song that laments over the cyclicality of love, conflict and resolution within a relationship and is a valuable addition to TV People’s discography.
Liliana, ‘Bad Dates’
Dublin’s Liliana has released an energetic pop-punk track that channels Olivia Rodrigo and Mabel, one whose mantra is drilled over and over again– that she absolutely has to stop her never-ending cycle of bad dates. Both a Trinity College Dublin law student and fast-rising musician, Liliana is playing Electric Picnic this year on the 3 stage. ‘Bad Dates’ is an introspective expose of her own love life. She describes it as a rebellion against your typical love song, and it’s a catharsis that will resonate with anyone in a similar situation(ship).
“I view this song as a "light at the end of the tunnel" moment when you start to see the harsh reality of your dates and poor choice in partners. My own twist on the much-loved 'Don't Call me Up' by Mabel and 'GOOD 4 U' by Olivia Rodrigo. Instead of crying over a bad date or being upset about how your love life is going, you decide this is going to stop and decide to live your best life!”
Amerik, ‘The Real Thing’ feat. sasha samara
Highly acclaimed Belfast based artist and producer, Adam Booth, known by his moniker Amerik, has joined forces with the insanely talented sasha samara to release the single 'The Real Thing', a pop-fuelled anthemic daydream. Dancing over a bed of carefully curated twinkling synth and driving beats, sasha's mesmerising vocal lends this track a cinematic element. It would only seems right for this track to be featured in the next big rom-com or Heartstopper type series!
This track marks the first of three highly anticipated singles featuring local Northern Irish artists Amerik is set to release over the coming months. This exciting collaboration promises to showcase the incredible musical talent emerging from the vibrant Northern Irish music scene, and has certainly achieved that with 'The Real Thing'. Speaking about the upcoming project, Amerik expressed his excitement, stating: "Working with such incredible talents from Northern Ireland has been a truly inspiring experience. Each artist brings a unique perspective and energy to the table, and our collaboration has resulted in something truly special. I can't wait for the world to hear these singles."
Ten Hail Mays, ‘Little Bird’
Imaginative lyrics and a powerful soundscape prove that Ten Hail Marys are one of the most promising bands in the Irish music scene. Their fourth single, ‘Little Bird’ is an emotionally charged, rousing track that represents the magic that the band has captured in so little time in the scene. They’ve been touring festivals all summer and have been announced for Ireland Music Week, and have collected an audience that is only due to grow with this new release.
“There is a little bird that sits upon my shoulder/and when i say the word she sings rock and roll.”
lowkick, ‘Heartbeat’ feat. half pipe
Dublin based trio lowkick blend traditional hip-hop with neo-classical and jazz elements to create a genuinely refreshing sound in the Irish rap scene. 'Heartbeat' brings this sound to the next level with an almost religious sound to the organ feature throughout the track. As the beat develops, the consistent presence of a heartbeat alongside twinkling jazz keys creates an addictive layer of instrumentalism, incomporable to other acts out there at the moment.
Featuring 21 year-old alternative London-based hip-hop artist, half pipe, who takes influence from soul and jazz, the different accents add an indesribably communal element to the piece, uniting different hip-hop artists with the same view of creating a unique sound.
Mickzart, ‘Guinness Tequila’
Producer extrordinaire Mickzart has turned his talents to release his debut single 'Guinness Tequila'. Produced, written, arranged, mixed, and mastered by Mick himself, 'Guinness Tequila' at its core describes the life of a 20-something-year-old from a working class background trying to enjoy a night out to ease his mind and get away from his reality. The hip-hop piece blends rhymes with '90s wavey synth, inspired by the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, and Outkast.
Speaking about the track, Mickzart said: “I was having a dirt aul time in my last job and officially left it in November to pursue music full time. I done a residency with the good folks down at Vision Lab and this was the first song I wrote once I went into full artist mode. I produced, wrote, mixed and mastered this song. I have spent a lot of time with it and now it’s time for people to hear it.”
