Hozier, ‘Like Real People Do’ feat. NATURE

Hozier calls on "the bird song, cricket song, rain fall and thunder" of his "beloved home of Wicklow”, for this fresh version of his 2014 track.

The release ties in with Sounds Right – a music initiative by the Museum for the United Nations/UN Live to 'recognise the value of nature'. The project allows 'NATURE' to be credit on collaborative releases with artists, and 'generate royalties from its own sounds to support its own conservation.'

Hozier has stated that 50% of the royalties from "this version of the track will flow through to conservation efforts around the world." The track also coincides with the special vinyl reissue of Hozier's self-titled debut album on Friday, to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Saltaire, ‘The Axe’

A project formed by three veteran trad and folk musos - singer/cellist Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz, guitarist Ian Kinsella and bodhrán/bouzouki player Conor Lyons - Saltaire put all their experience to good use on this haunting new track. The song is driven by wooden, folky and unnerving instrumentation, and takes inspiration from the true story of the infamous Axeman of New Orleans, a serial killer from the 1910s.

“I looked into the story further only to find that the whole expanse of it was beyond belief,” says Ian Kinsella. “It showed how mass hysteria can gravely impact human behaviour and that the depravity of the Axeman was not in isolation. I wanted the song to sound macabre, but also to employ a thematic idea of the opening music to superhero shows. While the Axeman was absolutely no superhero, the moniker could easily pass for one, and applying this theme in the music adds to the dissonance of his own perception of being beyond human powers with a city in disarray - like an antihero hijacking a hero’s song.”

nvara, ‘Fracture’

London-based indie-folk songwriter, producer and award-winning screen composer Niamh Ní Mheara’s latest track is a captivating and atmospheric slice of chamber pop. It’s both cinematic and intimate in scope, blending eloquent strings and lyrical introspections.

“Fracture is about time. It is a concept that fascinates me and frequently seems to slip into the subject matter of my writing. We all experience time so differently, living in our own conscious and subconscious worlds. I wanted to explore the fracture that exists between those worlds. To evoke the fluidity of this ghost that seems to govern so much of who we are.”

Paro Pablo, ‘Hell Or Heaven’

Finglas bar-spitter Paro Pablo calls on a high-speed garage beat for his latest number, rapping at a frenetic pace and reflecting on his place as an artist in an ever-changing music industry.

Known for his erudite flow and distinct northside annunciations, Pablo came back to music in 2019 after a five-year hiatus, touring with Damien Demspey and releasing his mixtape Comfort in the Chaos in 2023.

Evan Miles, ‘Can We Roll Back’ feat. RikShaw

Waterford electronic producer Evan Miles and Dublin singer/rapper RikShaw join forces on an energetic and wistful track that combines lyrical longing with a dancefloor filling groove.

"For me, 'Can We Roll Back' is a reflection on the passage of time and the pull of nostalgia,” Miles says. “The song draws from memories of cold mornings to sun-drenched afternoons some moments that, while long gone, I still find myself reflecting on.

“As the years pass and days begin to blur together, the track captures the feeling of longing for a time when life felt simpler, lighter, and more certain. It’s a tribute to the past... not to dwell in it, but to cherish it especially in those moments when the present feels a little heavier.

"Nostalgia is more than just a theme in this song; it’s a grounding force. 'Can We Roll Back' is for anyone who finds comfort in looking back while still holding hope for what’s ahead."

 

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Florence Road, ‘Figure It Out’

One of the most hotly-tipped emerging Irish acts around, Florence Road show what all the fuss is about on ‘Figure It Out’ - taken from their forthcoming mixtape Fall Back - out June 20.

It’s a track cut from the cloth of the radio-dominating alternative rock of the ‘90s, with a massive sounding chorus and ear-ripping guitars. It’s a sonic stone throw away from Olivia Rodrigo too, who the Wicklow band will be supporting at the U.S. singer’s gargantuan Marlay Park show next month.

