New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Talos & Ólafur Arnalds, ‘We Didn’t Know We Were Ready’ feat. Niamh Regan & Ye Vagabonds

The studio version of this heartfelt tribute to the late musician Eoin French, AKA Talos, was originally performed on the season premiere of The Tommy Tiernan Show. Glittering with synths, strings and philosophical lyricism, French, along with Ye Vagabonds, Ólafur Arnalds and Niamh Regan, wrote the emotional and atmospheric track in 2023.

French passed away in August of last year, aged 36 after a short illness. He left a legacy of music behind to be released after his death, including an EP with Atli Örvarsson.

GNS, ‘NITE’ N DAY

Eclectic Dublin producer/rapper GNS delivers a trippy, intense and confident hip hop number, brimming with bass laden synths and lyrics reflecting the young artist’s inarguable work rate.

“I produced & engineered this track after a long hiatus from working on my own music,” GNS says. “I produce & engineer for many other emerging artists in Dublin, rappers & singers. So when that happens my own music takes the back seat.

“It became a problem, so I searched and found a temporary solution. I would work on clients projects during the day and then my own at night. I spent a whole night working on this track, breaking my hiatus, forcing myself to create something after a long time.”

KNEECAP, ‘H.O.O.D - 2025 Mix’

An early self-released single from 2021 and a firm live favourite, this 2025 refresh is accompanied by a couple of fantastic remixes from Sam Interface and Working Men’s Club.

"I loved the aggression and energy of the original version of KNEECAP’s H.O.O.D.”, said Interface. “I thought it would be really fun to re imagine the track as a gritty, lo fi, dance floor banger! I think you can hear influences of early grime, jungle techno and Chicago footwork as well as my own signature flavour. I hope people enjoy it, I really enjoyed making it!"

A huge high-octane tune, H.O.O.D. is the chaotic, dizzying set-closer to their live show and also the track accompanying the rolling credits of their eponymous award-winning feature film. Universally loved by their fans, the release comes after a busy week for the Belfast rap trio, which included the announcement of a Coachella slot and their biggest ever arena show in Dublin.

 

Skull The Pierre, ‘simple songs for complex days’

The latest tune from this Dublin-based Swede opens with some clean, laid-back guitar, setting a dreamy foundation for Skull The Pierre’s suitably lo-fi delivery which blends stream-of-consciousness, poetry, and abstract violence.

“To some it’s cold and ugly, to some warm and beautiful, I’m amazed at how many different emotions the song can evoke in people,” the artist says. “To me, it’s an awakening.”

Since moving from Stockholm to study at BIMM Dublin alumni, the DIY Alternative Hip-Hop artist is deeply embedded in Dublin's underground and has shared the stage with renowned Irish acts like Kojaque, Bricknasty, Malaki, Tebi Rex, Shiv, and more.

Seán Finn and the Late Bloomers, ‘Late Bloomer’

These London-based indie rock merchants’ fourth single asserts itself straight away with a shred-tastic lead guitar line underpinned by funky instrumentation, paving the way for a sunny tune which evokes latter-day Mac Demarco.

“‘This surely is our most commercial track so far! It was a lot of fun to produce, and I learned a lot when overdubbing the backing vocals and the bouncy synth part,” frontman Seán Finn says. “The guitar solo was so much fun to record as well; Schindler knocked that one out of the park on the first take so we just kept it that way!’

Snow Patrol, ‘But I’ll Keep Trying’

This typically radio-ready, uplifting and inspiring slice of alternative pop is one of six new tracks that will feature on an extended version of the Northern Ireland chart-topper’s latest LP The Forest Is The Path. Also announced this week was a new book from Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody, set to provide deeper insight into the creation of the record and Lightbody’s personal life.

“The book has the same name as the album because it is a companion piece to it,” Lightbody wrote on the Snow Patrol X account.

“Every time we finish an album I usually feel like there are hardly any words left in me. Not until we go about making the next album. But when we finished recording The Forest Is The Path in February 2024 I realised that there was more I wanted to say. I didn’t know it was going to be a book but I just started writing.”

Tayne, ‘ Wasted’

London-based Dubliners Tayne’s much-anticipated debut album LOVE arrives today, arriving as a refreshing amalgamation of metal, industrial, shoegaze and pop.

“The contrast (of genres) is far more interesting to me,” frontman Matt Sutton states. “I still love extreme metal and heavy bands, but I think there's something a little bit more exciting when you're trying to create something that isn't what everyone else is doing.”

‘Wasted’, with crushing bass and massive-sounding guitars, shows the band at their most aggressive, mechanical & violent in the vein of Ministry & Fear Factory while attempting to find serenity in chaos.

"’Wasted’ is purely about lust,” Sutton adds. “Getting caught up in those feelings, mistaking them for something else and then undressing that to reveal the mess it has created."

CARSTEN2X, ‘ROUGH’

DIY bedroom producer (and Hot Press Hot For 2025 alumnus) CARSTEN2X, who has collaborated with some fellow exciting names on the Irish scene, gets the year off to an intense, suggestive start, with his glitchy new single. The track arrives just days after the Shankhill, Dublin native joined his buddy Khakikid on stage at the Olympia ahead of 49th & Main’s headline show at the storied capital city venue.

 

 

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Seán Mulrooney, ‘The Pufferfish’

Dublin neofolk artist Séan Mulrooney has released a psychedelic deep dive with his latest track ‘The Pufferfish’ taken from his upcoming debut solo album This Is My Prayer. The release follows the success of his debut single ‘Ag Múschlaighacht’ last November. Inspired by a BBC film documenting dolphins interacting with pufferfish to seemingly experience a hallucinogenic high, the track is a fantastic dance-floor odyssey, featuring Earl Harvin on drums. Overall, ‘The Pufferfish’ is a thrilling adventure of a tune, not stopping short of fun and excitement for even a second, with unpredictable twists and turns aplenty.

The Violet Breaks, ‘The King’

Dublin four piece alt-rock group The Violet Break have released ‘The King’, the first single from their upcoming debut album Triple Volt. A deeply personal song, ‘The King’ is a touching tribute to a friend of lead singer Eoghan, who passed away. A powerful blend of anthemic rock, the track is backed by driving bass and drums with a feel-good chorus illuminated by a guitar-driven hook.

Reflecting on his friend’s quiet yet powerful gift for inspiring others, Eoghan said: "She was someone who selflessly instilled confidence and a deeper sense of purpose in those around her and these types of qualities can often go unsung. After the passing of a friend - who always championed the creativity of those around her - it felt right to pay tribute to her, as the slowly growing faith I had in the band's work was a direct result of her encouragement and belief in my songwriting abilities”.

Paddy Keyes, ‘Beautiful Liar’

Sligo indie pop artist Paddy Keyes has released his debut EP, Over & Over. Having played a sold-out headline show at Whelan’s, supported Good Neighbours and Post Party, and performed at Sea Sessions, 2024 was a great year for Keyes, with 2025 set to be bigger and better. One of the tracks from his new EP, ‘Beautiful Liar’, is the epitome of the perfect indie pop track, exploring youthful emotions and relationships. An earworm track, the euphoric chorus replays in its listeners ears long after enjoying the song.

Dani Larkin, ‘David’

Following on from the acclaim of her debut album Notes For A Maiden Warrior, Belfast-based singer-songwriter and folk artist Dani Larkin has released her stunning new single ‘David’, accompanied by a music video. Home for a headline tour in Ireland next month and with an upcoming special London show, it’s a busy start to 2025 for the artist. Larkin has described her song as a track that “ponders on the theme of childhood memory and the curiosity of a space-age future”. Featuring gorgeous and powerful vocals, the track pushes the boundaries of the folk genre, taking the listener on a pathway to the beyond.

Allie Sherlock, ‘Ex-Friend’

Following on from a jam-packed 2024, 19-year-old pop sensation Allie Sherlock has released her brand new single ‘Ex-Friend’, a powerful anthem of heartbreak, betrayal and empowerment. The Cork star wrote the song with collaborator Ollie Green, continuing to show her evolution as an artist, tapping into the complexities of relationships with emotional depth and honesty. Speaking about the single, Sherlock commented: “Long story short, I liked this guy, and my friend (at the time) went after him and broke the girl code,” Allie says with a laugh. “I guess we were sort of frenemies – there was definitely something passive-aggressive about the relationship…”.

