Celaviedmai, ‘Break Me Down’

Rapper Celaviedmai offers up her highly-anticipated sophomore EP ISSA NEW ERA! – a project which signals a new phase in her artistic journey. Produced alongside Ben Bix, the EP’s opener ‘Break Me Down’ exhibits this evolution, infused with a variety of influences such as afrobeat and house, as well as the Ivorian-Irish artist’s infectious confidence.

“There are so many people to thank for bringing this project to life, This is the beginning of a new era and it’s not been an easy journey ngl,” said Celaviedmai on social media.  “but this is the best thing I’ve ever made and I need your support now more than ever!!”

TraviS x Elzzz, ‘Notice Me’ feat. Monjola

Dublin’s most rip-roaring rap duo are back with the sophomore album DOGHOUSE. The pair will be looking to top last year’s Full Circle, which peaked at number two on the charts (bested only by Taylor Swift’s Midnights), becoming the highest charting Irish rap release ever.

‘Notice Me’ sees the Nigerian-Irish rappers team up with fellow local hero Monjola, who ebbs away from his usual chilled-out musings on the gnarly, bass heavy and catchy number.

“BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS HAS GONE INTO THIS,” said Travis on Instagram upon announcing the record.  “TO OUR SUPPORTERS THIS IS THE TIME FOR US TO GET THAT #1!! ITS FINALLY HERE!!!! START BARKING WHEREVER YOU ARE.”

HamsandwicH, ‘Ants’

Whatever your thoughts are on live albums, all the greats have one. It therefore seemed fitting that HamsandwicH celebrated their 20^th anniversary gig at the 3 Olympia by putting it to wax for the aptly named The Live Album.  ‘Ants’ is a perfect taster for the project. The crowd give a hand in creating that natural feel, singing along without getting in the way of the tune’s stomping sonic quality.

“We are so glad we captured the special 20th year anniversary night with this recording,” said the band on social media. “We didn't know if we were going to do anything with it until we listened back. We love it! It's the best representation of our live gigs.”

Rachel Grace, ‘Lately’

At just twenty one years of age, Rachel Grace has quietly established herself as one of Ireland’s most promising songwriters, with her melting pot of soul, pop and a distinct voice which echoes greats like Norah Jones and Amy Winehouse.

Those stirring vocals are on full display on her latest single ‘Lately’. Detailing the story of withering friendships, the melancholy is set against a backdrop of warm piano, luscious harmonies and heartfelt strings, combines emotional rawness with captivating melody.

Dreamer, ‘Health’

'Health' sees promising alt-rock quartet Dreamer land their most polished effort yet. The instrumentation is typically tight and anthemic, as singer Eimear O'Sullivan offers a hand to a loved one deteriorating from mental health issues, showing a knack for cutting, observational lyricism and affecting vocal delivery.

“I began writing this song at 18 years old” said the frontwoman on the band’s Instagram. “It’s a labour of love that’s 8 years in the making. The original recording came out in 2019 and it’s so heartwarming to hear the response from those who know the original and have seen the progression to now. What started off as a sad song is now one that I hope people can find comfort in.”

Cara Dillon, ‘Coming Home’

Leading Irish folk songstress Cara Dillon has shared her latest album Coming Home, her first project of entirely original material, brinigng to life her intensely personal memories of her native Derry.

The LP’s title track affectingly displays the singer’s penchant for poetry, echoing sentiments of homesickness that she felt while touring New Zealand in 2003.

“’Would you not just come on home? I’m waitin’ on ye’”. These were the words my father spoke to me down the telephone,” said Dillon. “Hearing his voice was all I needed in that moment - to banish the distance between us, to feel close to him, to my family, and to know that I belonged somewhere.”

HAVVK, ‘Daylight Robbery’

Berlin-based Dubliners HAVVK’s new album To Fall Asleep sees the alt-rockers exhibit their gritty, grungey goodness with unapologetic fervour. Opener ‘Daylight Robbery’ combines elements  punk and shoegaze to create an infectious sound, not too far off from noisy contemporaries Sprints.