Katie Phelan, ‘A Bad Thing’

It ain’t easy being a young person in this world, as Katie Phelan shows on this sweet, dreamy and melancholic bit of bedroom folk-pop that flaunts some healthy Phoebe Bridgers influence. Lyrically, the singer tackles body image, insecurities and social anxiety with candour, with a light, indie-acoustic rhythm and an earworm chorus tying it all together. One to keep an ear on, as the Meath artist gears up to release her debut EP, Blues and Greens out June 11.

 

CARSTEN2X, ‘California’

Eclectic Dublin-based indie merchant CARSTEN2X’s new tune is warm and breezy, opening with opens and featuring a carefree beat throughout. Kildare vocalist Joe Butler meanwhile, showcases some serious talent with his feature - culminating in a track that’ll more likely than not make it onto a few summer playlists.

GARAGE, ‘Whistle Down The Wind’

Taking from their forthcoming album Resistance, due Autumn 2025, GARAGE, takes inspiration from US Midwesterner Billy Corgin and how artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Paolo Monti and most recently Shepard Fairey (creator of the famous Obama ‘Hope’ campaign poster) create spaces of resistance and reflection as humanity seems intent on plunging itself into the abyss.

The project is led by Dublin-based Ohio native Charlie Travis who, after taking an extended hiatus from music, returned with his latest EP From the Edge of America at the beginning of the year.

Danzino, ‘My Shayla’

Danzino’s latest afro R&B release, ‘My Shayla’ blends smooth R&B vocals with vibrant afrobeat energy to create a sound that feels both fresh and deeply soulful, with carefully woven instrumentals that offer an incredibly catchy and head-bobbing melody.

YARD, ‘Appetite’

A first taster from Dublin-based electropunk trio YARD’s debut EP, out today, ‘Appetite’, explores themes of compulsive self-destruction through a relentless groove and a haunting vocal performance by Emmet White, inspired by a chilling line from Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024): “I am an appetite.”

White explains: “at one stage in the film Count Orlok, speaking to Ellen Hutter, proclaims “I am an appetite”. There’s a vampiric force in Ellen’s life which she cannot escape and it’s unending in its consumption of her.”

Evie, ‘Mighty Boy (Acoustic)’

Dublin artist Evie has released an acoustic version of her 2024 single, ‘Mighty Boy.’ Her soft, haunting voice pairs beautifully with the delicate strums of guitar and a wailing violin. With inspiration from Lisa Hannigan, Radiohead and Emmylou Harris, the alt-folk musician uses poignant lyricism to build a world for her audience.

“That’s the price that you pay for your hips,” she sings, “when your heart starts to tick.”

This new version has a more intimate feel, expressing the realities of growing into womanhood within a frightening world. Evie is currently working on the release of her third project.

Orla Gartland & Tommy Lefroy, ‘Pest’

Coming as part of the extended edition of Orla Gartland’s Everybody Needs A Hero, 'Pest’, released in collaboration with Tommy Lefroy is a funky indie-electronic number, mixing bittersweet lyrics with bouncy guitar riffs and incredibly catchy, synthy melodies for a tune that is as fun as it is sentimental.

Junk Drawer, ‘Loughgall Circus’

Opening with booming drums, ‘Loughgall Circus’ gives audiences a sneak-peak into Junk Drawer’s upcoming second album, Days of Heaven. Released through Pizza Pizza Records, the track’s psychedelic guitars and haunting organs invite listeners into a dreamy soundscape.

“We kind of have an obsession with this place (Loughgall Circus),” said the band. “We love it so much. How could we not? ‘A pebbledash wonderland,’ where history, class and context seeps into every piece of language, from your choice of enunciation to delivery of a joke, in the most macro ways. Placenames that exist more in cultural memory for what happened there than for the land and people they represented, and yet, they’ll just throw a shopping centre or plant a circus there. I suppose ‘Loughgall Circus’ is a rumination on that idea.”

The band takes inspiration from groups like Fat White Family, The Fall and Wire. Their new album will be out June 6.