The Kyd G, ‘G’s-Unit’

Dublin artist and producer The Kyd G has released a three-track EP titled G’s-Unit produced by close friend and collaborator Mubi. With a music video set to drop on February 7, the title and intro track, ‘G’s-Unit’, was inspired by East Coast style NY rap, particularly G-Unit and 50 Cent. Commenting on the track, the artist said: “This track also has a lot of west coast elements involved in the production that can be felt in the track. Originally a freestyle, I wanted to make a clear indicator about how I expect this year to go for me”. A smooth rap track, ‘G’s-Unit’ features slick vocals and captures a mellow, cool quality.

Silk, ‘Faze’

Emerging Belfast-based heavy-gaze band Silk has released their latest single ‘Faze’, a pure shoegaze track, with molten guitars, a dreamy chorus with reverb, over dense fuzz and buried vocals which function as an additional instrument. A new solo project by Virgins guitarist and songwriter Michael Smyth, ‘Faze’ was created entirely by the artist, from the writing and performing to recording, producing and mixing. Smyth also created the art and visuals for the track.

Speaking about his new project, the artist said: “I constantly feel like I am rushing towards the inevitable infinite oblivion. Further exacerbated by the marking of years spent circling the sun. To that end, it’s important that I fill the time remaining with joyous, creative acts. The sharing of ideas is an essential part of that, which brings us to Silk”.

Four Faces, ‘Overnight’

Dublin-based indie-rock quartet Four Faces have started 2025 with a bang, with the release of their newest single ‘Overnight’. Following on from 2024’s ‘Part Of You’, ‘Overnight’ is the second track from the group’s upcoming debut EP. Featuring catchy guitar riffs and a classic indie-rock sound, ‘Overnight’ is an infectious track that begs to be replayed over and over. Building steadily with a memorable chorus and strong vocals, the track culminates with a heavier rock guitar riff, ending powerfully.

 

Luke Clerkin, ‘Home’

Known for his euphoric live performances, deep and infectious music, and his extraordinary work ethic, Tallaght artist Luke Clerkin has finally dropped his debut album Orpheus today.

The project puts his knack for heart-rending, acoustic songwriting on full blast, with the wistful, romantic energetic ode to Dublin, ‘Home’ showing a collaborative side as joins forces with Brid Lyons for a sonorous duet. Clerkin will be celebrating the release of the album with a launch in Whelan's on February 6, see more details below.

 

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TAYYLS, ‘Ecstacy’

Dublin singer songwriter TAYYLS latest radio-destined single oozes a dark, sensual and confident energy. Massive-sounding, dramatic synths cascade over the young artist’s carnal lyricism, which evokes the likes of early 2010’s Lady Gaga.

Having written songs for 15 years, completed a degree in BIMM and performed for a number of musicians across Dublin, TAYYLS is set to deliver an EP in 2025, packed “new, catchy pop songs that are full of grit and edge.”

JC Stewart, ‘Tomorrow’

JC Stewart just dropped the title track of his second EP, Tomorrow. The up-beat pop song, highlighting Stewart’s strong vocals, explores friendship and comradery.

“Whether it’s a pint at the local or a bonfire on the beach, it’s all about that moment of contentment where you close your eyes and realise that life doesn’t get much better,” he said.

His earnest lyrics pair well with the punchy drums and starry guitar. Listeners interested in hearing Stewart live can catch him on his European tour, with several Irish dates in Limerick, Cork, Kilkenny, Galway and Donegal.

PCG Beats, ‘Overthink Tomorrow’ feat. Banana

Irish Copenhagen-based guitarist and producer PCG Beats has released his latest chill lofi wonder, ‘Overthink Tomorrow’, featuring Banana. Two minutes and twenty seconds of pure vibes, ‘Overthink Tomorrow’ is a relaxing anthem which takes its listeners on a transportive journey. The artist describes how the song was inspired by his move to Denmark, and about how overthinking can affect the process. The new track is part of 5-track EP entitled Copenhagen which PCG Beats plans to release between now and March.

