New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Childsmind - ‘Through the Night’

Wexford producer Childsmind drops his latest release, ‘Through the Night’, a track built on euphoric highs and emotional intensity that explores the tension of sleepless nights and lingering memories. His new song follows the success of his summer anthem ‘Burning’, which saw the musician receive acclaim for his boundary-bushing artistry and DJ skills.

Talking about his new single, Childsmind said: “'Through the Night' is about those restless nights when memories of someone or something just won’t let you go. The lyrics are about realising that sometimes, holding on is what’s keeping you from healing.”

 

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Pauric O' Meara, ‘Forgets His Name’

Tipperary-born, Dublin-based artist Pauric O' Meara has released his new single ‘Forgets His Name', ahead of the release of his EP Reflections Of What We Could Be, which is dropping in the new year.

His new track is an ode to looking at the bigger picture in life and doing what’s best for you. Melancholic guitar and slapping snares provide the introduction, before O' Meara’s vocals set the scene of the song, a mood of reflection and rhetorical questions that are backed up by shimmering guitars.

Speaking about the single Pauric explains: ''’Forgets His Name’ is a song about exactly that, forgetting my name, forgetting who I really was, all because for so long I was too afraid to let go.

“In this particular circumstance, it was about a previous relationship. I thought this girl was the one, and for a long time I fought with myself to ignore the truth and to persist, and all will work out. This absolutely did not happen, and I was the one who was left worse off as a result.”

Deja Vu, ‘Going Home’

Wicklow pop-rock group Deja Vu are back with new single 'Going Home' this Friday, following the success of previous release 'Sick And Tired'.

The new track delivers a more introspective narrative and performance, exploring the tension between experiencing anxiety and the common frustration of those who, never having faced it, might simplistically urge, “snap out of it.”

Against this backdrop, Deja Vu weaves a message of empathy, awareness, and understanding that resonates with a broad audience.

Chubby Cat, ‘DEAR DIARY, I WANNA DIE’

Electro-pop artist Chubby Cat has released her highly anticipated debut EP THE FINE ART OF DISASSOCIATION, after a string of successful single releases. The focus track ‘DEAR DIARY, I WANNA DIE’ features stunning vocals from the singer-songwriter, and comes alongside a music video.

On the track, Chubby Cat said: “‘DEAR DIARY, I WANNA DIE’ is a tongue in cheek way of expressing my emotional state of being and how I handle my feelings within my music and lyrics. "DEAR DIARY, I WANNA DIE" is a line I wrote in my lyrics book as a dramatic expression of frustration, laced with humour in a moment shared with the boys in the studio.

“Kris saw the line and jumped at it, so we put it in. The lyrics to this song are accompanied by an unpredictable but exhilarating piece of music. In my head, a perfect representation of life, and it's imperfections.”

Ava Bennett, ‘Cadillac Ride’

Limerick artist Ava Bennett has released her debut single, ‘Cadillac Ride’, a jazzy number about two young lovers travelling with one another on a physical and metaphorical journey about self discovery, their relationship, and if they want it.

The track shows a strong vocal performance, as well as  features dynamic lyrics, stunning harmonising and a glistening guitar riff that takes the listener on a dreamy journey.

Leah Rose, ‘Hourglass’

Cork-born artist Leah Rose’s newest single ‘Hourglass’ hones in on her signature dark and dreamy pop sound. A beautiful melody kicks off the song thanks to the piano riff during the intro. The broody atmosphere of the track perfectly complemented Rose’s vocals.

Speaking about her songwriting method, Leah said: “I see my songwriting style as atmospheric and somewhat abstract. I love being able to use music as a tool to materialise the things I see in my mind. So when I write a song I try to place the listener right in the centre of my memories and daydreams.”

Ciaran Lavery, ‘We’re Looking For a Hit’, feat Joshua Burnside

Acclaimed Antrim singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery teams up with Joshua Burnside on the latest single from his stellar upcoming LP Light Entertainment.

Crushing sub-bass courses underneath Lavery’s sardonic, rap-like musings on the ugly, capital-hungry aspects of the music industry, which, much like the song’s oscillating synthscapes, only seem to be intensifying over time.

