Winter Aid, ‘Dusk’

Shane Culloty aka Winter Aid returns with his first new music in five years. The Inner Sunset EP is a six-song project and mainly instrumental affair, taking in the cacophony of San Francisco - where the songwriter moved to with his wife before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"A lot of places in the city have names that can seem quite poetic when you hear them first, evoking an imaginary setting before you eventually attach them to a concrete place of street signs and bus lines,” said the singer on his newfound home.

‘Dusk’ is typically laid back, through reverbed, stripped-back production, and is one of two songs on the EP which dates back to the songwriter’s life in Ireland, with distant guitars and plucked piano complementing his wistful croons.

Fräulein, ‘Wait and See’

Northern Irish/Dutch two-piece Fräulein’s latest single ‘Wait and See’ marks a creative step forward for the duo, vacillating between their signature heavy grunge sound and “softer, intoxicating vocal melodies.” ‘Wait and See’ has a drum oriented opening before kicking off into a riffy chorus, making for a track that’s both angsty and catchy, a tough line that the pair masterfully walk. After playing support for SPRINTS in Whelan’s upstairs last night, Fräulein are looking to kick off the weekend with their own headliner at the venue tonight, where you can catch a live performance of this hot new track.

Hannahbella, ‘Spin’

Up-and-comer Hannahbella poignantly captures feelings of losing control and vulnerability with her latest self-made electronic heart-thumper ‘Spin’.

“I wanted to paint the overwhelming feeling when your guard is down and your trust is fully in this person, to convey reassurance when you finally let go or open up to that special someone.” said the artist.  “

“The instrumental was built on a B minor scale whirling around the listener's ears. I built a more relaxed synth-based beat and glitchy details around it, really leaning into mellow minimal techno, D&B, jungle, contemporary pop, and a splash of synth-pop.”

 

CABL, ‘Movies’

East-coast noisemakers CABL showcase their sonic flexibilities on their eagerly awaited EP See You In A Year And A Half.

‘Movies’ sees the band team up with fellow Irish alt-rockers Lifts. The acoustic number features a haunting progression, complementing singer Ava Durran’s equally sombre lyrics. A slow burner, the track gradually reveals glimpses of unnerving sonic tension through shoegaze-y swells and screeching violins.

“Ava’s lyrics are about loss and relationships, which are reflected in the music itself,” said guitarist Luke White.

“The way we use pedals and write our songs brings the sound from something sweet to something disgusting, it’s all very tension based.”

Stray Planets, ‘Glowing Rectangles’

Stray Planets mark their second single with the pulsating ‘Glowing Rectangles’.

Featuring Gilla Band’s Dara Kiely on vocals, the song’s gnarly bass and dance-instigating groove harks back to Talking heads-influenced ‘00s acts like Franz Ferdinand and LCD Soundsystem.

Fronted by acclaimed Dublin songwriter John Butler, the song was written from the point of a child who sees no downside to our modern-day dependence on touch screens – influenced by Butler’s experiences working in in autism unit.

A fine taster for Stray Planets’ upcoming debut album, which was arranged and produced by Rian Trench and recorded by Robert “Scan” Watson in the Meadow, Wicklow .

 

Mikey Cullen, Pistol & Leah Moran, ‘Butterfly’

Spoken word artist Mikey Cullen teams up with Pistol and Leah Moran on his debut single ‘Butterfly’.

The feel-good hip-hop number sees Cullen’s raw vocals annunciate his journey of self-discovery, experiences with creativity and his upbringing in Dublin, with Leah Moran supplementing his bars with her smooth soul vocals.

Cullen’s poetry has garnered millions of views online, after his performance of his poem ‘Home’ at a Seanoiche event went viral. Unafraid to discuss societal issues, spirituality and the absurd in his work, he has since gone on to perform at events and festivals across Ireland.

