New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Joshua Burnside, 'Never Was Never Were'

Taken from his new album Higher Places, 'Never Was Never Were' puts an end to Burnsides Into The Depths of Hell era. The track is frenetic, constantly building in energy, and explodes into a captivating horn section. The singer-songwriter from Co. Down never disappoints, blending various international genres with his love of Irish traditional music. Consider buying on Bandcamp today, as it's Bandcamp Friday.

Cosha, 'Run The Track'

Exploring the phase of a new relationship where you're "getting to know the other person", Cassia O’Reilly – aka Cosha – has created a stunning electronic track that feels warm, lived in and well-worn.

Local Boy, 'World of Dreams'

Local Boy releases his highly anticipated second EP, Local Boy Helps Himself, today. The project, which follows Local Boy Ruins Everything, cements his status as one of the most thrillingly original artists in the country – combining danceability with a compelling critique of how self-help outlets can be impacted by toxic positivity culture.

Maria Doyle Kennedy, 'Consolation'

Musings on femininity dominate the subject matter on Doyle Kennedy's new album, with the singer-songwriter embodying (or at least contemplating) many kinds of women – she's a kind, concerned Earth Mother on 'Consolation', a stunning track that explores an expansive soundscape while keeping Maria's husky, intoxicating vocal at the forefront.

Saint Sister, 'Oh My God Oh Canada'

Belfast native Morgan MacIntyre and Derry Girl Gemma Doherty, aka Saint Sister, have shared the latest cut from their upcoming sophomore album Where I Should End, accompanied by a music video centred on the beauty of Irish wilderness. 'Oh My God Oh Canada' is, according to the band, about the "intricacies within your most cherished and complicated relationships."

Fears, 'daze'

'daze' is a highlight from the electronic artist's debut album Oíche.  Pieced together over five years, the album chronicles growth through challenges, instability, and relationship changes, both with one’s self and others. An intimate depiction of discovery, it unearths internal dialogue, and makes peace with uncertainty.

Rêves, 'It's Not Me'

Combining heartfelt lyrics with an infectious pop sound, Dublin six-piece Rêves' new single, 'It's Not Me', premiered on hotpress.com earlier this week. The track was produced and recorded with Daniel de Burca at Windmill Lane, and features Jake Curran (famed for his work with Niall Horan and Dermot Kennedy) – as well as creative input from Wild Youth's Conor O'Donohoe in its early stages.

Steve Wall & Simon O'Reilly, 'Rise With The Sun'

An irresistible shot of positivity during these dark days, Steve Wall teams up with Simon O'Reilly for his first collaboration outside of The Stunning and The Walls. Drawing influence from the sounds of '70s California, as well as elements of Beck and Eels, the track playfully explores struggles with will-power and self-discipline.

Hex Hue, 'Aquiver'

Katie Richardson – aka Hex Hue – has carved out a niche as one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting up-and-coming alt-pop acts. Making sure her message always hits home, she writes candidly, and has a knack for an earworm.

Lisa Gerrard & Jules Maxwell, 'Orion (The Weary Huntsman)'

Burn, the collaborative album from Dead Can Dance's Lisa Gerrard and Bangor-born composer Jules Maxwell is out today. Ambitiously blending elements of electronica, cinematic soundscapes and world music, 'Orion (The Weary Huntsman)' is one of the project's standout tracks – featuring production from James Chapman, aka Mercury-nominated artist Maps

Meghan Ali, 'Whiskey Neat'

Following the success of 'Mystic Forest' earlier this year, Meghan Ali is back with 'Whiskey Neat' – exploring the pressure and anxiety of a world where we are expected to be switched on 24/7. The dark themes is perfectly balanced against the track's driving, upbeat energy.

Martin McDonnell, 'Ocean Eyes'

A brilliant cover that showcases McDonnell's staggering range, 'Ocean Eyes' was recorded Live at Thorton Piano's Superior Session. When the video was released, it quickly racked up tens of thousands of views and was shared worldwide.

Brendan Tallon, 'American Strings'

This psychedelic folk track from the former Revelino frontman is an ode to America, and sees Tallon showcasing his unique and eclectic songwriting style. It reflects his life-long love for Spaghetti westerns and is a celebration of American culture and influence.

Inhaler, 'Who's Your Money On?'

A swaggering indie-pop anthem and the latest slice of indelible songcraft from the Dublin quartet, 'Who's Your Money On?' is a cut from their forthcoming album It Won't Always Be Like This, out on July 9 on Polydor Records.

Lucy Blue, 'Your Brother's Friend'

Rising Dublin star Lucy Blue brings the timeless approach of classic singer-songwriters into the modern age. One of our Hot for 2021 artists, she signed to Columbia Records in 2020. 'Your Brother's Friend' starts an alt-pop ballad that gives way to a radio-friendly chorus, in which you can hear the influence of the likes of Lennon Stella and Billie Eilish.

Pillow Queens, 'When You're Gone'

Taken from Salvation: Inspired by The Cranberries, a new charity album in aid of Pieta House, the Pillow Queens return with the stunning cover, the first material released since their astonishing debut album In Waiting. 

Owen Denvir, 'The Lighthouse'

Owen Denvir's album Stones, Sticks & Bones was crafted on the basis of Freud's theory of the mind. Closing track 'The Lighthouse' showcases Denvir's stunning vocals over a gentle piano accompaniment, synthesising the all the ideas on the record.