AOIBHA, ‘Saturn’s Return’

The final track from AOIBHA’s upcoming debut EP Insignificance, out May 28, ‘Saturn’s Return’, a reflective track full of self-assuredness, dealing with the themes of gaining perspective by zooming out and finding comfort in the little things. Commenting on the track, the artist said it is “perfect for late-night listening, relaxing by the fire and pondering big questions in quiet moments.”

Nathan O’Regan, ‘Better Days’

Hailing from Nathan O’Regan’s forthcoming debut album Olive Branch, ‘Better Days’. Blending warm percussion and soft piano notes as accompaniment to O’Regan’s delicate vocals, the track was written for the musician’s partner when she was pregnant with their first son.

"It was written just before we had Arthur and we were living in this tiny little house just outside of Belfast. It felt like we were boxed in," he remembers. "You couldn't step in a straight line, you were climbing over things to get anywhere, and we just didn't know where a baby was even going to fit. I just wanted to tell her everything was going to be ok eventually and to keep the faith."

Projective, ‘Motions’

Projective’s fresh sound is encapsulated beautifully in their new single, ‘Motions.’ The track features melodic drums and a groovy trumpet, deriving inspiration from Neo Soul and Jazz Rap. The lyrics reflect on the consequences of letting go, urging listeners to ground themselves in truth.

“We were constantly referencing artists like The Roots and D’angelo throughout the writing and recording process of the song, and we wanted to mix our own modern sound with the kind of groove and feel that you might find on those iconic late 90’s records,” the band said.

“We all love the female led hooks that were so abundant in the rap music of that era, and we wanted to try our own version of something like that," they continued. "We wanted it to be laid back, but catchy and sonically beautiful. The way we stacked the vocals with all 3 singers on the chorus felt very important to the sound we were going for.”

Chris Wilson DC, ‘Pure Energy’

Dublin stalwart singer/songwriter Chris Wilson DC has released his glistening new song ‘Pure Energy’ with a compilation video of his performances and his life in Dublin as a working singer/songwriter.

“This is a music video that I made using my webcam, handcam, and old video tapes. Writing
songs into a webcam, busking, playing shows with friends, and the music boat in Camden
Town, I used to work on. The webcam videos were never meant to be shared, and I enjoy
having them out in the world for people to see,” Chris says of the video.

‘Cream Shell’

The opener to Brigid Mae Power’s new EP Silver Strand Tapes, ‘Cream Shell’ is a delicately mysterious number of careful guitar arpeggios and atmospheric vocals, each note intricately layered to offer a track of brightly textured and spacey soundscapes, despite its apparent simplicity.

Gerr Walsh, ‘Golden Wings’

Irish indie folk artist Gerr Walsh latest offering ‘Golden Wings’ delves into the murky realm of consumerism and the power it holds over all of us. The single has an intoxicating full band rock flavour with Keith Duffy (The Corrs) on bass, Dave Hingerty (Kila) on drums, Max Greenwood (Tom Baxter) on piano and Sam Killeen (Gemma Hayes, Lisa Hannigan) providing atmospheric electric guitar vibes.

M(h)aol ‘1800-CALL-ME-BACK’

Hailing from M(h)aol new record Something Soft, out today, ‘1800-CALL-ME-BACK’ is a moody rock tune of distinctive production and hard-hitting, half-spoken vocals. Layered with gritty guitars, rousing percussion and brilliantly put-together telephone beeps, the track is unapologetically exciting and thrillingly spirited.

Daniel Luke, ‘All In Light’

Coming from Dublin, Daniel Luke has released an introspective new piano piece that grips listeners' hearts. From the moment the track begins, Luke effortlessly builds a hazy world filled with nostalgia and memory.

“‘All In Light' was written in the months following the release of Shadow Dance,” he said. “It is a hypnotic, post-modern solo piano piece blending mesmeric repetition with a clear, emotive melody. Echoing the spirit of Philip Glass, ‘All In Light’ unfolds in an almost etude-like style with interlocking rhythmic patterns between the hands. It is both meditative and compelling.”