Dave Nulty, ‘Falling For You’

Hailing from Dublin, electronic and dance music producer Dave Nulty has released his thrilling new track ‘Falling For You’. Having started his music career with indie-rock, Nulty has shifted to electronic music. Since beginning producing electronic tracks in 2022, he has released ten tracks. His most recent, ‘Falling For You’ is an exemplary electronic dance track. Featuring dynamic vocals and powerful synths, the song possesses an ethereal quality that provides a sense of euphoria for its listeners.

Bren Berry, ‘This City’

Former Revelino guitarist Bren Berry today releases his debut solo album In Hope Our Stars Align. Across 12 tracks, Berry traverses his own personal reflections on family, friendship, love, Dublin and resilience.

Track 4, ‘This City’ is an undeniable rock anthem, replete with glowing guitars, propulsive vocals and a pummelling rhythm section.
At its heart, the song unfolds itself as a radiant rock number - the kind that would perfectly soundtrack the end credits of an indie film. It’s a satellite of love bursting with shimmering riffs and glorious hooks. It’s a prism of light refracted in several directions. But more than anything else, it’s a banging tune.

Zoé Basha, ‘Dublin Street Corners’

Zoé Basha, a French-American musician based in Dublin, released the latest single ‘Dublin Street Corners’ off her up-coming album Gamble. The dreamy folk-inspired track addresses the connection between one's environment, old memories and introspection.

Basha’s delightful vocal performance dances alongside Ultan Lavery on piano and fiddle, Hannah Hiemstra on drums, Anthony Mannion on dobro, and Jonny Pickett on upright bass. Basha herself also played on guitar, creating a dynamic and layered sound.

“A guy I once knew said he’d write me a country song,” she wrote on Instagram. “He never did, so here’s one for him.”

amy michelle, ‘Atrophy’

Hot on the heels of a new EP announcement, amy michelle has unveiled the lead single ‘Atrophy’, a soaring track that explores the hard-won battle of recognising a toxic relationship.

Written in Summer 2023, the track was produced by Joseph Rodgers in London, where the two polished ‘Atrophy’ off in a Brixton studio.

“‘atrophy’ is the toxic relationship you can’t seem to shake,” reflects amy. “It’s the feeling of wasting away on someone else’s watch, under someone else’s spell. It’s the shame you feel when you realise your loved ones were right all along. I wrote it in stages of manipulation, to anger, to loneliness, and to finally having the strength to put it to bed.”

Taylor D, ‘26 Songs’

Dublin starlet Taylor D has unleashed her vibrant new single ‘26 Songs’.

This upbeat pop anthem channels the boundless nature of love and the countless ways of expressing it. With an infectious sonic touch and undeniably heart-rending lyrics, ‘26 Songs’ explores the deep connection shared between people, and how it fuels both creativity and the outpouring of emotions.

“I wrote 26 Songs as a tribute to the idea that love is endless, and no matter how many times you try to capture it, there’s always more to say,” Taylor D says of the song.

Paddy Hanna, ‘Oylegate Station’

Coming alongside the announcement of his forthcoming album Oylegate, lead single ‘Oylegate Station’ sees Paddy Hanna return as the unflinching captain steering his own ship; the destination may be unknown, but the cult singer will see us along the journey with his fine-tuned pop stylings.

Speaking about the new track, Hanna’s cryptic explanation could be confused for a missive from a lonely cosmonaut: “Low rent fuel, caffeine of all shapes, the midpoint of hope and despair, engine still running at Oylegate Station.”

Loah, ‘Gabhaim Molta Bríghde’

Loah drops a breathtaking new single today, ‘Gabhaim Molta Bríghde’, in honor of Saint Brigid’s Day.

Recorded with harpist Cormac DeBarra at The Clinic in Dublin, the track is a heartfelt tribute to one of Ireland’s most cherished saints, while also reflecting on the deep-rooted importance of the divine feminine in Irish history. Sung entirely in Irish, this haunting rendition beautifully captures the sacred spirit of Saint Brigid, whose legacy remains intricately woven into Ireland’s cultural and spiritual tapestry.