 

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Tommy Cullen, ‘All I’ve Never Had’

Indie songwriter Tommy Cullen fuses bedroom pop and exotic grooves in his dynamic new love song ‘All I’ve Never Had’. The track is the second single to be released from his upcoming debut album Enjoy the Glow , and expands on the previously shared ‘Good Time’.

Emotive guitars, droning synths and electronic beats buttress Cullen’s vocals, which detail the unadulterated joys of human connection.

The Dubliner’s first musical outlet was underground rock band The False and the Fair, who eventually split following a six-year run. Set to release in April, his upcoming LP represents the culmination of his creative life to date, exploring the past few years through “tales of everyday drudgery, true love, UFO sightings and trips to Ikea.”

 

Erica-Cody, ‘Love Me Like I Do’

Former Dancing with The Stars contestant Erica-Cody was the first to throw her hat into the ring for Eurovision contention with her track ‘Love Me Like I do’ earlier this week. The melodramatic and empowering r&b banger is one of six songs in the Eurosong race to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2024 in Malmö, Sweden this May.

It’s been a busy few days for Dublin artist, who also announced a record deal with Universal Music Group Ireland. “If I could only give 10-year-old me the biggest hug right now and tell her she finally signed her record deal,” wrote Cody on Instagram.

 

Oscar Wilkins, ‘All Of Us’

22-year-old Dubliner Oscar Wilkins channels ‘80s-infused power pop à la The Weeknd with his latest release ‘All of Us’. The uplifting synth-wave tune is all about looking at life through a “glass-half-full” lens, and “trying to feel positive in a crazy world and connecting people who are like minded.”

The Rock School Ballyfermot alumnus took his first steps as a solo artist during a prolific 2023 which saw him share four singles.

"If you thought synth-pop was dead think again,super excited to be starting this new year with this brand new feel good positive vibe single of mine and hope in a fucking crazy world atm it can give a lift to those who need it," said Wilkins on social media.

 

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SÍOMHA &  Metropole Orkest, ‘Infinite Space Reimagined'

Clare songwriter SÍOMHA offers up fresh version of the title track from her 2022 album Infinite Space.

The new iteration was made alongside the world-renowned Metropole Orkest. Based out of The Netherlands, they are the world’s largest pop and jazz orchestra, and have collaborated with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Bono, Snarky Puppy to name a few.

‘Infinite Space Reimagined’ ramps up the melodrama, turning an already wonderful neo-soul tune into a lush cinematic piece.

“Síomha is completely in sync with the musicians around her,” said Hot Press of her 2022 record. “A kaleidoscope of sounds, Infinite Space is a true delight.”

 

Honas, ‘Cash Machine’

Sligo Native Honas, born Hugh O’Neill, kicks off the year with ‘Cash Machine’. A modern sounding and fast-paced alt-pop song, the track was produced by Marian Plösch and John Catlin, who’s clientele include The 1975, Inhaler, Interpol, Florence & the Machine, La Roux, Warpaint and The Killers.

“It was written with the frustration of having finished college and finding myself doing monotonous work just to get by,” says Honas on the tune.

“I was feeling uninspired and unmotivated to pursue the things I really cared about. It’s about that horrible feeling of days slipping by and time running out, but with a little Irish dash of ‘Ah sure it’ll be grand.’”

AILSHA, ‘Go Tobann’

Dubbed Ireland’s ‘Princess of Misfits’, AILSHA puts her name on the ballot for Eurovision with her Earth-shattering ‘Go Tobann’. The alt-metal track combines the artist’s singanture sound with her background in Irish music.

“I wanted to create a banger of a track that incorporated my own alternative sound with a twist by using some recognisable Irish phrases scattered throughout the song,” said AILSHA.

“In Ireland I feel we don't use our native language enough and it's a shame because it's awesome. I hope 'Go Tobann'- although the song is overall a bit of craic- makes Ireland, and Europe, see and love who we are."