Poor Creature, 'Adieu Lovely Erin'

Announcing their debut album, All Smiles Tonight, Poor Creature — Ruth Clinton,  John Dermody and Cormac Mac Diarmada — have released the first taster ‘Adieu Lovely Erin’.

“This song tells the true story of William Hill, a forger from Belfast who was transported to Australia in 1826,” the band explain, “the video, animated by Ruth, visits some iconic Irish landscapes as well as a few of the band's former Dublin haunts.”

With a sound that straddles Sinéad O’Connor and Cocteau Twins, the track begets a swirling soundscape of throbbing percussion, crystalline vocals and a clacketing rhythm section.

Woodsmen, ‘Brighter Love’

Woodsmen address themes of violence, wealth inequality and a growing sense of hate within the Irish social climate. Their anthemic new track derives inspiration from the folk rock scene of the late 60’s and early 70’s.

“Look at all this fighting,” sings Arron Woods. “Look at all the lines drawn in the sand.”

Josh Hackett delivers a stellar performance on guitar, with Woods driving the song forward with the band's honest lyricism. Towards the end of the song, a chorus of voices cry out for peace, calling for a “brighter love!”

A Clatter and Drone, 'Callus'

Dublin sonic polymaths A Clatter and Drone have unleashed a pummelling new single of psych folk-rock inflection.

Reflecting Tarkovsky’s notion that rigidity signals a kind of death, ‘Callus’ offers a meditation on aging and emotional corrosion. The song delves into themes of entanglement, betrayal and pain, casting them in a shadowed light where tenderness and love feel out of reach. It poses a haunting question: “Does greed arise from a sense of abandonment?”

Through its exploration of isolation and the erosion of connection, ‘Callus’ reveals how withdrawing from vulnerability can harden the soul—ironically making it even harder to fulfill the very needs we try to protect.

John Gallen, ‘21 Years’

‘21 Years’ shows off John Gallen’s unique flair, reflecting on tyrants of the past who have misused their time on Earth. The title refers to Gallen’s age, which is 21 years older than Jesus lived. It’s the first release off his upcoming third album, Triple7, featuring bright instrumentals and quick lyricism.

"Triple7 is a nod to taking a gamble in life, where nothing is ever perfect but where there’s always possibility," Gallen said. "Time is short, I'd like to bring a body of work out over the coming years that will stand the test of time. When I get these songs out of my system, I'll have any amount of time to take them on the road so a broad audience can experience them"

Matthew Devereux ‘Government Milk’

With layered vocals and dynamic electronic elements, Matthew Devereux’s single ‘Government Milk’ comes along with the release of his new album, Keep Sketch.

"Having a fist fight after school was a normal enough experience when I was young, sometimes you watched and sometimes you took part,” he said of the track. “There was a very particular way it all began, and a very particular way it resolved almost every time. This song is about feuding, turning to bonding and how feral school could get.”

The simple song relies on the intensity of Devereux’s lyricism, painting a clear vision for listeners to follow along to.

Aryel Moon, ‘Eulogy’

Inspired by the likes of Hole, L7 and Babes In Toyland, Aryel Moon delivers an ignited performance of her new song, ‘Eulogy.’ Also known as Donatella Camedda, her striking lyrics dive deep into her past experiences with trauma. Camedda’s growling voice fills the track, reminiscent of the guttural sounds of 90’s grunge.

“‘Eulogy’ is a song about the suffocating effects of domestic abuse, manipulation, and gaslighting,” she said. “Having your identity consumed to the point where you no longer recognise yourself, as if looking into empty mirrors.”

Some Remain, ‘Feel Low’

Filled with crunchy guitars and eclectic drums, Some Remain preview their upcoming EP with their new single, ‘Feel Low.’ The beginning of the song hits listeners with a thick wall of sound, before backing off to reveal Jamie Conway’s angsty vocals.

“When words are hard to find and I am washed away, I've turned into the grey,” he sings. “Well, nothing seems to last for more than just one day.”

The song was released through Blowtorch Records and mixed and mastered by Jamie Hyland, known for his work with M(h)aol and Gilla Band. Some Remain’s alternative-rock sound continues to excite in anticipation for their new EP, due July 18.