“The track deals with my personal history and feelings about working within the music industry,” he says. “Through all of the trials, tribulations, successes and setbacks, it ultimately comes down to one thing “we’re looking for a hit”. It also looks at issues of self-worth and trying to find one's place in an often brutal and callous world.”

 

John Doherty, ‘The Tide’

Previously hailed by Elton John for having “the best voice”, John Doherty returns with his latest single, which brims with a rootsy, cowboyish twang.

Pensive lyrics, an epic-sounding acoustic progression and soulful vocals make up the bones of this folky tune, capturing the essence of raw emotion and storytelling that have long been the heart of this Donegal native’s songwriting.

Caleb & Walshy, ‘Inside Outside’

Released in line with Men's Health Awareness Month, alternative hip hop duo Caleb & Walshy’s new EP My Mates is a raw three-track collection, addressing men's mental health, suicide, and the importance of speaking out.

Project closer ‘Inside Outside’ completes an emotional narrative arc, offering a confessional look at the internal battles many men face.

"We wanted to close the EP with Inside Outside because it’s the most vulnerable track," says Caleb. "It’s about reaching out, even when everything inside is screaming not to, and showing that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness."

modernlove., ‘Something To Hold On’

Currently on their sold out tour across UK and Europe, Louth-formed indie-pop-rockers modernlove present the final single and title track from their upcoming EP, the last before their debut album is scheduled to arrived in 2025.

'Something To Hold On To 'is about the empty space it seems we’re all born with inside of us that can only be made whole by another person,” say the band of the song, which oozes an early ‘00s pop-punk energy via soaring choruses and massive sounding guitars.

“It speaks to the deep, almost spiritual craving we develop for that person when they do come along and how it can turn into something really painful when they’re gone. It’s about someone who comes into your life and kind of runs away with it.'

Pa Sheehy, ‘Abigail’ 

Former Walking on Cars frontman Pa Sheehy re-releases a soon-to-be beloved Christmas track just in time for the holiday season. The song features a muted piano that carries throughout, setting a reflective mood.

As Sheehy explains, "I wanted to capture the feeling of Christmas in a rural Irish town. The song imagines a group of friends who only reunite at Christmas, looking back at simpler times and the loss of a friend who has recently passed. Abigail, once the life of the party, is now gone, and her friends toast to the joy she brought."

Tigers of Tin Pan, ‘I Cannot See The Doctor’ 

Psych-pop duo Tigers of Tin Pan return with their second comeback single, 'I Cannot See The Doctor'. Consisting of songwriter John Butler and producer Liam Mulvaney, the track explores Butler’s personal struggles with a fear of doctors and hypochondria, offering an honest and relatable perspective on anxiety and medical concerns.

With their signature psychedelic pop sound, the song blends catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrics, making complex emotions both engaging and accessible. This new release captures the duo’s ability to turn personal themes into captivating, relatable music.

Charles James & The Rise, ‘The Sailor & The Saint’ 

Folk pairing Charles James & The Rise have released their new single, 'The Sailor and The Saint'. Based along the rugged Donegal coastline, husband and wife Charles James and Catherine O'Donnell draw inspiration from their surroundings, with James working as a maritime pilot. The track blends dark folk with haunting choral undertones.

'The Sailor and The Saint' tells the gritty story of a '60s couple, reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde, navigating love, danger, and sacrifice. Featuring rising fiddle passages and eerie saxophone motifs, the song explores the highs and lows of a love at risk, driven by tension and uncertainty.

Still Searching, ‘11:11’

Dublin-born, Belfast-based alt-pop artist Still Searching has dropped his latest single, ‘11:11’. Written by Sam Stevenson and Elizabeth Jane Murphy, the track explores themes searching for luck, drawing inspiration from angel numbers and the superstitions surrounding pairs of magpies.

“I’ve never been that superstitious, but I think a lot about signs and coincidences and how they influence where I am. Sometimes, waiting feels easier than making a move, but it can also be harmful in creating a sense of hesitation. I like the idea that even if you feel stuck, you can look to the sky and ask for something. I wanted this song to feel that way,” says Sam Stevenson aka Still Searching.

