Youngiz x Elzzz, ‘SHARKS and FISHES’

Two big dogs of Ireland’s burgeoning hip-hop scene join forces for a heavy, magnetic and swaggering tune. The production is heaving and industrial, while the bars are brimming with bravado, summed up by the opening line - “Tell me why I should swim with the fishes when deep down I know I’m a shark.”

It’s unsurprising that Dublin-based artists Elzzz and Youngiz should be so confident, the former being the first Irish rapper to secure an official #1 album, while the latter has been climbing the ladder as a multifaceted storyteller. A daring and unreserved link-up.

Moncrieff, ‘Something To You’

Having spent the last few years earning his stripes as a powerful pop performer in Ireland and beyond, Waterford native Moncrieff finally releases his debut LP maybe it’s fine.

The album’s third track, ‘Something To You’, marks a playful sonic shift, combining acoustic guitars with a funky, shuffling rhythm driven by precise drums and a busy bassline.

“It’s dressed up as a bit of a party song, but underneath it’s about wanting to be used if that’s the only way you’re going to get something from someone,” says Moncrieff.

“I met this person at a house party, and it was so exciting. However, my feelings became a bit deeper and theirs were never really there. But it was such a fun thing that you don’t really care. Like, I don’t care if it’s all or nothing, I just want to be something to you... Whatever it is, I’ll take it.”

Soda Blonde, ‘Words’

The five tracks which make up Dublin alternative-pop outfit Soda Blonde’s new People Pleaser EP deal with “shame, desire, and emotional self-sabotage”.

Look no further than ‘Words’ - a raw and nerve jangling song which addresses the messy truths of busted romance. The tune opens with synths slithering around hauntingly distorted guitars, setting the scene for the gut-punching lyrics about wanting to be wanted.

Kate Prendergast, ‘Ignition’

Kate Prendergast’s ‘Ignition’ establishes the youngster as a songwriter who is mature beyond their years . The country-hued track is exceptionally produced, with an arse-thumping rhythm and weeping slide guitars. Her voice meanwhile, is singular and strong, with just the right amount of vulnerability.

“Ignition explores the uncertainties of starting a new episode in life and the conflicting feelings that often arise for those left behind,” the singer says, “between the desire to see loved ones flourish in their new futures and the yearning for them to return home.”

CMAT, ‘Take A Sexy Picture Of Me’

The second single to be taken from her new album EURO-COUNTRY, CMAT’s ‘Take A Sexy Picture Of Me’, a bittersweet heavy-hitter combining the artist’s signature joyful melodies with grave themes of body image and society’s look on women’s physical appearances.

"With the internet,” CMAT comments, “every woman is now in the public eye. And no matter who you are, or what you look like, somebody will take umbrage with the fact that you even exist, and there's no escaping it. ‘Take a Sexy Picture of Me’ was born out of that, because I held back for so long; not out of frustration or sadness for myself, because I AM in the public eye, but I realised it’s actually like this for every woman. It's all women, all the time. That song is me calling out anyone who criticised my weight or how I looked… and it’s one of the best songs I've ever made."

Sushee, ‘HANGMAN’ feat. Jeorge II & Sélu

An afro-house banger where strikingly powerful vocals meet high-octane rap verses, Sushee’s new single ‘HANGMAN’, released in collaboration with Jeorge II and Sélu, is a dance inducing track filled with high energy, breathless and compelling production. Following four minutes of invigorating rotating beats, the instrumental goes abruptly quiet a few seconds before the end of the track, offering Sushee an acapella section that allows her silky-smooth voice to shine.

 

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Ash Red, ‘Before’

Cork-based post-punk trio Ash Red release the radiant STUPID EP, which includes the brilliant opener ‘Before’, a short, hard-hitter of a track which provides a slow-building yet breathless acoustic guitar intro, surrounding the rest of the record in an aura of mystery, and reminiscent of ‘90s alt-rock soundscapes.

Talking about the new EP, the band explain: “The EP captures a raw and direct snapshot of a band in transition—bridging the gap between our earlier sound and what’s to come on the full-length album.”

Basht., ‘Bitter and Twisted’

Released through Lab Records, Basht. have dropped their new EP, Bitter and Twisted. The title track opens with killer drums before gradually building into a celebration of guitar and bass. Jack Leavey’s angsty vocals add to the song’s frustrated atmosphere, amplifying its sense of emotional unrest and highlighting the clear tension found in the lyrics.

“Bitter and Twisted is a personal project that drags a lot of uncomfortable emotions into the light,” the band said. “I wanted to explore the messier side of being human, the pain we cause, the pain we carry, and how those two often get tangled. These songs are a reflection of my own struggles with identity, control, love, and the damage we sometimes mistake for connection.