Lisa Keane, ‘Disguise’
The singer-songwriter Lisa Keane has teamed up with Irish producer Sam Stevenson for her newest track, which pairs emotional, visual lyrics with sleek production and creates a pop song that sticks. “How’s it feel to be haunted by someone you betrayed?” she laments on the track, as dreamy synths swell around her vocals. Her debut headline show will be at Workman’s this September, and there’s no doubt Keane has earned it. She cites a cover of Taylor Swift’s ‘White Horse’ as what kickstarted her interest in songwriting, a skill that is as present in ‘Disguise’ as the rest of her music.
Jódy Sinclair - Photo by: Oscar HackettJódy Sinclair, ‘Saviour Self’ feat. Alex Bent
Wicklow-based singer-songwriter Jódy Sinclair is back with his latest single 'Saviour Self'. Featuring the drumming talents of his Grammy-nominated pal Alex Bent, it's worth nothing you're in from an intsrumentalism treat! 'Saviour Self' oozes with 2000's angst, bringing acts like Avril Lavigne, Busted, and Fall Out Boy to mind. Intense electric guitar chops are complimented by stunning vocals, and obviously, insane drum rhythms.
Speaking about the track, Sinclair comments: "This song was written quick! It just sort of spilled out; after writing so many songs with heavy topics or meanings behind it, I needed to take a different approach to find the energy that this song brings. I wrote this from the point of view of someone else but I think everyone beyond their mid-20s or so has been there. Sometimes, you need to go through what you need to go through and come out the other side, you don't need to be saved."
Little Known, ‘Daylight’
Indie-rock band Little Known are back with their third single of the year, 'Daylight'. Hailing from the rebel county, the quartet have been whipping out bangers since 2019, taking inspiration from a plethora of sub-genres, constantly shifting their sound to create guitar effect heavy soundscapes. And 'Daylight' is no different. The Kaiser Chiefs, The Vaccines, The Fratellis and Kasabian spring to mind when listening to the track, and although the track seems light upon first listen, added growly vocals and introspective lyrics add a deeper level.
Beauty Pageant, ‘To The Sunbeds’ !!!
An energetic new track from Beauty Pageant’s new EP A Bank Holiday Miracle (out today), ‘To The Sunbeds’ is an indie rock exploration into the Irish summertime. Overdriven guitars and layered vocals create a dreamy yet grounded sound. The band has seen great success in the last few months, venturing out of their native Dublin for the first time and playing Belfast’s Ulster Sports Club and Galway’s Club Aras Na nGael. Their new EP, which has been in the works for the last two years, was recorded in various bedrooms and studios and brings together two previously released singles two with new tracks. Beauty Pageant have been on the rise, and this EP proves they are only going up.
Culleton, 'Dopamine'
At only 17, the artist known as Culleton has released an impressively well-created track. It’s a dark, moody electronic track that pulses and drops, with a catchy melody and an instrumental that will get your heart racing. Her lyrics are well-written and hard-hitting, singing about a relationship that wasn’t what she thought it was. From Tipperary, her Mercury Music Prize nominated aunt Gemma Hayes has undoubtedly given Culleton a musical basis, though ‘Dopamine’ proves that she has the prowess to only get bigger.
“Your kindness fooled me good/You stood my shadows down and broke me/End this perfect irony/Cause nothing hits like dopamine”
James Keegan, ‘Love Grows Easy’
The fourth single from the Cork native, James Keegan’s ‘Love Grows Easy’ is a moving piece of acoustic pop that achieves emotional highs with its soaring vocals and deeply layered soundscape. Produced by Christian Best, who has worked with artists like Mick Flannery, Susan O'Neill, and Jack O Rourke, it’s a track that channels the powerful emotion of Cian Ducrot and the undoubted authenticity of Ed Sheeran. “The song is dedicated to the people I love,” Keegan explains. “It’s a representation of how lucky I am to have such good people in my life.”
Check out the playlist in full below!