“The songs were born from a sincere and sometimes desperate hope to find a sense of peace in our most vulnerable moments,” said the band in a Facebook post on the album. “The world will still be here tomorrow…”

The band will celebrate the LP with a launch show at the Workmans Cellar on 22 March.

Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets

Fast-rising indie outfit Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets combine alt-county with their alt-rock chops on ‘The Story After They’re Gone’, forming a sound which they have affectionately labelled as “Indie-Twang”. Meanwhile, stream of consciousness lyrics detail a narrator who has lost everyone around him.

“When thinking about how we wanted our new stuff to sound, the idea of leaning into Country music kept coming up,” said Flynn. “We had used a lot of slide guitar, 12-strings, and acoustics before, so it felt like a natural progression. I think this track feels like how we play live, and that’s definitely a theme of our next project.”

Gemma Hayes, 'Feed The Flames - Live'

Exceptional singer-songwriter Gemma Hayes joins forces with some of Ireland's finest musical talents on the live version of 'Feed The Flames', with Lisa Hannigan, Caimin Gilmore, Cormac Curran, Brendan Doherty and Sam Kileen combining for a dulcet reimagined version of the emotive track.

"I originally began writing the song after watching Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton," said Hayes upon the song's first release last year.

"Knowing a bit about their relationship off screen I was really taken by the depth of their connection, it was a living, breathing fire. What I got from delving into their relationship is that you can love something or someone so much only for your human fallibility to come along and destroy it.”

The 2 Johnnies, ‘St. Patrick Drove a Honda Civic’

Beloved comedy pairing The 2 Johnnies commemorate our patron saint with their trademark humour on their new single, arriving just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Accompanying the tune is an equally funny video, which sees the Tipperary lads tell the “lesser known but absolutely real” story of how the man himself was a lover of a chicken fillet roll and how he taught Larry Mullen the drums.

“I’ve always wanted a Honda Civic, when I was young all the cool lads had them. Bond might have had an Aston Martin, but we’ve got a Civic – just like St Patrick!” said Johnny B.

Evan Miles, ‘Está Que Quema’

Evan Miles has released his new single ‘Está Que Quema’. This new track beautifully builds from a calm and ethereal to upbeat and danceable. Its electronic beat paired with the face-paced lyrics make it the perfect track for grabbing your dance partner under multi-coloured lights.

When talking about the track, Miles says that "this track came about after spending a month in Spain back in September, immersing myself in the culture and listening to a lot of different music that I had not been familiar with before this. When I returned I really wanted to put my own spin on things.”

Matthew Devereux, 'Uncanny Valley'

From his upcoming album entitled House Devil comes Matthew Devereux’s second single from the record, ‘Uncanny Valley’. The track is dark and ominous as it grapples with the idea of humanness.

When explaining the name of the track Devereux says, “'The Uncanny Valley' is a phrase coined in the 70s that describes the eerie feeling when something like a doll or robot has almost human characteristics. These days it happens more and more as we try to emulate reality with technology. The question remains of how much humanity will we retain in the face of our desire to augment ourselves and simulate a separate reality to exist in. Here the question is asked 'Can we remain human?'

ARLENE, 'Longshot'

An exciting indie-pop singer on the Irish scene,  ARLENE has come out with her new single ‘Longshot’. This track is an edgy rock/pop anthem that has a strong bass and powerful guitar riffs that will be perfect for singing your heart out.

ARLENE was named as one of the Top 5 Artists of the Week by BBC. She has also performed many live shows at venues like Whelan’s, The Sound House and The Workman’s Club as well as festivals such as Night & Day, K-Fest, TNBT and Whelan’s One To Watch. 2024 will be a big year for ARLENE as ‘Longshot’ is the first of many new releases to come.

Villagers, 'You Lucky One'

Villagers, also known as Conor O’Brien, shared the second single from his upcoming album That Golden Time entitled ‘You Lucky One’. This melodious track is heartwarming with poetic lyrics that O’Brien has become known for. Villagers also made his directorial debut with this single. To celebrate, O’Brien will be playing in a series of live shows across Europe.