Altara, ‘Milan’

Irish newcomer Altara has released his debut EP The Lobby, complete with the brilliant new single ‘Milan’, a soft and stripped back piano ballad which lets the singer’s vocals take centre stage, slowly building up in intensity to explode in an emotional catharsis of a bridge.

Altare explains: “I wrote ‘Milan’ to say what I couldn’t find the words for. I really struggle to let people go, whether it’s in friendships or more, I just hate it. It’s worse when you’re not sure it’s the right thing. That’s what it’s about.”

Brién, ‘Everyone’s Here’

Belfast-producer and DJ Brién returns with his first release since 2021, 'Everyone’s Here’, a fun and fresh genre-blurring and high-octane track of playful and vibrant instrumentation a stripped-back vocals that was penned in a spontaneous moment during a late-night studio session, while Brién was deep in experimentation mode fiddling with new sounds.

Naomi Campbell, ‘Don’t You Mind’

Irish-born, Liverpool-based acoustic folk artist Naomi Campbell explores new horizons on the track ‘Don’t You Mind’, mixing Americana-inspired guitars with rich and soulful vocals to create a sound that is as honey-sweet as it is transporting.

"In 2021,” Campbell says of the track, “a friend and I started a new project called Tin Can Voodoo for which we delved into classic Blues, Rock, R&B & Soul classics performing with a full band every Wednesday night.

“Having been performing primarily as an Americana/Folk artist up until this point, being able to sing songs from powerhouse vocalists such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Bobbie Gentry inspired me to incorporate a little more roots and Soul into my own writing. I wrote Don’t You Mind in September last year reflecting on being able to share your troubles with your other half and letting them carry some of the weight."

Nadia Desree, ‘Riot’

A dark pop anthem exploring inner conflict and self-realisation, Nadia Desree new single ‘Riot’ is as compelling as it is moving, with its reverbed electric guitars and sleek production, combined with introspective and intensely emotional vocals.

​​In describing the single, Nadia reflects: “'Riot' is open to so many interpretations. I really want people to connect with it in their own way, and I think it’s one of those songs that allows for that kind of interpretation.

“For me, 'Riot' is a song that acknowledges that our greatest enemy can often be our own thoughts, which can be quite daunting. Many people struggle with anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, or fear. Often, we realise that we hold ourselves back, yet we make excuses to avoid facing that truth.”

Robert Grace & Ryan Mack, ‘Dive In’

Robert Grace and Ryan Mack’s new single ‘Dive In’ is a hyper-pop banger marking the first joint release from the two Irish artists. Infectious and dance-inducing, the track is also lined with a surprising amount of softness that reflects the subject matter of ‘Dive In’: the intense attraction and connection between two people and the irresistible pull they feel towards each other.

Talha Wise Wolf, ‘Genomcide’ feat. Sive

Ireland-based Palestinian rapper Talha Wise Wolf collaborates with Sive on ‘Genomcide’, a track criticising “the genocide in Palestine and the complicity of Western governments, in particular the Irish government,” according to the artist.

Alternatively titled ‘Fuck Fianna Fail / Fine Gael’, the song opens with a sample from a MALCOLM X speech and is performed in both English and Gaelic with Talha’s shiver-inducing bars and a transporting vocal performance from Sive, set against a backdrop of intense and dark beats.

 

Jerry Fish, ‘The Story Of An Artist

Jerry Fish opens his tribute album to cult music legend Daniel Johnston with an ornate, string-swathed rendition of the late American singer's ‘The Story of An Artist’. Dreaming of Daniel consists of thirteen Daniel Johnston covers, crafted alongside Fight Light Apes frontwoman MayKay and pianist/arranger Cian Boylan, as well as a 14-piece orchestra, a three-piece brass section and backing vocalists.

“Interpreting Daniel’s songs has been a truly magical journey for us,” Fish says. “Since 2020 we have hosted an event to celebrate “Hi, How Are You Day” on Jan 22nd (Dan’s Birthday) in Dublin, Ireland, with the encouragement and blessing of Daniel’s Hi, How Are You Project based in Austin Texas. With an aim to encourage new conversations around positive mental health and well being.”

Fiachna Ó Braonáin, Tom Dunne & Alan Connor, ‘Our Song’

Radio host and Hothouse Flowers founding member Fiachna Ó Braonáin teams up with Tom Dunne and Alan Conor for this emotional ballad of peace, unity and love, the second song from the trio's upcoming album. 

