New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Jordan Kelly, ‘BAD BAD FRIGHT’ feat. God Knows

Limerick’s Jordan Kelly cements his place as a true force in Irish rap with ‘BAD BAD FRIGHT’, a hard-hitting new single featuring the inimitable God Knows. From the jump, the track pulses with tightly-wound energy – built on slick production, an infectious beat and razor-sharp lyricism. Kelly’s delivery is confident and precise, matching the calibre of his guest feature bar for bar. God Knows, long established as one of the most vital voices in Irish hip hop, slots in seamlessly, adding elements of fire. The result? A banger in every sense that’s collaborative, cohesive and brimming with intent.

Jordan Kelly.

Mothers Against Genocide, ‘A Mother’s Heart For Palestine’

Mothers Against Genocide, a female led activism group based in Ireland have released a haunting new version of Eleanor McEvoy’s song 'A Woman’s Heart', in solidarity with the mothers of Palestine. All proceeds will be donated to charities supporting Palestinians on the ground

'A Mother’s Heart for Palestine' has been brought to life with the generous support and involvement of many artists and creatives, with music production by Donal O’Connor, and a powerful video by Gerard Black, Clem Bradley with Gaza footage from Fady Hossam Hanona. Mothers Against Genocide thanked Eleanor McEvoy “for trusting us with her song” and singers Mary Black, Roisin el Cherif, Ríoghnach Connolly, Áine Tyrrell, Leen, Sailhymn and Kanun player Aziz Abushark.

Fionnuala Nic Thom, who reworked the words for 'A Mothers Heart for Palestine’, said: “I knew that this song meant so much to many Irish women across the country and indeed across the globe and thought that maybe with the reworked lyrics for Palestine that people would open their hearts to Palestine and connect the love of a woman’s heart with the love of a mother’s heart.”

MAG Charity Single Artwork with Belfast Mural by Taqi Spateen

Galia Arad, ‘C’mere To Me’

Galia Arad returns with her latest single, ‘C’mere To Me’, a heartfelt folk-Americana ballad that blends confessional intimacy and emotional grit, with beautifully layered string instrumentals and glistening vocal harmonies, exploring “the quiet unravelling of connection, melancholy and hope.” It’s a track that feels both modern but still rooted in tradition — folk storytelling with an indie edge.

Galia Arad.

Kathy Long, ‘West’

Kathy Long releases the reflective track ‘West’, a track written “among the ancient tenderness of the West of Ireland, inspired by the quietly magical landscapes of the Burren and the healing nature of the Atlantic Ocean.” with poignant lyrics and gentle guitar arpeggios, the track is carried by a strong fiddle build and glistening layered vocals.

Kathy Long photo credit - Julie O’Brien

Bren Berry, ‘Turn On Your Radio (Daithí Remix)’

Bren Berry hands over his track ‘Turn On Your Radio’ to the County Clare producer and multi-instrumentalist Daithí, renowned for his widescreen sample-based electronic music, who turns the song into an irresistible psych funk number, with sun-kissed backing vocals and addictive beats.

Despite its optimistic summer sound, ‘Turn On Your Radio’ doubles as a protest song, as Berry comments: “We’re stuck in cruise control as we continue to sleep-walk into climate and social disaster. The song is both a literal sentiment and a metaphor. It’s a plea to people (especially myself!) to tune into themselves and to see what’s going on around them.”

Mother of Pearl, ‘Salt’

Limerick shoegazers Mother of Pearl bring grit and grace in equal measure on‘Salt’, the lead single from their upcoming debut album So Long to Knowing, out September 5. With driving basslines, swirling guitar textures and ethereal harmonies, the track straddles the line between post-hardcore edge and dream-pop beauty. ‘Salt’ marks a pivotal moment for the band, “It was the first song that spawned as a jam,” says guitarist Seth Collins, “where everyone’s ideas were being used to collaborate together to write a song that really encapsulates how we want our band to sound.” It’s truly a striking, confident track.

Mother of Pearl. Photo credit: Will Mcloughlin

Mael Vogue, ‘Fear’

Belfast MC and producer Mael Vogue blends soulful synths, traditional Irish melodies, and classic boom-bap on his latest single, 'Fear' - a standout from his forthcoming album, Vice City, due this August. A prime example of Hiberno hip hop, the track explores the toll of FOMO with sharp lyricism and raw delivery. “This song is about the fear of missing out, and how that fear can sometimes lead to you genuinely missing out on other, more important things,” he explains. With a flow that is urgent yet thoughtful, the track is layered over a rich backdrop where trad instruments and hip-hop beats collide. Mael Vogue brings forth a fresh, powerful voice in Irish rap.