“For me, That Golden Time has an internalised voice, so much so that I almost found it impossible to let anyone else in,” he says. “It’s probably the most vulnerable album I’ve made. I played and recorded everything in my apartment, and finally, towards the end, invited people in.”

Somebody's Child, 'Oh Emily'

Irish indie rockers Somebody's Child have just unveiled an electrifying new single, ‘Oh Emily,’ marking a special release between albums. Premiered during the band's sold-out UK tour in October 2023, the track immediately captivates with its vibrant, anthemic energy.

Produced by Shea Tohill, the band's guitarist, at Black Mountain Studios in Co. Louth, Ireland and mixed by Peter Katis (known for his work with The National, Death Cab For Cutie, Gang of Youths) at Tarquin Studios in Connecticut, USA 'Oh Emily' is an indie-rock banger that makes for a dazzling listen with tightly wound guitars, yearning lyricism and a biting chorus.

"'Oh Emily' came about when we were at a very early stage of the second album writing," says Somebody's Child frontman Cian Godfrey. "We didn't quite know where it wanted to live yet, and in retrospect this song belongs in its own place. It's interesting to see the development sonically, with where we are now. But at the time it's what started everything off.”

Understarling, 'Changeling'

The latest release from Waterford alt-rock outfit Understarling, ‘Changeling,’ is a dreamy indie rock ballad bolstered by twinkling pop undertones. The song captures the essence of a couple ensnared in the complexities of love, doubt and the unforgiving grip of distrust. The track is inspired by the heartbreaking story of Bridget Cleary,  a woman murdered by her husband riddled with superstition

The muddled narrative gives little clarity as to whose perspective we are perceiving. The story unfolds over the propulsive backing and spectral soundscape as the lovers gradually succumb to doubt and paranoia.

 

Garrett Laurie, ‘No Warning’

White shirts stained with red wine, lamplit library aisles and stained glass windows. These are the kind of motifs and images that singer-songwriter Garrett Laurie effortlessly calls forth through their unique craft of mesmerising, alt-folk with evocative vocal performances and poignant soundscapes.

Their latest single ‘No Warning’ is no exception.

With a provocative musical narrative, Laurie seamlessly shifts between gravelly, offhand verses and choruses of impassioned appeals, showcasing an astonishing vocal register with masterful precision.

“When writing 'No Warning', I wanted to set the scene of a twenty - something narrator, reflecting on a recent love affair,” says Laurie. “[It was created] when I realised how invested I had been in my first relationship once it had ended. This got me thinking more deeply about queer relationships and the tendency I have to stay guarded or to act uninvested to save face. ‘No Warning’ in a sense is just another love song but to me it doubles as yet another song about a hard lesson learned.”

Josh Dowdall, ‘Not The Same’

Having made a serious impact across dance floors throughout the world in recent years, Irish producer Josh Dowdall has now released his anthemic new single ‘Not The Same’ through the newly formed label We Are Active, launched by Irish dance music legends Belters Only.

The Co. Navan native offers distinctive house music with catchy piano melodies that have established him as a notable prospect in the Irish EDM scene. He started making music in 2017, releasing his first track as a young teen on Soundcloud. From there, he has consistently grinded out tracks and built his presence within the Irish dance scene.

"Buzzing for my first release under We Are Active Records on March 15th. It's a dream come through being signed to a label run by Belters Only, who have been one of my biggest influences in making music,” Dowdall says of the new track and his partnership with We Are Active Records. “Big thanks to them for trusting me with their first label release & sharing my vision going forward. I can't wait to show everyone what I'm about."

Ciara Lawless, ‘Our Kingdom Come’

Following the success of her single ‘Where Are Your Wings?’emerging Irish pop singer-songwriter Ciara Lawless triumphantly returns with the celestial folk offering ‘Our Kingdom Come.’

