New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Nealo, 'Only Human'

The Dublin rapper sets the fearlessly vulnerable tone for his eagerly awaited second album with the release of his new single, 'Only Human'. Featuring contributions from Saint Sister's Gemma Doherty, Susan O'Neill and more, the track is, as Nealo notes, a unique blend of "elements of hip hop, spoken world, along with traditional Irish sounds and spirituality."

“It’s about the overwhelming feeling of meeting someone and knowing that your whole lives are now intertwined forever," he continues. "It’s about meeting your soulmate in a messed-up world, where things seem to be falling apart."

November Medicine, the follow-up to his lauded debut album All The Leaves Are Falling, is out on November 17.

Nealo by Arann McCormack

Melina Malone, ‘Nectar Honey Ice Tea’

 Melina Malone continues to establish herself as the most thrillingly original force in Irish R&B, with the release of her incredible debut album Aphrodite. Among the highlights is 'Nectar Honey Ice Tea', which finds the Irish-Greek artist exploring the theme of female rage, within the context of Greek mythology.

Malone has been drip-feeding singles since 2019, and her first full-length offering has firmly established the Dubliner as one of Ireland’s most exciting artists. The production throughout Aphrodite is near immaculate, rife with sonic easter eggs and conscientious attention to detail. The trio of Alex O’Keefe, Adam Shanahan and Malone herself have undeniably raised the benchmark for Irish R&B.

Melina Malone by Ana Lucia Mondoloni

Aby Coulibaly, ‘Fighting 4 Luv’

The focus track from the Irish R&B singer’s debut EP, At The End Of The Day... It’s Night, ‘Fighting 4 Luv’  blends Aby Coulibaly's trademark elements of soul and R&B, along with some experimental soundscapes with echoed vocals and a booming bass throughout.

The rising star describes finding herself in the right headspace for writing and releasing, “[A] tree will still be a tree and bear fruit no matter what you do with it. The same applies to you and your art whatever it is that you do. Like a tree, you should continue to bear your fruit regardless of who likes or dislikes it. Once you like it yourself external validation shouldn’t matter. That’s what I’m on because it’s never that deep. At the end of the day, it’s night.”

Aby Coulibaly

Jazzy, 'NRG'

It's unsurprising with 6 million monthly listeners on Spotify - that there has been a huge appetite for new music from the multifaceted musician.

Continuing her ascent as one of dance music's most prominent new artists, Irish DJ and vocalist Jazzy has come out with another groovy banger ‘NRG’, from her anticipated debut EP, Constellations, out 20 October via CHAOS Records.

Constellations features six tracks, with sole feature from vocalist Charlotte Plank on 'Empty Promises' and production from Belters Only, D.O.D, Hannah Laing, Jordan Riley, Jacob Manson and Karma Kid.

Jazzy. (Photo Credit- Juanita Richards)

Bernard-M, ‘Young’

A catchy pop offering from Crumlin native Bernard-M, ‘Young’ is about young love and the magic that often accompanies it. Mixed by the Beardfire Studios team, it features electric guitar, bass and a pop mix that gives the track an otherworldly quality– even after a single listen, it’ll stick with you for a long time. With energetic, catchy melodies and soaring vocals, it’s a carefree track, tellingly based on true experiences for the 23-year-old songwriter, that invites the listener to dance along.

smythy, ‘Falling’

Fresh from Tipperary artist smythy’s debut EP Where You’re From, 'Falling' is a lo-fi acoustic track detailing the fear of infatuation. Echoing the indie sensibilities of artists like Her’s, Dayglow and Alice Phoebe Lou, by the end of the song smythy decides to ignore the dread and give into love, regardless of the consequences.

The overarching theme of the impressive EP is the sensation of feeling out of place, something that the artist has been familiar with since his youth. “I began to look for a home within myself and within the people around me,” said smythy. “This idea of feeling like you’re not ‘from’ a physical place eventually led to the creation of Where You’re From.”

smythy and his band will celebrate the launch of Where You’re From with a show at the Workman’s cellar on 7 October. For more information, including tickets, click here. 