This EP isn’t easy listening but it wasn’t meant to be. It’s a snapshot of emotional extremes, of the parts of ourselves we don’t usually say out loud. Bitter and Twisted is my way of confronting all of that loudly, honestly, and without looking away.”

Def Nettle, ‘Head Wrecker’

Def Nettle get back to their post-punk roots with the powerful stomper, ‘Head Wrecker’. Featuring a full band sound with heavy electronic elements, ‘Head Wrecker’ is a gut punch of melody and energy, delivered with vocalist/producer Brady’s signature tongue-in-cheek approach.

Brady says, “Every artist knows where this song is coming from. There’s always that one critic who’s ready with a put down but underneath their opinion lies their own disillusionment. ‘Head Wrecker’ addresses the issue and throws it right back in your face”

Adore, ‘Show Me Your Teeth’

Born from months of sleep deprivation and recurring nightmares, Irish punk trio Adore’s new single ‘Show Me Your Teeth’ is jagged, heavy, and unrelenting. A track that stares fear in the face and refuses to blink, it weaves together horror film motifs, vampire folklore, and personal illness to explore themes of exposure, vulnerability, and anticipation: “It's about wanting to see the imperfections alongside the ideal…” says singer Lara of the tune, “and the excitement of the unknown being revealed.”

Deleon, ‘Soothe’

Deriving inspiration from jazz, alt-pop and R&B, Deleon’s debut solo single ‘Soothe’ gives listeners an insight into his cultural identity.

The artist grew up living in the Philippines, but moved away at the age of seven. Through music, Deleon was able to process the difficulties his mother faced moving to a new home. The song reflects on how “it truly is quite difficult to be culturally complete as a Filipino in a country where you are surrounded by non-Filipinos.”

Delivered with a groovy beat and intoxicating vocal performance, Deleon is definitely one to watch.

Reggie, ‘Is She Bad?’

Young Dundalk rapper Reggie today releases his drill-filled banger ‘Is She Bad?’, a short, hard-hitter filled with the rapper’s signature deft bars and heavy-bassed, carefully woven together instrumentals . Boasting a steadily growing catalogue of tracks characterised by an imposing, electronic sound, Reggie cites UK giants such as Headie One, Mostack and J Hus as some of his main influences, mainly due to their authentic approach.

 

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Peter Doran, ‘Mystic Code’

Irish singer-songwriter Peter Doran unveils his mesmerizing new single ‘Mystic Code’ — the final preview from his forthcoming album, All the World is Running on a Mystic Code, due for release May 23. Written during long, meditative runs through the Irish countryside, ‘Mystic Code’ is a kaleidoscopic blend of psychedelic blues, meditative folk, and raw human inquiry, exploring the eternal tension between love and evil, beauty and horror, majesty and murder.

“This one is about beauty and balance, love and evil, murder & majesty, awe and disgust,” says Doran. “It’s about human drives and the rhythms of nature. It’s about the Mystic Code — the operating system of the Universe.”

DuckyProd x GNS, ‘Pass The Sauce’

According to GNS, his new collaboration with DuckyProd explores “rejecting pressure, money, and outside noise to stay true to your ethos.” The song, just under two minutes, combines alternative-rap with soft, indie production.

“I just quit my job to pursue music full-time—and my new track reflects that leap,” said GNS.

The song is undeniably catchy, inviting listeners to bounce along to their impassioned lyricism.

VARO with Ruth Clinton & Cormac Mac Diarmada, ‘Lovers and Friends’

‘Lovers and Friends’ introduces the latest collaborative album from VARO, The World That I Knew which seeks to illustrate the continuity of the human experience, blending traditional airs and contemporary design.

Made in collaboration with Poor Creature’s Ruth Clinton & Cormac Mac Diarmada, ‘Lovers and Friends’ is layered with lush harmonies, baroque fiddle flourishes and winding atmospherics of the hammond organ.

“We first learned this Sean Mone song from a 2003 recording of Dublin singer Jerry O’Reilly,” says VARO. “It’s a very powerful song that deeply resonates with our beliefs. Its words, the melody, the whole message, all shake us to our guts. It makes one reflect on humanity and the importance of resisting a system that legislates our existence while reminding us that there’s more power in social interactions ‘than you'll find in statute or sermon’.”

:Panic :Over, ‘Actor’

As predicted by Hot Press, :Panic :Over are certainly Hot for 2025. Booming with authenticity, the band’s new single ‘Actor’ is a testament to being true to yourself while moving on from a relationship.

“You’re only an actor, rolling a cigarette– before your forget,” read their lyrics.

Their new music video for the track matches it’s intense energy, filled with powerful guitars and stellar drums. Working in clear harmony, the band possesses a certain chemistry that keeps listeners hooked.

Roving Crows, ‘Wild Atlantic Woman’

Roving Crows continue their stream of folk rock resplendence on their new single ‘Wild Atlantic Woman’.