The uplifting track has a natural timbre, thanks to it being recorded in front of a live audience, and is bolstered by its sonorous harmonies and driving instrumentation - with the ripping piano solo standing out in particular.

 

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Clare Sands & Niamh Regan, ‘Crónán na Srúthan’

Cork Multi-instrumentalist Clare Sands and Galway singer-songwriter Niamh Regan have teamed up on the ethereal new track ‘Crónán na Srúthan’.

Weaving between Irish and English, ‘Crónán na Sruthán’ - meaning the croon of the stream - was recorded on and inspired by the most easterly point in Ireland, Wicklow Head. Regan’s sky-reaching vocals and driving electric guitar interweave with Sands’ traditional melodies and rhythmic percussion to culminate the final chapter of Sand’s new EP, Gormacha, a moving ode to language and landscape.

Maria Kelly, ‘When I’m Angry’

Beloved indie folk artist Maria Kelly is back with ‘When I’m Angry’, the lead single from her highly-anticipated album Waiting Room.

By turns shimmering and stalwart, the new single finds Kelly tapping into a kind of fury that many, including the songwriter herself, would find difficult to express.

“I’m someone who tends to burst into tears when I feel angry. It’s such a frustrating reaction, because it often makes me unable to speak up for myself in the moments I need to,” Kelly offers. “This song is about the resentment that comes with letting others walk all over you. Though, it’s not really about the other person as much as it’s about claiming back your voice as your own.”

The Half Room, ‘Dónal Óg’

Taken from The Half Room’s brand-new, self-titled album, ‘Dónal Óg’ boasts a simple, yet powerful arrangement that makes way for the outfit’s vocals and undeniable knack of storytelling shine.

With crystalline fingerpicked guitar and sooth-saying vocals, the traditional reinterpretation of ‘Dónal Óg’ tells the story of a girl whose obsession with her lover leaves her yearning for him as he travels widely in the world, hoping that one day he’ll return to her unharmed.

PARKER, ‘Holy Communion’

Derry punk trio PARKER have unleashed their pummelling new single ‘Holy Communion’, which addresses a cultural divide between two star-crossed lovers.

An infectiously upbeat pop-punk/emo track inspired by the likes of Motion City Soundtrack and Weezer, ‘Holy Communion’ follows on from standalone singles ‘Eleanor’ and ‘Generic Indie Bands’ which were released earlier this year, serving as the first taste of new material since the release of their well-received 2023 debut album, Never Let This Go.

“Lyrically it’s a love song addressing a romantic relationship between two people from two different cultural backgrounds in Northern Ireland,” singer and guitarist Dylan Bradley says.

Oscar Wilkins, ‘Art of War’

Emerging Dublin artist Oscar Wilkins has just released his debut EP Slow Burn this week, a 5 track thesis of masterful proportions.

Brand-new single ‘Art of War’ sees the singer-songwriter taking on the sonics of his 80s forebears with an inherently electro-pop bent. Undeniably infectious, the track is a commanding offering that situates Wilkins as an artist certainly worth keeping an ear on.

Moon Looks On, ‘Gypsy Fires’

Stephen Gormley - aka Moon Looks On - returns with a scintillating new offering of folk rock resplendence.

A little bit of Radiohead’s The Bends fused with James Vincent McMorrow, ‘Gypsy Fires’ is immediately gorgeous, with radiant strumming and a rousing rhythm section to accentuate Gormley’s belt-worthy lyrics. The track features Martin Ditchum (Mark Knopfler) on drums and Bill Shanley (Ray Davies/The Kinks) on guitars.

Written on the banks of the Corrib, Gypsy Fires is a song about the scars that linger, each with its own story. Wild nights with friends, and deep conversations that stretch into the early hours, even as some of those friends have faded with time. It’s a song about survival and celebration, where joy and loss meet in the glow of the fire.

Annika Kilkenny, ‘Boots For Hiking’

Kilkenny native Annika Kilkenny returns with a shimmering indie folk single that recalls the likes of dodie and Leith Ross.