Mael Vogue. Phot credit: Karen Butler

Sarah Keane, ‘Katy’

Sarah Keane’s latest single, ‘Katy’, is a heartfelt ode to the kind of friend who shows up when the sky falls in. Blending folk intimacy with pop charm, the track captures a moment of raw vulnerability wrapped in wit and warmth. “I was ranting and raving for hours… you can probably hear the madness in it,” Keane says. “Katy, as always, knew what to say.” Her vocals are striking – powerful yet full of character – elevating a lighthearted narrative into something deeply relatable. With a unique sound and lyrical honesty, Keane is fast establishing herself as one of Ireland’s most exciting new voices.

Sarah Keane.

Nova Dream, ‘Lights Out’

Dublin alt-rockers Nova Dream return with ‘Lights Out’, a brooding, atmospheric cut that blends grunge grit with post-punk moodiness. Anchored by bass-heavy grooves and textured guitar lines, the track leans into raw emotion without losing its subtle edge – electronic flourishes shimmer just beneath the surface. The vocals are understated yet impactful, allowing the instrumentation to take centre stage while still delivering a compelling lyrical performance. ‘Lights Out’ showcases Nova Dream’s ability to balance sonic weight with emotional nuance, solidifying their place as one of the more dynamic voices in Ireland’s alternative scene. A dark, immersive listen worth turning up.

NovaDream. Photo credit: Sean Manners

The Neon Sea, ‘Burning (Troubadour Version)’

Dublin-based alternative rock band The Neon Sea's third single ‘Burning (Troubadour Version)’ explores themes of loss; however, it still has an overall hopeful mood.

“I was conscious that although the theme of burning is heavy,” said lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Tom Doyle. “I wanted the music to be uplifting … we have enough sadness in the world at the moment.”

The deep, slow tone of Doyle’s voice and simple yet emotional lyrics kept the song true to its somber theme, however, the lively drums and guitar gives the tune an overall uplifting feeling; pairing perfectly with Doyle’s voice.

HUGSIE, ‘Live Your Life’

Alternative folk artist HUGSIE has released his new single ‘Live Your Life’,  a "song about enjoying life to its full potential and making every day count.”

The tune sounds like a classic pub song with a strong Irish folk influence. It takes on a fun, child-like tone that juxtapose with slightly depressing, sarcastic lyrics. HUGSIE’s voice paired with energetic drums and guitar makes for an extremely enjoyable and slightly emotional tone.

The artist fosters a lighthearted tone to his tracks, employing a range of instruments during live shows, as he did recently at the "Your Roots Are Showing" folk conference.

Hard To Explain ‘Lust’ 

‘Lust’ is the fourth single of the year from metal band Hard To Explain. The Derry three-piece released other singles like ‘Sick’ and ‘Wolves,’ adding to their catalogue of hectic tunes.

Their new track ‘Lust’ is a distortion filled display with chaotic guitar lines and enthralling vocals. This racy song leaves nothing to the imagination as it conveys all the elements of exciting Irish metal. 

Hard To Explain

Otherish ‘Go Xenon’ 

The Belfast/Bristol quartet have released their single ‘Go Xenon’ that has an otherworldly, alien-like quality that may vaguely remind you of early releases from Neutral Milk Hotel.

Otherish are veterans, after nearly 5 decades of playing together and being long time friends the band say they “can’t even describe their musical bond.” 

The single is a blend of psychedelia and 60’s folk. It’s groovy and eccentric with abstract sounds, but remains true to its classic rock roots. 

Otherish.

Ciarán Moran ‘Give Up Your Love'

This singer/songwriter hailing from North Dublin is fresh off his support slots with The Wolfe Tones at the 3Arena. 

Ciarán Moran’s new single, ‘Give Up Your Love’, is a hopefully upbeat pop song, with a twinge of folk. 

“Give Up Your Love is a real breath of fresh air for me, a much more highly developed sound, smothered with some of Ireland’s best musicians performing on the track.”

The lyricism in this song is compelling and has sincere emotional depth. Both go hand in hand with Moran’s raw Dublin City vocals. 

Ciaran Moran 'Give Up Your Love' artwork

Hurling, ‘Salem, Salem, Salem, Salem, Salem’

Indie-emo band Hurling has released their debut single ‘Salem, Salem, Salem, Salem, Salem’. The Tipperary-based three-piece provides the edgy-yet-upbeat musicality that indie rock fans yearn for, while still baring their heart on their sleeve with introspective lyricism.