This fierce, infectious, and ethereal track showcases Lawless’ mesmerising vocals reminiscent of Florence and The Machine. The song invites listeners on a magical, empowering journey, urging them to pursue their dreams despite life’s obstacles.

‘Our Kingdom Come’ is a sneak preview into Lawless’s upcoming debut album Paint My Soul, slated for release on the 26 April. With this delicate, folksy tune, Lawless only builds the anticipation for her wider record release next month.

Nixer, ‘The Book’

‘The Book’ marks the second single from Nixer’s forthcoming EP I hit the town and the town hit me back and further establishes the Louth artists’ reputation as a diverse and exciting alternative song writer. Sonically Nixer’s latest track is a pulsating high energy dance offering that will have you on your feet this Friday.

The track was composed whilst reading Sputnik Sweetheart by Murakami which inspired the song’s themes of unrequited love and longing and captures all the existential dream-like vibe of the Japanese author.

Fight Like Apes ‘Black Boys On Mopeds’

In an astonishing cover of Sinéad O’Connor’s 1990 protest song, Fight Like Apes bring an electric current to ‘Black Boys on Mopeds’. As vital as it was when released over 30 years ago, all proceeds raised from the single will go to Lajee Centre, Aida Refugee Camp, Occupied West Bank, Palestine. Speaking of the incredible track, frontwoman May Kay said: “I was in Aida refugee camp in the Occupied West Bank of Palestine when I heard Sinéad O’Connor had died. There was no-one there that didn’t know who she was and why she was so important. We had a sing song late into that night on the roof, Irish people singing Sinéad songs, Palestinian people singing beautiful folk songs in arabic”.

Keyboardist Jamie Fox adds: “It's very sad that this song is as, if not more, relevant today as it was when was released 34 years ago”.

Lemoncello - ‘Old Friend’

Accompanied by a stunning music video, Lemoncello's ‘Old Friend’ is a thought provoking folk song that explores what happens when we take loved ones for granted. Lyrically, ‘Old Friend’ asks what kind of conversations we would have with those closest to us if we talked to them as if we’d never met them before. If we acted as if it was the first time we were ever talking, what would we ask them? With lowkey guitar plucking and Laura Marling-like vocals, ‘Old Friend’ is folksy perfection.

‘I Think’ Esmeralda Road

A rising talent on Belfast’s burgeoning music scene, Esmeralda Road has today released a jazz-like track ‘I Think’. With breakbeat grooves, brass percussion and crooning vocals, ‘I Think’ is a pulsating track brimming with energy. Lead vocalist and lyricist Charlie Magill describes ‘I Think’ in his own words saying: “This track for me encapsulates the highs and lows one feels when they find themselves in a 'casual' relationship. Feelings that aren't quite love and hate but rather just satisfaction and dissatisfaction”.

Michelle Grimes, ‘Dance With Me’

A scintillating piece of europop, Michelle Grimes’ latest track is designed to get you moving (as the title would suggest). ‘Dance With Me’ is a track for fun lovers and shape throwers. Formerly a member of the girl band Office Girls, Grimes aims to create empowering pop music that gives people a voice. Sharing her new single on Instagram the Limerick artist said: “Over the last few months, I’ve been working on my craft and my sound. I’m also low-key ready to get some stuff off my chest!”.

B.D.B [Bicep x Benjamin Damage], ‘CHROMA 002 L.A.V.A

In this pulsating dance track, Bicep joins forces with Welsh techno artist Benjamin Damage to create a red hot beat accompanied with icy, cooler than cool vocals. The perfect workout song - or clubbing track, ‘CHROMA 002’ is a single that will have you nodding in rhythm. Speaking on the new tune Bicep said: This is one of several tracks we’ll be releasing with Ben this year. It was recorded over several jam sessions last year with Ben at our studio in London. For us it is always exciting to come together with zero preconceived ideas, free to experiment and see what comes out of the sessions”.