“I learned this tune (words written by Tomás Ó Flannghaile) a few years ago for one of the first celebrations of St Brigid’s Day,” says Loah. “Since then, with each passing year its mournful, beautiful melody has gripped my imagination”.

Pebbledash, ‘Alone and Forsaken’

Cork band Pebbledash deliver otherworldly soundscapes on their single ‘Alone and Forsaken’, the opener to their anticipated debut EP Four Portraits of the Same Ugly House. Experimenting with a glorious blend of shoegazey instrumentals and distinctive noise rock flavors, the band offers an enticing first taste of an EP described as “an exploration of my time in Cork city or the 'Ugly House' as it is referred to in the title.

"The Ugly House Is a term of endearment from us to refer to the charm of Cork taking in its beauty but also the imperfections. A house is where we all feel most safe and able to express ourselves and I think this ‘ugly’ imperfection is what gives Cork the allure and allows the freedom of expression we get when writing and recording.”

LYRA, ‘Freak’

Irish pop princess Lyra offers a languorous look into her artistry with her new track ‘Freak’, with infectious elements of techno dance, opening with pulsating beats before moving into Lyra’s signature brand of powerful vocals. On speaking of ‘Freak’ Lyra said: “Freak is a sexy single about the freak we all have inside. I mean they do say freak under the sheets don’t they… I wanted to express the sassy side of Lyra.”

Fergal Nash, ‘It’s Just The Way That I Live’

As anthemic as it is endearing, Limerick artist Fergal Nash’s ‘It’s just The Way That I lIve’ is an up-tempo dream of a rock’n’roll track, featuring pulsating percussions, rousing guitar hooks and wild call-and-response vocals.

Speaking about the track, Nash said, “This song captures everything I love about rock ‘n’ roll—the energy, the attitude, and the connection with people. It’s who I am.”

Thando P, ‘Pipe Down’

With hypnotising vocals and scintillating instrumentals, Dublin artist Thando P’s ‘Pipe Down’ is an incredibly catchy blend of R&B and pop, complete with head-bobbing beats and delicate melodies. Through smooth soundscapes, the track tells the story of a man reassuring and helping his lover through difficult times.

 

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GARAGE, 'The Ghost of Bancroft Avenue (A Tale of Toledo, Ohio)'

GARAGE, a.k.a Charlie Travis, makes his long-awaited return to music on his new EP From the Edge Of America, including the track ‘The Ghost of Bancroft Avenue (A Tale of Toledo, Ohio)’, on which he relives growing up in the Midwest. Setting a Romeo-and-Juliet tragedy, the track is filled with vintage rock flavours and blue-grass soundscapes, offering an emotional first taste into this new record.

Danzino, ‘Move On’

A deeply personal and emotional track, Danzino’s ‘Move On’ is an absolute gem of an R’N’B inspired guitar track. Gentle, smooth yet wonderfully catchy, the 2-minutes long tune transports the listener through richly textured soundscapes and dreamy vocal lines reminiscent of longing late nights and nostalgic early mornings.

Birthday Problem, ‘Lines’ feat. Party Fears

Birthday Problem collaborate with Party Fears for the deeply moving and atmospheric ‘Lines’, a track which tells the story of two people forced to leave their homes due to circumstances beyond their control. The track also serves as a creative collaboration with Leila Boukarim and Asaf Luzon, the authors behind A Million Kites, a poignant collection of poetry and testimonies from children in Gaza.

Leila Boukarim says: "The track's themes of loss and perseverance immediately recalled the messages of many of the tender, beautiful voices included in A Million Kites. Part of helping the children of Gaza is building meaningful coalitions across all kinds of art forms and communities, and raising these most important and overlooked perspectives in times of such tremendous pain.”

Mob Wife, 'Thank God For Car Parks'

Belfast band Mob Wife return with the sardonic new single ‘Thank God For Car Parks’, alternating between chiming guitar chords and dissonant riffs, complete with riotous bass lines and rousing percussion. Inspired by the massive change in urban landscape in Belfast, favouring overpriced student housing over venues, bars, restaurants and spaces where a community can thrive, all wrapped in a tongue in cheek narrative of male urban land owner in a city including car parks who is thankfully for his opportunity to make so much money off of the poor and needy.