 

Irish Women In Harmony, ‘Nothing Comapres 2 U’

Irish Women In Harmony, a collective of accomplished female artists, has unveiled a heartfelt rendition of Sinéad O' Connor's iconic 'Nothing Compares 2 U’,  recorded with John Reynolds in his studio in Co. Wicklow, who produced and played with the late icon since her first album.

“It was so important for our collective to come back together for this very special tribute to an iconic Irish female artist like Sinéad O’Connor, who has had such a huge influence and inspired us all in our own careers,” said singer RuthAnne.

Proceeds from the song will go to Aisling Project. Who operate an after-school intervention program across Ballymunn, offering academic support as well as a hot nutritious dinner each day to over 150 children.

Those wishing to support the cause can text SINEAD to 50300 to donate 4euro.

 

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Gavin James, ‘Afterlife’

International pop superstar Gavin James  drops his first release of 2024 with the playful and intimate new acoustic track ‘Afterlife’.

“The idea for afterlife came from a dream that I had,” said James on social media. “I was sitting on the roof of my house, there was a tidal wave coming, and it was the end of the world.

“I was up there with my girlfriend and as we were counting the last moments I woke up, and when I woke up I felt a massive feeling of love and gratitude for where I was in my life and the people that I’m lucky enough to have around me.”

Reii, ‘fairytale’

Continuing from the foundations laid on his tracks 'believe' and 'fool4u', Laois-based Afro-Irish artist Reii has gone back to the bedroom and produced a brand new indie pop track, ‘fairytale’'. Full of sincerity and synth, ‘fairytale’ is a coming of age love song. It’s like if Brockhampton’s ‘GINGER’ was paired with a lot more guitar and a good lashing of warmth. ‘fairytale’ is an R & B track that is fused with the candour of indie guitar and makes for great listening for those who are down bad.

 

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Ciara Lawless, ‘Where Are Your Wings’

From arranging flowers to tracks, Ciara Lawless knows how to deliver something delicate, floral and pretty. ‘Where are you Wings’ has Lawless delivering a gentle and comforting vocal performance- which is perhaps unsurprising as she cut her chops as a funeral singer. ‘Where are Your Wings’ is evocative of a late 70s Carpenters-esque sound and acts as a tender track easing listeners into the weekend.

Nerves, ‘Empty’

Hailing from Mayo and Galway, but having nothing of the twee fáilte Ireland connotations of spoons and a bosca ceoil, Nerves are a blast of dense heavy metal sound. The group's newest release ‘Empty’ continues in the vein and will have you screaming, jumping and head banging. The trio have achieved an immersive rock track with walls of sound closing in on the listener. The band is set to release their hotly tipped new EP Glórach on a 12” special vinyl on March 15th 2024.

 

elbé, ‘Shy Boy Trá’

A fun indie dance party track, ‘Shy Boy Trá’ by elbé will make you nostalgic for a summer in the west of Ireland that you never had. elhbé is the brainchild of singer songwriter Seamus Allen and is infused with a Vance Joy sense of youthfulness, fusing pop, folk and traditional music. The Cork band have said of the new track that it is “a song about overcoming adversity and challenges in life”, but in spite of all that it’s definitely a tune that makes you want to boogie.

 

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Without Willow, ‘Lay Down Your Troubles’

The Irish acoustic folk duo from County Donegal Without Willow have released a folksy, country and soothing track ‘Lay Down Your Troubles’. The track includes the homespun wisdom and comfort that sometimes only music can provide. For those going through a hard time, and if only the timbre of acoustic guitars will do, check out the new track, you’re guaranteed to feel better after it. Without Willow are set to release their debut album 'Left Behind' on the 9th of February 2024

Lwny - ON MY MIND

Opening as a fast paced dance track ‘ON MY MIND’ gives listeners an invigorating sonic experience as it drops rich vocals and a piano melody on loop, surprising listeners after the 90s dance track style opening. The perfect running, dancing or general moving about the place track, ‘ON MY MIND’, is a fun new offering from Leesider and music producer Lwny. ‘ON MY MIND’ is a pulsating track, holding no punches to bring you into the weekend and kill those January blues.