Tessa Rose Jackson & Franklin Mansion, ‘Anti-Hero’

Featuring Donegal native Franklin Mansion, ‘Anti Hero’ is a beautiful sonic folkscape that ebbs and flows with the musicians complimentary vocal ranges. An easy-listening acoustic guitar led track, ‘Anti-Hero’ is about reflecting on what a strange thing it is to be a villain in someone else’ story. A transcendent piece of music, ‘Anti Hero’ is a charming and thought provoking piece of folk music.

 

Ryan Mack, ‘Pushing Daisies’

A sweet pop song about enduring love, ‘Pushing Daisies’ is about romanticising the day to day of being in love with someone. Demonstrating Mack’s impressive and dulcet vocals, the track makes use of a beautiful piano line as the backbone of the love song. Layering this with violin and Ryan Mack’s sweeter than sweet vocals and you have the recipe for pop ballad perfection.

Michael Moloney, ‘Rewrite’

Michael Moloney has been expanding his sound and honing his craft over the last year, the result of which is the ever surprising pop track ‘Rewrite’. With this new multilayered track, Molony delivers a genre traversing break-up song. The musician says of his new release that: "With this song, I wanted to explore the feeling of lost love, shattered dreams, and bittersweet memories intertwined in the haunting lyrics of this melancholic ballad, echoing the pain of a broken heart”

Ryan Ennis, ‘Let Them Know’

A invigorating fresh new dance track ‘Let Them Know’ is sure to get you on your feet this weekend. The latest offering from Ryan Ennis, ‘Let Them know’ is a feel good piece of dance, with the underlying message being: ‘If you love someone let them know”. “Let Them Know’ is a beat orientated track with a heartfelt message to take away after the rave.

Bklava, ‘Free’

DJ, producer and vocalist Bklava, aka Lara Sweeney, builds the anticipation for they’re forthcoming EP, c u l8r, with its second track ‘Free,’ released today.

Bklava consults an expansive vault of inspirations, from garage house to piano breaks, to create a scintillating banger that pays homage to the ‘10s deep house scene.

“When I was writing the lyrics a few years back, I was experiencing a lot of highs and genuinely felt like life could throw me a curveball and whatever it was, I could come back stronger,” she says. “I knew I had already overcome some battles and felt more headstrong than ever so this was my way of expressing that power and independence through the lyrics which lead to the big euphoric independence through the lyrics which lead to the big euphoric chorus! I hope you love this one, I absolutely loved making it.”

Dermot Kennedy, ‘Lessons’

‘Lessons’ is the latest thought-provoking, impassioned offering from Dermot Kennedy. Produced by Kenny Beats, ‘Lessons’ is the powerful second track from his ‘I’ve told the trees everything’

It sees the artist return to the palette that’s worked for him so far: hip hop chops with flickering acoustics, anthemic drum programming and the rustic timbre of his soulful vocal performance.

“It means so much to me to share this EP with you,” Kennedy wrote of the EP announcement on X. “It feels like such a beautiful direction I’m heading in, and I’m very excited to go there with you. Thank you for sticking with me and getting me here.”

Aisling Lyons, ‘SUNBEAM’

Irish harpist, concertina player, and multi-award-winning musician and composer, Aisling Lyons has released a dazzling new offering, 'Sunbeam,' a heartfelt and contemporary harp composition. The single is a poignant tribute to her late friend Sarah and showcases Aisling's emotive musical storytelling.

Written by Aisling, 'Sunbeam' is a musical reflection inspired by the profound emotions experienced after the passing of her close friend. The composition beautifully captures the essence of memories and the healing power of music during times of loss.

Produced by Aisling & Ben Wanders in Limerick, 'Sunbeam' boasts a rich and evocative sound, showcasing Aisling's virtuosity on the harp. The collaboration with Wanders brings a unique blend of contemporary elements to the composition, with all sounds created by the harp.

Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, 'Siren Spring'

Irish folk artist Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin has had quite an astonishing year so far. In recent weeks, he has performed on The Tommy Tiernan Show, played with Christy Moore in Vicar Street and won Best Folk Singer and Best Original Folk Track for 2023 at the RTÉ Folk Awards. Apart from his music career, Ó Ceannabháin is a fierce political activist and has been heavily involved in the Palestine solidarity movement.
Today he releases a new single, ‘Siren Spring,’ which he is using to highlight the court cases faced by pro-Palestine activists and to raise money for legal fees.