The track draws inspiration from frontman Paul O’Neill and fiddle player Caitlin Barrett’s decision to move back home to Ireland. Settling on the west coast, the wildness of the landscape and coastlines seeped into the margins of what would become ‘Wild Atlantic Woman’.

“The message we are trying to give to listeners is one of learning to question where you are, what you’re doing and try to find a place where you can be free,” the band says.” Also, have a great time whilst you’re on the journey!”

Little Known, ‘Headwreck’

With dreamy shoegaze influences, Little Known are quickly making a name for themselves in the alternative indie scene. Based in Cork, the band’s new track ‘Headwreck’ carries listeners on a sonic journey, filled with wailing guitars and a killer bassline. Simple lyricism compliments their droning instrumentals, swallowing you up and spitting you back out.

Fans can catch Little Known live in Dublin at Whelan’s upstairs on May 14 and Cork’s Cyprus Avenue on May 15.

Ross A., ‘Heartland Girl’

Kildare native Ross A. is a natural storyteller, inspired by the Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel Love In The Time of Cholera. His new song ‘Heartland Girl’ begins in the mid-eighties and ends near present-day, exploring the relationship between two of Marquez’s characters.

"As soon as I started writing the first verse, the words flowed easily and the story was a straight line I could follow to the end,” the musician said. “I like a song you can float away on, walk around in, get lost in and we have an open-ended conclusion here, where the listener can decide the outcome for themselves, depending how they're feeling.”

Papa Boyle, ‘Chasing The Smile’

Papa Boyle’s powerful voice fills up his dynamic new track, ‘Chasing The Smile.’ Gliding effortlessly above rich instrumentals, Boyle explores the human search for happiness.

"I suppose the song poses the question: are we happy to chase these things that seem so illusive and the answer to all our problems?" he said.

"The opening chords is the first part I wrote for ‘Chasing The Smile,’ initially I thought the song might have more of a George Harrison sound to it with some pretty guitars and sweeping strings but as the song took shape I wanted to keep the verses tight and lean into the synth which gave the song an unexpected but welcome feel. In terms of songwriting it's probably the most experimental to date when it comes to instrumentation and style but it's possibly the most rewarding so far. It was cool to mix a range of inspirations into this and I think this is quite evident with the contrast between each section throughout the song."

Eppie, ‘First Name Basis’

Deriving influence from psychedelic bands of the 60’s and 70’s, Eppie have introduced the final single off their upcoming EP, available on May 30. Self-described as “a song about kissing,” the track kicks off with a strong vocal introduction. Misty guitars compliment the singer's voice beautifully, creating a dreamlike effect.

This 3-piece band from Dublin displays playful artistry, utilising hazy instrumentals and cheeky lyricism.

ActionRec, ‘The Medley’

ActionRec have introduced the first single off their upcoming dance album, out in June. Blending vocals from different languages, the track derives influence from techno, house and funk.

‘The Medley’ will scoop listeners off their feet, sending them on a journey filled with synths, bass and wild electronic elements.

“At the start of the summer people need music blasting out of the speakers that’s fresh!” the band wrote.

Shane Barry, ‘Story To Tell’

Shane Barry shares the first single off his “lost” 2019 album, The Night Post. The release was uprooted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with a 2020 promotional tour. The song derives inspiration from 90's up-tempo pop songs, and classic bands like Supergrass and Blur.

“I loved that whole Oasis v. Blur conversation when I was in school,” said Barry. “We used to swap CDs and tapes – feels like a 100 years ago! Lads used to buy the NME and you’d hear loads of unusual bands and quirky songs on the radio.”

The track’s starry instrumentals pair beautifully with Barry’s voice. Fans are lucky to finally have this release available on streaming services, and not just at live shows.

Daire, ‘Can’t Mistake It’ feat. Hayley May

Daire’s new dance track ‘Can’t Mistake It’ captures listeners effortlessly. Filled with bass and electronic elements, the song constantly evolves into something new. The Belfast-born DJ and producer possesses clear skill in the studio.

“It all started with a stunning vocal,” said Daire. “The moment I laid it down, I knew the skippy 2-step drums I’d been working on would be the perfect match. From there, everything fell into place naturally, unfolding into something both uplifting and dreamlike.”

“I first tested it at my show at the Telegraph Building, Belfast, and it hit just as hard in the club as it did for me at home listening. That’s when it all came together.”

Jamie The King, 'Life In A Wheelchair'

Now officially released, this track from Kabin Studio star Jamie The King originally wowed judges on Britain's Got Talent earlier this year, including the notoriously hard-to-please Simon Cowell. 'Life In A Wheelchair' is an energetic anthem of pride and resilience, with both satirical and earnest insight into the young rapper's experiences navigating the world in a wheel chair.