Tebi Rex, 'Ireland’s Full '

Alternative hip-hop duo Tebi Rex are currently working on Fin, their third and final album as a duo. In the meantime, they found some time to share ‘Ireland’s Full’ a groovy, genre-crossing track made in response to the recent anti-immigration protests.

The new single features cleverly crafted lyrics that blend seamlessly from English into Irish and are backed by a catchy trad-infused mix. Rappers Matt O'Baoill and Max Zanga start the song with their signature melodic flow and slowly crescendo to driving, fast-hitting bars that are sure to make ‘Ireland’s Full’ an instant-favourite among their fans.

“I’m so tired of seeing ‘patriotism’ used as an excuse to be racist. Waving a tricolour won’t make you Irish,” said O'Baoill in an Instagram post announcing their release.

 

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Cormac Looby and Lorraine Nash, 'Catch It'

The new duet from singer-songwriters Cormac Looby and Glastonbury-bound Lorraine Nash is titled ‘Catch It’ and will be sure to provoke a tear or two among listeners. Initially featured on Looby’s debut album A Perpetual State of Irony (2024), the nostalgia-filled track sees the two singers’ soft, warm voices first alternate verses and then come together in effortless unison to create a seemingly simple yet beautiful song.

“I had just moved home to Tipperary from Galway with a newly-operated knee, a broken elbow, an infected nose ring and was feeling a little bit broken, and quite reflective” explains Looby. The track was produced by fellow Tipperary artist, Seanie Bermingham, and mixed by Cian Hamilton of Middle Ridge Studios.

 

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Torpey, ‘Why Won’t The World Stop Turning’

Rising alternative artist Torpey from County Clare has just released his new single 'Why Won't The World Stop Turning?.’ Following on from recent success from his previous single 'Only The Good Die Young', the singer uses elements of folk along with some of the more catchy, upbeat qualities of rock and pop to create the title track for his upcoming debut album.

The song features a catchy, heartfelt melody backed by some gentle guitar strums and jazzy phrases played on a synth keyboard. "I wrote ‘Why Won't The World Stop Turning?’ after my grandfather died, noticing how people were going about their day, oblivious to what I felt should be world-changing,” Torpey said about his new track.

 

Presh, ‘This Feeling’

Originally from Nigeria, Dublin-based Afrobeat artist Presh has released his latest song ‘This Feeling’. The track mixes subtle touches of pop and R&B with Presh’s honest, stripped back lyrics, while his melodical prowess is accompanied by warm keys and a steady percussion.

A regular singer on Grafton Street, the emerging artist said his latest track was inspired by a difficult time in his life where he was dealing with depression and social media burnout: “I had thousands of followers online, but no one to call when I was breaking down. This song came from that space — feeling isolated and needing to let it out somehow.”

A.Smyth, ‘I Can Be Your Telephone’

Singer-songwriter A. Smyth has released ‘I Can Be Your Telephone’ his second single from his upcoming album Hello Goliath, which will be released on June 13. Smyth is no stranger to the industry, having headlined shows in venues such as Whelan’s and The Grand Social in his native Dublin, as well as performing at Ireland Music Week and Other Voices festivals.

The track features the singer’s distinct warm yet detached timbre backed by a steady rhythm to produce a sombre and captivating track. "I feel like the world is trying to break up with itself at the moment. And like in most relationship endings, it's mostly because nobody is listening," said A. Smyth describing his second track.

Matteo, ‘Chasing You’

Matteo is an emerging talent in the Dublin R&B and soul pop scene and today marks the release of his first-ever single ‘Chasing You’. Inspired by iconic artists such as Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye and Pharrell Williams, Matteo was recently featured on the song ‘333’ with Danzi and HYMN.

The new track showcases the artist’s knack for vocal range and silky-feel for rhythm. Backed by a simple snare drum beat, the single is a solid debut for an artist that we’re sure to hear from more in the near future.

Commenting on his latest release, Matteo said “the song captures the emotional weight of pursuing someone who changes over time.”

 

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