“Musically, ‘Siren Spring’ is probably the most pop-like thing I’ve ever written - although that might not be saying much! It’s quite a playful song even though some of its content is quite serious,” says Eoghan.

The track was recorded at Hellfire Studios with producer-cum-sonic polymath Alex Borwick, and also features arrangements from Anna Mullarkey, Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz, Ian Kinsella and Conor Lyons.

Greywind, ‘You’re My Medicine’

Punk sibling duo Greywind continue their impressive return with their new single ‘You’re My Medicine,’ an wicked offering of emo rock sensibilities. The Killarney-based brother-sister pair, comprising Steph and Paul O’Sullivan, call the track a ‘love letter’ to their fans.

“You’re My Medicine is the story of our lives so far. Our story as individuals, our story as a family and our story as Greywind,” the rock duo remarks. “It is a love letter to our fans for supporting us through our darkest times. They’ve saved us many times over by believing in us, in our music, and by standing with us in the face of trauma, grief, and adversity. Art is a two way street, and they are just as much a part of the songs on this EP as we are.”

This track is one of five through which the duo have been weaving intensely personal stories and will be released together as the Antidote EP on 15th March via Version III, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

Caleb & Walshy, ‘My Mates’

Arriving on the Irish/UK Hip-Hop Scene in 2018, Caleb & Walshy are back to release their first single in almost 4 years, ‘My Mates.’

The infectious track boasts an ambitious blend of HQ production with heavy synths, 808s, sub basses, and lyricism directed at “bettering men’s health.”

“The title ‘My Mates’ is literal. Inspired by and dedicated to their closest friends in a time where mental health and misidentification run awry, it’s a plea to consider what’s important in life. Focus on your friends and not material possessions. Open up to your community and don’t isolate yourself.”

Martha Greer, ‘Mary’

Indie-rock artist Martha Greer returns with a lovely new tune ‘Mary.’ The song was written and released for an industry leading talent development programme, the Oh Yeah Music Centre.

Greer took to Instagram to talk about the process of creating the new single: “I am very pleased to be sharing this song with you as part of @ohyeahcentre Scratch My Progress alongside 3 amazing artists I have had the privilege of spending my Tuesday nights with over the past months.”

With a pummeling rhythm section and sparkling guitar reverb, ‘Mary’ is a dazzling listen that would complement your revitalising spring playlists in need of a new indie-rock anthem.

 

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SPEAKERS, ‘COOLER TALK’

Buzzy Irish indie-rock band SPEAKERS have today released their new single ‘COOLER TALK, a propulsive rock banger which explores the existential dread of working soul-crushing, dead-end jobs in your 20s. The subject matter makes for a perfect complement to SPEAKERS’ ubiquitous brand of guitar-based pop antics.

Formed in 2020 and consisting of members Conor Kinsella (vocals, guitar), Alex Cregan (vocals, bass), Ellen Beamish (guitar) and Joe Clarke (drums), SPEAKERS have performed across a variety of Ireland’s most iconic stages and festivals, from Whelan’s Upstairs to Sea Sessions. In 2023, the band released their debut EP, Endless Summer, followed up by a successful string of gigs in both Dublin and Galway.

Lwny, ‘She Said’

Cork producer and EDM extraordinaire Lwny has today released a kinetic, sweeping new track ‘She Said,’ released via Hexagon's new FUTURE label.

With bubbly drum programming and layered synths, ‘She Said’ blends futuristic EDM with the airs of a video game soundtrack and speed house beats. The ambitious track blends warm, summery vibes with the atmosphere of a late night comedown surrounded by friends. Boasting a prismatic rhythm section and pastel-hued synths, the track sees Lwny pushing at the boundaries of his ambition to build a fitting home for intimate house ambience and skittering club beats.

 

Check out our New Irish Songs playlist below!