‘Boots For Hiking’ is a surefire catchy song, perfect to warm up on bone-chilling autumnal mornings.

According to Annika herself, the song hits on a relatable experience of getting older: “If growing up you felt older than you were for whatever reason / spent your years focusing on the next instead of living the one you’re in, you’ll make great friends with this song”.

Cormorant Tree Oh, ‘To Be Flowers’

Cormorant Tree Oh’s new single ‘To Be Flowers’ is, pardonnez mon français, f**king beautiful and further cements the artist - aka Mary Keane - one of Ireland’s most compelling sonic experimentalists.

The track is a slow-build wonder that traverses a soundscape of woodwind woodlands, mesmeric vocal viaducts and guitar-plucked passages. Words do little justice with songs of this magnitude, but one thing is for sure: with ‘To Be Flowers’, Cormorant Tree Oh is sure to keep climbing up the ranks of the Irish music scene.

 

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The Savage Hearts, ‘Silver Locket’

The Savage Hearts have released their melodic rock song, ‘Silver Locket’. The tune has a soft rock riff and fusion vocals that clearly have pop punk, folk, and rock influences. ‘Silver Locket' also features a saxophone break that blends well with bass guitar. 

The song is the band’s third single since its formation in 2022 by Evan Walsh, who played drums for The Strypes.

Speaking on their musical influences, Evan Walsh says "You might go, ‘Oh, I was listening to country music and Motown, or something contemporary’, and you mix it with other influences. You might think you’re doing your take on a certain style, but because you’re going to get it slightly wrong, it’s your own kind of music. It’s going to sound like you, more than it sounds like you trying to be somebody else."

Marty Guilfoyle, ‘I’ll Be Okay’

Irish DJ Marty Guilfoyle's upbeat dance track ‘I’ll Be Okay' contains comforting lyrics and high-pitched vocals, which have a 2010s EDM vibe that pair nicely with the classic Euro dance instrumentals.

Marty says, "When I first heard the vocal, I was so excited to work on it. We’ve all been through some sort of heartbreak, but at the end of the day, we all end up okay after time passes. This song is for those who need something happy and uplifting to get them out of that heartbreak rut."

Marty's love for music has taken him from local Irish clubs and festivals to international stages, including iconic venues like Pacha in Spain and the globally celebrated Ultra festival.

Eve Clague, ‘Sleepless Nights’ 

West Cork singer Eve Clague shares her song 'Sleepless Nights' from her debut album Caught in Words. This track is emblematic of the themes in her new LP, with a deeply personal exploration of emotions, blending hurt, love, and frustration. “It’s like a criticism of myself and my emotions,” Eve says. 

The tune is deep and melodic, with wrought, expressive vocals and emotive string instruments that compliment Clague's ethereal vocals.

Eve's songs on Caught in Words touch on self-consciousness and insecurity, many who have struggled with traditional education, especially those with dyslexia share feelings. “It could be different now,” she adds, “but this album is my way of processing those feelings.”

Barry J Walsh, ‘The Sound’

A figure in Dublin’s late ‘90s indie scene, Barry J Walsh combines Powerpop with rock sensibilities in this track, which features dense, Beatles-inspired riffs, sharp guitars, dynamic bass lines, and lush harmonies.

Barry says, “It’s a song which has a dig at those miserabilists who only ever light up a room when they leave it and are all take but no give. As an antidote to that I used the image of a Sally Army brass band marching around as a symbol of spreading some joy and as the song says, tenderness and goodness abound when you let your heart hear The Sound!”

Barry says his new track is "For everyone who loves the sound of breaking glass, suburbs, distant drums or even the underground."

 

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Strand, 'Upside Inside'

To promote their debut EP, titled SOUNDS, Dublin's indie band Strand released a new track called 'Upside Inside'. An ode to doing "nothing at all", the tune navigates the mundane nature of being an adrift 20-something. Bassist/lyricist Shane Aherne’s penmanship and the band’s performance on the track, are full of energetic rhythm. 

You can't help but get caught up in the fun of this song, with clever lyrics and contagious energy, Nick Valensi-esque guitar riff, and chorus that's sure to stick in your head for days, if not weeks. 

Check out our New Irish Songs To Hear This Week playlist on Spotify below!