Kayleigh Noble, ‘Just a Girl (Stripped)’,

‘Just a Girl’ speaks to the Tiktok generation with lovesick lyrics and a Pink Pantheress-like vocal performance, and this week, Kayleigh Noble is after releasing a stripped back version which adds a certain rawness not available in the original track. ‘Just a Girl’ speaks to a vulnerability that most of us are not capable of putting out in the public sphere, and a testimony to Kayleigh Noble’s strength as an artist. In a world where often there’s a momentous rise in the power of being a strong independent woman, it’s touching to hear a track that recognises the pains of being just a girl.

Def Nettle, ‘Four Years’

In a genre break from their usual punk-funk work, Def Nettle have released ‘Four Years’ which the band describe as “an Emo tale of lost love & tragedy”. However although an Emo tale, ‘Four Years’ is still imbued with the band’s signature sense of fun, and will remind listeners of a Franz Ferdinand track, opening with a surprising dance track sound, the melody evolves to a guitar heavy track featuring baritone vocals. Frontman Glen Brady’s versatility is highlighted in this new song, with his storytelling lyrics, vocal performance and the impressive guitar performance.

Polar Bolero, ‘The Rain’

‘The Rain’ is an acoustic track that sounds much like its namesake, gentle, misty and drizzly. Featuring dulcet vocals, violin playing, rain sounds and horns, the fusion brings together a folksy new sound. Polar Bolero is an indie outfit from Derry led by Cahir McLaughlin and Pearse Donaghy, that combines folk, jazz and rock. ‘The Rain’ is the latest offering of the group who aim to offer an immersive experience for their audience, exploring themes of disillusionment and melancholy in post-pandemic, post-Troubles Northern Ireland and hope to provide an insight into the North’s social and emotional landscape. ‘The Rain’ offers a momentary experience of soft drizzle for listeners, allowing us to get a little lost in the feeling of it.

NewDad, ‘White Ribbons’

A song that has been described as a “love letter to ourselves” ', ‘White Ribbons’ is an ethereal yet gentle track and eases the listener gently into the world of self love. ‘White Ribbons’ has an almost coquette element, with harmonious vocals, and a deceptively simple sounding guitar line, which ultimately builds into an almost Sigur Rós-like crescendo complete with the beautiful distortion. In a world full of noise, ‘White Ribbons’ feels like a melodic hug, not too overbearing but completely impactful nonetheless.’White Ribbons’ is a taster of what fans can expect from NewDad’s upcoming debut album Madra.

Bambie Thug- Doomsday Blue

‘Doomsday Blue’ is the latest release in the weird and wonderful world of Ouija-Pop, a genre pioneered by Bambie Thug themselves. However this release isn’t just another single in Bambie Thug’s impressive catalogue, but their contender for Ireland’s 2024 Eurovision song, and it’s everything the competition stands for: camp, fun, and a bit queer, both in the unusual sense and in the gay one. ‘Doomsday Blue’ is sure to resonate with fans of 100 Gecs, Dorian Electra or any other one looking for loud, exciting pop music.

Alex Gough, ‘Runnin’’

Waterford man Alex Gough has released a new Frank Oceanesque track for our delectation this week, in the form of ‘Runnin’. The new song is an electronic take on the typical yearn-y love song genre but has a fresh neo soul sound, crisp production (of Gough own doing) and rap bars. The tune makes up half of his two-single release ‘Runnin’ which features ‘Runnin’ and ‘College Graduate’ which acts as the perfect pairing for the love sick this weekend. Gough’s music and Instagram aesthetics combine together to make for a whole minimalist package, speaking to youth culture, streetwear, and the loneliness of youth and ‘Runnin’ is the latest release in the world of Gough.

Listen to our New Irish Songs To Hear This Week playlist below!