Ruth Mac, ‘Home From Home’

A gentle track with a steady R&B rhythm and pleasantly varied soundscapes, Ruth Mac’s newest single ‘Home From Home’ is a nostalgic track perfect for those thinking about the way things used to be. Originally from Galway and now based in Berlin, Mac has created a song that evokes a deep sense of longing as it expands.

“I was ambling around Dublin and was struck by a sense of disconnect. No one was around and all my favorite old hangouts had been replaced with sterile alternatives. It was the first time I felt like a stranger in the city where I spent my most formative years. The central feeling isn’t one of anger towards Dublin for selling out, rather it’s me grappling with a certain loss and this sombre sense that the city had moved on and forgotten me. It’s the realization that the places that hold us change their shape too, we don’t always get to neatly slot back in.”

Ruth Mac. Photo Naomi Phillips

Uwm, 'AGES AWAY feat. Selu & Kendino'

Independent Irish producer, artist and engineer, Uwm shows her experimental, smooth sound with her new release, ‘AGES AWAY’ featuring vocals from Selu and Kendino. The release of, IM2, her Mini-EP on October 6 comes ahead of the release of the artist's longer project titled, U4O SUZY, which releases on October 20. This is the third project from the producer following on from 2019's Summer Series and 2022's Interia.

On the track, Uwm said- “This project has gone through many iterations, remixes and re-samplings to blend the vocals of my favourite artists to collaborate and jam with, through some experimental sound design, processing and arrangement styles that were really fun to delve more into this time around.”

 

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Tommy Cullen, 'Good Time'

Dublin singer-songwriter and former The False and the Fair frontman Tommy Cullen shares ‘Good Time,’ the first single off his forthcoming debut album. “Nobody’s having a good time,” he announces, before an upbeat, joyful folk guitar beat kicks in. His voice is bright and airy, drenching even the sorest of lyrics in sunshine.

Last year, the folk rocker released his acoustic Live at Workmans EP before a sold-out Little Whelans crowd. For his forthcoming album, fans have the opportunity to take part (for free) in the ‘Glow City’ online experience – gaining access to the whole record along with bonus content.

I Have A Tribe, 'Changing Of The Guard'

Following collaborations and performances with some of the most lauded, innovative names in modern music, the artist also known as Patrick O'Laoghaire continues to expand his approach on his new album, Changing Of The Guard, out today.

Delving into themes of acceptance and gratitude, the title track sums up I Have A Tribe's unique philosophy, and further cements his status as one of the most compelling forces in Irish music.

Silver Branch, 'Even Out'

Solo project of singer-songwriter and Kerry native, Kieran Mulvhill – Silver Branch steps forth with his third single, ‘Even Out,’ ahead of his debut LP and a headline performance at Whelan's. The new track features some stellar guitar work, as Mulvhill moodily delivers metaphorical snatches of self-reflection, over a suitably punchy bassline and a wall of fuzzy chorus. ‘Even Out’ is also accompanied by a delightfully offbeat music video, set for release on October 20th, in which a deli worker dreams of entering the Irish pro-wrestling circuit. Anthemic, meditative, and dynamic, Silver Branch’s gorgeously vast new single is well worth a listen.

Silver Branch is set to take to the Whelans upstairs stage with his band on the 21st of November.

Silver Branch

HART, 'Runnin'

A cut of dark UK garage fused with pitched vocals and atmospheric, serene instrumentals, Belfast-based, Sheffield-born producer HART steers listeners in a new direction with ‘Runnin.’ The single, released today alongside a music video, is plucked from her new EP, BAKU, inspired by the mythical beast of Japanese folklore.

A departure from her previous sonic blend of jazz and hip-hop, HART dives into the memories and influence from the underground parties of her native Steel City. ‘Runnin’ is the multi-talented artist bringing heart to modern UKG, walking delicately a tightrope between euphoria and darkness, hopes and nightmares, and producing an utterly heart-tugging track.

Isaac Butler, 'Heart Of Gold'

Ahead of a headline show in Dublin’s Academy,rising Irish singer-songwriter Isaac Butler has captured listeners yet again, with his soaring new single, ‘Heart Of Gold.’ An atmospheric blend of singer-songwriter lyricism and pop theatrics; Butler’s anthemic choruses and wailing guitars reach for a melancholic yet jubilant feel, as he deftly navigates romance, human connection and heartbreak.

Of the track’s origin Butler says, “I’m a pretty hopeless romantic! I’ve been in relationships that I’ve loved but always seem to make quite the mess of it… ‘Heart of Gold’ is a song about my pursuit of love with a little sprinkle of Panic!"

Hotgirl, ‘Wrong’

For the bands’ third single, ‘Wrong’ is an incredibly strong track that fully cements their already sophisticated sound. Beginning with a stripped back intro that achieves the wry deadpan of Wet Leg, the chorus transforms into a punk rock explosion of sound, as lead singer Ashley Abbedeen lets loose with her cutting lyrics and uninhibited vocal performance. You never quite know where it’ll take you next, but nonetheless it never stops feeling like an expertly crafted track from beginning to end.

Hotgirl. Credit: @narryphotographyvids

Enola Gay feat. Mount Palomar, ‘terra firma’

A bit of an unexpected direction for the Belfast-based noise punk band, ‘terra firma’ is a futuristic throwback of a track that benefits incredibly from the fire of Mount Palomar’s production. Less punk and more electronic than their previous releases but still just as fiery, ‘terra firma’ is off of their newly released second EP Casement, and it utilises a complex rhythm section and deep vocals that build to a high energy climax. Lauded as one of the most exciting up and coming bands in the entire world scene, Enola Gay are touring in November and with a track like this, it’s not a show to miss.

Reevah, 'Daylight Savings'

A vibrant celebration of her growth and evolution as an artist, Reevah's debut album, Daylight Savings, was finally unveiled today. Among the emotional highlights is the title track, which offers a fresh spin on '80s-inspired pop.

"This body of work is a true reflection of who I am as an artist and I couldn’t be any prouder of what myself and the team have created," the Derry-based artist says of the project. "I can’t express the enormity of work, dedication and love & the odd tear that has gone into this. And I really cannot wait for you all to hear it in its entirety."

Fin Furey, ‘Glory Days’

In his new single, 'Glory Days', storytelling songwriter Fin Furey shows off his varied and textured voice, steering away from his usual velvety-smooth baritone to deliver a singalong Indian summer track. Taking after his father, Finbar Furey of the legendary Irish folk band The Fureys, Fin has gained a reputiation for his plaintive, soaring vocals and knack for lively folk idioms.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree in this artist's ability to grasp the attention of the listener and reel them into a sing-along chorus. That being said, Fin Furey has carved his own distinct sound and identity, particularly through his intimate live performances, which you can experience for yourself with his show in The Grand Social on 10 November.

 

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modernlove., ‘Plans’

Raucous, Nirvana-esque guitars kick off this grunge-infused pop-punk banger from modernlove., one of the most popular new bands out of Ireland at the moment. Low, mumbled, vocoded verses lead into a catchy, earworm of a chorus as they sing about making plans for the future, as the title suggests. Born out of Drogheda in 2016, modernlove. takes influence from new wave, experimental, future-pop and indie bands alike and have created a genre-shifting sound of their own. ‘Plans’ definitely leans into the rock side of the genre spectrum, and is another hit from the group who have had a cracking 2023 so far.

“[‘Plans’ is about] finding the beauty and poetry in the mundane and everyday that we’ve been exploring a lot as a band recently. There is a sense of joy and hope in looking to the future like that and sonically, the composition of the song definitely falls in line. It hits hard and has an uplifting air of optimism and fun about it. This sense of fun and play informed the lyrical direction as well which took on an absurd sort of humour at times.”

Waterdogs, ‘Stone Driver’

Sharing their debut single ‘Stone Driver’ today, alt-rock quartet Waterdogs are among the cut of promising talent emerging on the Limerick music front. With a sound reminiscent of ‘90s grunge merged with swinging indie rock, the track opens with crunchy guitar and a deep bassline, leading into the soulful, throaty vocals of Kat Casey.

Guitarist Aaron Griffin says the song is “a sort of ode to addiction – when you’re aware you have an alcohol dependency, but you’re really trying not to drink. The whole track, to me, encapsulates the problems Ireland has with alcohol…when drinking is the only thing to do in so many parts of the country.” The Waterdogs debut EP is expected to follow soon.

NO PHOTOS, ‘Greyhound’

After the success of their EP Can This Change?, released this June, five-piece Dublin band NO PHOTOS share their gritty new single, “Greyhound.’ With hook after hook and an electric wall of sound, the track is a tidal wave of indie rock energy, defined by the band’s unique sound – a blend of alt-pop, indie rock and bedroom R&B.

The alternative, self-produced Dublin band reached new sonic heights with their recent EP, a mature follow-up to their summer 2022 mixtape, offering catchy yet relatable alt-pop tunes. They continue to soar with ‘Greyhound,’ an explosive hyper-rock track which showcases the band at their most incisive and dynamic yet.

Rebecca Winckworth, ‘Remember You’re You'

This emotive new single by Irish singer-songwriter Rebecca Winckworth launched for the UN International Day of the Girl Child, 2023. Rebecca wrote the song while working as a teacher in Delhi, India; inspired by one of her young students, Aarti, who came to school one day with a burn across her face. Aarti was living in an abusive household and her destiny was to soon leave her education behind and become a child bride; leaving all she ever knew behind, to live hours away, deep in the countryside with an unknown older man.

‘Remember You’re You’ is an encouraging anthem for all of the young girls who are suffering across the world. It's a testament to their resilience and a reminder that they are not alone.

Rebecca Winkcworth.

Jæd, ‘Vessel List’

Irish-Puerto Rican/Taíno musician, Jæd, brings us her captivating debut single, ‘Vessel List.’ The lyrics for the song were written from recorded improvised vocal sounds "through feelings of deep isolation and shame and an urgent need for connection and belonging" - as Jæd explains. Co-produced with Stereolab drummer Andy Ramsay, ‘Vessel List’ is delivered with intensity and offers a very strong debut for the artist. The accompaniment is complemented by percussion courtesy of Tobias Humble.

"I recorded these unintelligible wailing sounds while playing the very repetitive and staccato main guitar/bass riff over and over, that worked like a slow drill through my being helping to rupture something in me to let some truth come through, to release something. I’d listen back and allow any word association to arise freely from the vocal sounds and write them down.”

Jaed.

The Rattling Kind, ‘All Around The Town’ feat. Damien Dempsey & Christy Dignam

Over a decade after the release of their original version of 'All Around The Town', The Rattling Kind have revisited their beloved track – sharing a new version of the hit featuring special guest vocalists Damien Dempsey, and late Christy Dignam.

The track takes a strong stance against gang violence, while also addressing the stark realities faced by marginalised communities in Ireland. The Dublin band's lead singer Eddie Sherlock was moved to write the song when a young man he knew, Warren O'Connor, was murdered in a knife attack. The powerful track, which Eddie hopes will serve as a "hopeful message to the youth of today", is believed to be the last song recorded by Christy before his death earlier this year.

Ed Bennett & Kate Ellis, ‘I’

Composer Ed Bennett and Cellist Kate Ellis come together to release this enchanting piece. It can be performed by a soloist with seven pre-recorded parts or as a live octet. In this recording, all eight parts are performed with extraordinary poise and precision by Kate Ellis.

Bennet was inspired by the Irish Sea for this track: “Growing up by the Irish sea, the sound of waves has been ever-present in my life and in recent years has found its way into the music. At first, I didn’t notice this, but as I started to hear overlapping textures and loops in my work, I realised that there was something about this seemingly endless quality I was seeking.”

Skanger, ‘Talk To Yourself’

Dublin-based band Skanger have released their second single from their upcoming album Love and Violence, and it’s a sonic left turn from the down-tempo of their previous release ‘Dim The Lights’. In contrast, they show their musical versatility with a track that is upbeat and dance-based, with airy guitar riffs and a sound influenced by the Manchester music scene of the 80s and 90s. Described by singer Mark Healy as “a simple message about a complicated problem that many people struggle with every day,” the song explores issues of mental health and encourages listeners to treat themselves kindly. The track is accompanied by a music video featuring Healy driving around Dublin (where else?), which serves as an excellent portrait of some of the most recognisable Dublin streets and landmarks.

Skanger.

KiLLOWEN, 'One Thing'

London-based rapper KiLLOWEN's latest single is a special, gritty British garage spin on the noughties favourite from Amerie. The track rounds off his single releases ahead of his EP Pub Therapy, out 27t October.