With witty lyrics and an irresistible beat, 'Life In A Wheelchair' carries with it an infectious sense of optimism and triumph in the face of social stigma and inequality. Already holding a firm spot in the Cork music scene, Jamie The King is certainly one to watch.

Superstar YB, 'Understand'

Nigerian-Irish artist Superstar YB, known for his Afro-fusion, R&B and hip-hop blends, returns with his third release of 2025. A reflection of miscommunication and emotional distance, 'Understand' features a simple yet enthralling beat, with Superstar YB's emotionally honest lyrics brought to the forefront.

The slow, melodic track is another example of Superstar YB's ability to craft earnest, heartfelt music that continues to push boundaries as part of the latest innovative wave in the Afrobeats genre.

Keisha, 'Pray To Madonna'

Spanish-born and Dublin-based dance pop musician Keisha drops her first release of the year, the groovy dance-pop tune 'Pray To Madonna'. Featuring rapid snare beats, funky basslines and Keisha's Dua Lipa-esque vocals, the track takes the heartbreak of betrayal and turns it into an anthem of strength and reclamation.

"This song is about knowing your worth and not settling for any less than you deserve," Keisha says. "It's for anyone who has ever been played and decided to walk away stronger than ever."

Ruined Family Vacation, 'Satellite'

Following on from their EP released in November, Cork-based post-rockers Ruined Family Vacation return with 'Satellite'. With gritty, thumping guitar riffs, crashing cymbals and enigmatic lyrics, the new track brings to mind the alternative rock of the early 2000s. The vocals in particular combine the chaotic and cryptic qualities of System of a Down's Serj Tankian with the rapid-fire aggression of Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst.

'Satellite' crashes together influences from a variety of alt-rock styles, creating an emergent style that is familiar for fans of the genre and yet utterly unique.

 

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Aaron J. Burke, 'My Therapy'

Influenced by acts like U2 and Foo Fighters, Kildare singer-songwriter Aaron J. Burke's 'My Therapy' combines the energy of classic rock with the stripped-back acoustics common to contemporary Irish music.

"When I came up with the song, I was doing a lot of performing, getting out to every open mic night I could," Burke says. "It was always a buzz; I'd find myself coming back from work or college and I was literally walking in the door, grabbing a bite to eat then swinging my guitar bag on my shoulders and hopping a bus to Dublin."

 

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Johnluke, 'City Lovin''

Portumna singer-songwriter Johnluke's 'City Lovin'' explores the ups and downs in a relationship, the connections - good and bad - which tie two people together. With high-energy acoustic instrumentals and Johnluke's strong vocal performances, the track eases into what would be a difficult subject using tongue-in-cheek humour and a quick pace.

"While written from the heart - it's taken from personal experiences but fused together as a comical heartbreak anthem earworm," Johnluke says.

TAYYLS, 'Nightmare'

As she prepares her debut EP for a late 2025 release, emerging popstar TAYYLS drops her latest single, 'Nightmare'. With pulsing drums, lush synths and layered vocals, the track is a darker, grittier interpretation of high-energy pop music.

With a BA in Songwriting from BIMM Dublin, TAYYLS has been songwriting for over 15 years, working with artists in the studio and performing her own shows at festivals like Electric Picnic and Longitude.

 

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Picture This, 'A Thousand Times'

Returning to a more raw and organic sound, Irish music scene staples Picture This release an honest and vulnerable love song in 'A Thousand Times'. With acoustic guitar and harmonic lyrics, Picture This blend their pop-rock style with folky elements in this celebration of love.

An exciting look at what's to come, 'A Thousand Times' is the second single from their upcoming EP, Let The Light In, which marks the Athy band's return to a stripped-back sound and unguarded, authentic storytelling.

Empty Spaces, 'In Motion'

The sophomore release from Belfast rockers Empty Spaces, 'In Motion' combines the energy of Franz Ferdinand, the instrumental genius of Nirvana and the raw power of Foo Fighters into a punchy rock anthem. With electrifying guitar riffs, crashing drums, a slick bassline and vocals that were made for the genre, Empty Spaces are pulling none of their punches with 'In Motion'.

With this latest single, Empty Spaces display a command over their craft that could take them very far.

Curtisy & hikii, 'The Necessary Evil'

Ahead of his upcoming mixtape, Beauty In The Beast, giant of Dublin rap Curtisy and longtime collaborator hikii drop 'The Necessary Evil'. Packed to the brim with references to films and TV, from samples throughout the deceptively simple backing track to explicit namedrops in Curtisy's flowing lyrics, it's no wonder this track is one of the Tallaght artist's favourites.

"I love 'Necessary Evil!', Curtisy says. "I think it's because all of the characters and movies I'm referencing all mean something to me."

"It's not often I'll get too conceptual with my music so it was exciting to take this approach."

 

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