‘Salem, Salem, Salem, Salem, Salem’ is anchored by the catchy drums of Kevin Callanan, charged by the moody basslines and backing vocals of Ciara O'Brien and tied together by the melodic guitar and lead vocals of Eddie McCormack. The lyrics draw on the times when self-doubt worms its way into your mind, forcing you to look down and realise that yes, you made it to the other side– but the grass sure isn’t any greener. Danceable drums and guitar with soulful harmonies woven through build up to shouty, lyrical chorus until the song fades out like the quiet after a storm. It’s indie, it’s emo, it’s Hurling.

Hurling.

Slyrydes ‘Ahern’ 

‘Ahern’ comes from Slyrydes new album, What Happens If You Get Happy. 

The Galway group often use their music as a tool to advocate for social issues and mental health.

 “Suicide is more than just a statistic,” says the band. 

This is often done in an abrasive style and this track is no different. The drilling electric guitar, shouting vocals and dancey energy makes for a Idles/Sprints-esque tune. This song is loud, heroic, daring and overall, an uplifting post-punk anthem.

Slyrydes

Cruel Sister, ‘RAW’

Dublin’s Cruel Sister has released her new EP A CORPSE IS TALKING, which features, ‘RAW’ as as an atmospheric closer.

‘RAW’ opens with deep organ sounds that eventually bland seamlessly into the track’s bass filled instrumentals. Cruel Sister’s light, vibrant vocals add an ethereal, Billie Eilish-like sound to the song.

Cian Ducrot, ‘What About Love’

Singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot has released his new album Little Dreaming featuring ‘What About Love’.

The Irish Musician gained recognition after his single ‘All for You’ became popular via TikTok and reached number two in the Irish Singles Chart.

‘What About Love’ opens with a soft piano tune paired with Ducrot’s slow, emotional voice. After the first chorus the song quickly picks up tempo and adopts and bass filled instrumentals. At the same time, Ducrot’s voice shifts tone from somber to energetic and almost angry; giving the lyrics new meaning.

Aimée, ‘Every Lifetime’

Aimée has captured summer in a song with her release 'Every Lifetime'. The tempo, the energy, the mood and the heat are all cranked up to the max in the Dublin pop singer’s latest single. Written in collaboration with producer Ash Howes (of Kylie Minogue credits) and singer-songwriter Gabrielle Aplin, 'Every Lifetime' sees Aimée's musical evolution and range shine through like a mirrorball. She already hit it out of the park earlier this year with 'Stronger', her collab with DJ John Gibbons, and she continues to grow and thrive in the pop scene. 'Every Lifetime' feels celebratory, and for good reason; Aimée makes music on her own terms as a fully independent artist, and her latest single shows how much fun she has doing so. Her romantic songwriting tells of soulmates, twin flames who find each other in — of course — every lifetime, a tale as old as time made modern with her dreamy vocals and upbeat, dance mixing. It’s a euphoric tune that sounds like sunshine, and Aimée’s joy throughout it is infectious.

Aimée.

John Gallen, ‘Shake Like Madonna’

As the release of his third album Triple7 approaches, John Gallen has released 'Shake Like Madonna'. The Dublin-based artist puts his full lyrical talent on display with this latest release. ‘Shake Like Madonna’ tells the story of being at your lowest, really down in the blues– but Gallen reminds listeners to get up and shake it all off, dancing as free as Madonna. Which Madonna, you may ask? Any Madonna! Whether as pure as a saint or as sparkling as a pop star, Gallen’s upbeat vocals and cheery musicality invite anyone to embody the titular Madonna. And to dance like her, too!

John Gallen.

Molly Vulpyne, ‘My Expiry’

Rockers the Molly Vulpyne Band have released their new single ‘My Expiry’.

The track “is a visceral protest song, a reflection on the weight of societal expectations that make us feel obsolete and insignificant.”

“I wrote this song as an ode to what it feels like to live in a very disjointed era, where nearly everyone I know, regardless of age, gender, nationality or religion, feels stuck in limbo or somehow devalued,” said Molly Vulpyne, lead singer.

Vulpyne’s vocals stand out perfectly against the heavy rock instrumentals, creating the perfect medium for the tracks’ message of fighting back against societal norms.

Doubting, ‘Grip’

Dublin-based emo band Doubting. has released their latest single 'Grip'. It still holds the moodiness of the band’s previous body of work but adds a new layer of grit that cuts their edge just a bit sharper. The energy is there from the start, but it still rises and falls as Leon Bird Morgan’s vocals and guitar shift from a smooth melody to a belted, raw outcry of a chorus. Drummer Daniel O’Driscoll keeps it upbeat in classic alt-metal indie-emo fashion, shot through with Kate O'Driscoll's effortlessly cool basslines. The fiery guitar punches cool down with a soft outro, proving that Doubting. is a talent to watch in the new age of emo.

Doubting. Photo by Dearbhla Cunnion.

Listen to our playlist below: