New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Dani Larkin, 'The Red (Maca's Return)'

Hailing from the Armagh-Monaghan border, Larkin has been heralded as one of Ireland's finest songwriters. In addition to high-profile support slots for the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Lisa O'Neill and Joshua Burnside, she made a lauded appearance at this year's Folk Alliance International, and is set to play The Great Escape Online in May. Her highly anticipated debut album, Notes For A Maiden Warrior, is due out June 18, and 'The Red (Maca's Return)' is one of the album's stunning singles.

Zach James Douglas, 'Something / Anything'

Exploring the concept of nature versus technology, indie-alternative producer Zach James Douglas uses stark contrast of natural, conventional instrumentation and synthetic glitchy soundscapes on 'Something / Anything'. Formerly a member of indie outfit Little One, his first foray into solo material positions him as someone to keep an eye on.

HousePlants, 'What's With All The Pine'

The brainchild of Bell X1's Paul Noonan and Choice Prize nominated producer Daithí, HousePlants combines the two artist's unique styles. The brand new single from the veteran musicians is peppered with playful observations from Noonan’s wandering mind, and subtle, deep-house production from Daithí.

ANIM, 'Count To Ten'

ANIM – one of the most thrilling dance duos to come out of Ireland – release their debut single, 'Count To Ten' today – an epic crossover dance smash, inspired by the sunrise at Burning Man festival in Nevada. The track gives a promising taste of what to expect from the pair – made up of acclaimed Irish DJs Darren Rice and Mark McCabe.

Adrian Crowley, 'Crow Song'

Taken from his highly-anticipated album The Watchful Eye Of The Stars, out today, 'Crow Song' came about on a "stormy night in Ireland", when Crowley's brother brought home a wounded crow. After taking care of it for a time, the crow flew away on its own, leaving an impression behind. The penultimate track on his ninth studio album, the song is hazy and surreal.

Lorraine Nash, 'Sing With Her'

Inspired by the #WhyNotHer movement and its revelations of gender inequality within the Irish music industry, ‘Sing With Her’ is a call for musicians to stand together to ensure the industry is a level playing field. The track sees Lorraine reach deep into the roots of country music, finding her own voice within it. Full of swagger, Nash has come into her own and is unapologetic about it.

SVEN, 'Frustration'

The latest release from Diffusion Lab's newest recruit SVEN, 'Frustration' explores the indie-pop artist's personal struggles with pressure, perfectionism and chasing his dreams. With an defiantly DIY spirit, SVEN has established himself as one-to-watch on the Irish scene – with a debut EP due for release in 2022.

Cathal Murphy, 'Frame'

Ahead of the release of his debut EP in June, Cathal Murphy shares 'Frame' – a soulful jazz-flavoured pop track that explores themes of mutual support in relationships. Following his working with Irish folk group Cúig, the 21-year-old is clearly ready to step into the spotlight as a solo artist.

Willhouse, 'So Sorry', feat. FYNCH & Sick Nanley

Th worlds of Poxy Records and Burner Records collide with 'So Sorry' – hotly tipped producer Willhouse's irresistible new laid-back track, featuring verses from FYNCH and Sick Nanley. Bringing a boom bap sound to Irish hip-hop, it's marks all three artists as serious forces to be reckoned with.

Amy Naessens, 'Nothing Like You'

The third single from Amy Naessens, 'Nothing Like You' finds the acclaimed pop-soul artist reflecting on the raw reality of heartbreak – before shifting gears into a Coldplay-esque anthem about true love, with a seriously epic climax.

Rushes, 'Wide Eyed'

Ahead of the release of his highly anticipated Glowchild project later this year, alternative pop artist Rushes returns with a brand new single 'Wide Eyed'. The track is the Skibbereen native's first release since the success of his debut EP Glimpse in 2019 – which hit over 1.5 million streams and was included on some of Spotify’s biggest playlists. 'Wide Eyed' is a powerful examination of Rushes' own feelings of self-doubt.

The Crayon Set, 'Don't Step Back Too Far'

Acclaimed Dublin-based band The Crayon Set return with 'Don't Step Back Too Far' – their second single taken from their upcoming new album, Downer Disco, out in September. The new track combines an irresistible groove with a melancholic atmosphere – and offers a promising taste of what to expect from the band's upcoming LP.

Cruel Sister, 'My Forever'

The first single from Cruel Sister's upcoming girls my age EP, 'my forever' explores the angst and uncertainty of young adults falling in and out of love. It's a captivating first offering from the Dublin-based artist, and establishes her as a serious star-on-the-rise.

Photo by Kathy Hayes

SOMEFINN, 'Starlet's Dream'

Paul Finn – the lead vocalist of Choice Music Prize nominees The Flaws, who called it a day 2016 – is back with a brand new act, SOMEFINN. Their debut single, 'Starlet's Dream', explores feelings of self-doubt in the face of an increasingly critical and cynical world – and how understanding our weaknesses can ultimately become a strength.

Tobi A, 'Diamond'

Exploring themes of faith and love – and drawing influence from gospel and R&B artists like Leon Bridges and Kirk Franklin – 'Diamond' was penned in Tobi A's bedroom during lockdown. The 21-year-old Laois artist wrote the song for his fiancé – as an offering of positivity in the midst of uncertain times.

Etaoin, 'For Her'

Rising star Etaoin releases her superb debut EP, Bedroom Walls, today. “I wrote the fourth track of my EP, ‘For Her’, when I was abroad; it’s about waiting for your old self to come back,” she told us recently. “That subject scared me a lot. I was too nervous to perform it for a while because it’s dark – I was exploring that feeling of not wanting to be here anymore. I didn’t even want my best friends to see that side of me and assume that it sums me up."

Soda Blonde, 'In The Heat Of The Night'

Inching ever closer to the release of their highly-anticipated debut album, the sublime Dublin alt-pop quartet unveiled 'In The Heat of The Night', the album's second single, earlier this week. Groove-laden, with a radio-ready pop hook and subtle but complex instrumentation, the song sees the group holding a candle to dealing with conflict, and the thrill of getting into an argument.

Chaya, 'Calling' (Christoph remix)

Dublin newcomer Chaya only listened to classical music until his twenties, when he moved to New York and became obsessed with electronic music. His breakout track, 'Nevermind', earned him a signing to the Warner Music label, and his debut single on the label has now received a high-profile dance remix from Christoph.

Jehnova, 'is it real?'

Fusing blues, jazz alongside old-school and early 2000's hip-hop styles, Jehnova – a relative newcomer – is sure to be one-to-watch in the coming year. This impeccably smooth track is the final song off his brand new Avenoir mixtape, a collaboration with producer lod.

The Remedy Club, 'I Survived'

This is the latest single from Irish Americana duo ‘The Remedy Club’, taken from their critically acclaimed album True Hand True Heart which was recorded and produced by 5-time Grammy winner, Ray Kennedy (Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams). The track is about experiencing the challenges in life and closing the gap on what the world thinks we should be and what we truly desire.

Solis, 'Be Together'

Originally from Ireland and now based in Manchester, Solis’ latest release was written, performed and recorded at her home in Moss Side. Produced by Andy Connor, the track was mixed and mastered by Neil Claxton, with additional drums recorded at Vibratone Studios Manchester.

Listen to the playlist below: