New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

CMAT, 'When A Good Man Cries'

Hailing off of CMAT's brand new album EURO-COUNTRY, 'When A Good Man Cries' is a bittersweet indie-pop tune flavoured with strong country influences, both incredibly emotional and powerfully catchy, offering a beautifully inciting glimpse into the pop-star's hotly anticipated new record - which was just named Hot Press' album of the month.

Dora Gola, ‘Oh Deo’

Dora Gola has shared her new single 'Oh Deo', hailing from her forthcoming album Dance with Danger. 'Oh Deo' is a dark, energetic electronic track that blends cinematic dance rhythms with myth-inspired lyricism, using samples and reworks of the singer's voice as an instrument - giving the song both an otherworldly and deeply human texture.

“‘Oh Deo’ is about embracing that magnetic pull we all feel—towards each other," says Gola, "towards the unknown, towards our own inner power.”

KhakiKid, ‘DON’T TOUCH THE CDJ’

Irish rapper and singer KhakiKid has released ‘DON’T TOUCH THE CDJ’. The release comes ahead of his Electric Picnic performance this Saturday and headline show at Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre in November. Those two upcoming gigs are prime examples of the Dublin native’s commercial growth, while ‘DON’T TOUCH THE CDJ’ shows off his equally impressive musical growth.

‘DON’T TOUCH THE CDJ’ is high-energy, punchier than his viral track ‘Date Nite’, full of sharp lyricism and boundary-pushing sound. UK DJ Aki Oke lends mixing talent for a high production quality that extends beyond KhakiKid’s typical alternative rap style and into the realm of electronic and dance music. The song is perfect for a hyped-up danceable festival set– in fact, as KhakiKid confirmed, the song was "literally made for this weekend" (that is, Electric Picnic).

Soda Blonde, ‘People Pleaser (Elaine Mai Remix)’

Electronic artist Elaine Mai collaborates with indie trailblazers Soda Blonde for a remix of their track ‘People Pleaser’, coming ahead of her hotly anticipated sophomore album For Us, out September 26. In the remix, Mai offers the track a new layer of otherworldliness, while transforming the intensely emotional track into a late night anthem for the ages.

donny., ‘claim the kill'

Galway-based Hungarian artist donny. unveils his new single ‘claim the kill’, an deliciously angsty and bittersweet track, featuring delicately layered vocals and incredibly catchy electronic rhythmic sections, making for a high-impact, carefully produced tune.

Speaking about the track, donny. states, "I initially just made the instrumental bits, not knowing what it's going to be about. After receiving the guitar parts at the start of the song, everything began to fall into place with the lyrics and vocals. I wrote it just for fun, but it became something bigger."

SX2 feat. Pat Lagoon, ‘No Joy’

In a showcase of Waterford-based talent, DJ brothers SX2 have teamed up with rapper Pat Lagoon for new single ‘No Joy’. The track breaks refuses to be defined by genres; it’s fully of perfectly glitchy digital synths with afro-inspired percussion courtesy of SX2’s indie-dance production, with Lagoon’s distinctively upbeat vocals. The artists have played the song at various shows this year, and rightfully so — it lends itself well to live performance, with a sound that belongs at a grungy, high energy boiler room set — but it’s just as hot recorded. It’s techno, it’s rap, it’s dance, it’s hip-hop; it’s everything.

Helen O’Shea and Barry Murphy, ‘Rock and Roll Angel’

Limerick artists Helen O’Shea and Barry Murphy of Hermitage Green honour the late Dolores O’Riordan in their new single ‘Rock and Roll Angel’, a stunning tribute where soft piano and guitar instrumentals meet the two artists’ bright vocals and dulcet tones.

On the collaboration with O’Shea, Hermitage Green vocalist Barry Murphy said, “It was such a pleasure to sing on this beautifully written and produced song for Dolores, an icon of Limerick and Irish music.

“From the first moment I spoke to Helen about the song it was so clear to me she had a deep love for our home town and for writing stories about the places and the people who inspired her. That’s something I always tried to do with my music and it was an honour to be asked to add my own voice to this song. A massive thank you to Helen and Marc for involving me in this project and for their passion and guidance”

CHALK, ‘Pain’

Belfast post-punk/electronic duo Chalk share their breath-taking new single ‘Pain’ , combining gritty Irish and German-influenced techno and dance music with gothic, post-punk and jagged guitar riffs and vocal melodies.

Detailing the track’s origins, CHALK’s Ross Cullen stated: “I started writing from the perspective of wanting to feel untouchable, but it became more about how vulnerability can overtake you. As I wrote, I realised parts of it connected to losing a friend when I was younger, and how that shaped my understanding of life’s fragility.”

The New York Salsa Company, 'This Machine Won’t Stop'

Ahead of their upcoming EP Our Landscape, The New York Salsa Company has released 'This Machine Won’t Stop'. The New York Salsa Company is a project of Adam Smyth, who was originally part of Dublin-based noise punk band Tribal Dance. 'This Machine Won’t Stop' is dark and harsh, grungy with a sinister psychedelic quality. It’s full of grungy guitar drones and twangy melody lines, backed by persistent, clashing drums. The vocals are raw and lyrics dig just as deep as the heavy basslines. It’s emotional in tone and full of fantastically well-mixed instrumentals, resulting in a track that embodies the soul of moody garage rock.

Caoimhe Weakliam, ‘Storm’

Irish spoken word artist Caoimhe Weakliam releases the gripping and emotive new single ‘Storm’, a spoken word piece set to the backdrop of producer George Mercer’s emotive composition work that brings the listener on a journey through reflections of God and nature. Written in the midst of a rattling storm in Ireland, the poem explores how humans become too comfortable with our perceived power over the earth and a powerful storm can remind us that we are at the mercy of the elements.

The Velvet Tide ‘Eveline’

Dun Laoghaire based folk band The Velvet Tide have released single ‘Eveline’ 

The band have two forthcoming gigs in Dublin, at The Grand Social and The Cat and Cage Folk Club.

“This track knocked around for a year in many guises until we fell on a chorus and groove that opened it up to what it is now,” explains vocalist and guitarist Mick Lawlor. 

“It was a tense time between the main writers as the song was going through its various forms which ultimately ended in a split in the band and a move to a new direction. The song reflects the emotion and dark energy of that time but offers some hope for redemption.” 

The track is a brooding sonic landscape of emotive strings and raw lyricism. It crescendoes with a powerful breakdown of heartfelt harmonies and accordion, that's both triumphant and redemptive. 

Hard To Explain ‘Hell To Pay’ 

Northern metal band Hard To Explain are back with new single ‘Hell To Pay.’

This comes just after their recent singles ‘S!ck’ and ‘Lust,’ which received global airplay. 

“Blending themes of damnation, and the occult, the track dives headfirst into the shadows of forbidden knowledge and the price of crossing sacred lines.” Read the release. 

The track is a haunting, heavy and pulsing warning about a world just beyond ours. The demonic vocal performance and relentless guitar riff pack a punch, their most spirited single yet. 

James Shannon, ‘Someone Else’

Ahead of his Electric Picnic gig this weekend, Dublin indie artist James Shannon has released ‘Someone Else’. Shannon is a member of Irish language band IMLÉ — with whom he will be performing at Electric Picnic — and excels both there and in his solo career. ‘Someone Else’ is a new direction for Shannon’s solo work; it’s a mix of indie and alternative rock with pieces of hip-hop influence shining through. Rhythmic, jangly guitars mixed with quick, peppy drums and soaring synthesisers give it a high-energy, retro sound, brighter than his largely moody, dark past works. Lyricism is also a highlight, as Shanon sings about the jy of swimming against the tide and embracing personal uniqueness. James Shannon is a man of many talents, and he puts them all into this latest single.

Charlie Roc ‘Fight For Your Life’

Rapper Charlie Roc has dropped Gaeilge rap tune ‘Fight For Your Life.’

The Tipperary artist has recently performed at the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival as well as a set at the Clonmel Busking Festival, this summer. 

“I’m not fluent in Gaeilge but having lived in West Kerry and focusing on writing, I could not help but weave the Irish language into my music," said the artist. 

“There is so much happening socially and politically and sometimes we lose a grasp of where we came from.” 

The single delves into Irish identity and struggles, parts of the track are as Gaeilge with a high energy flow. Its emotive storytelling ebbs and flows between Irish history and modern day with a punchy delivery.

M'ADAM, ‘Give Me Sun’

Cork songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Adam O’Donovan, aka M’ADAM, has released his second album Before We Die with track ‘Give Me Sun’. The full album shifts between indie folk, soft rock and chill pop, all fused together in ‘Give Me Sun’. The track is a piece of acoustic gold, with M'ADAM’s distinctively baritone voice serving as the glue to hold together gentle guitar strum and softly driving drums and percussion. Layered vocals and soaring guitar melodies drive in lyrics that address moving on and getting by. “All our tears are dry and I wish you well, all our days are done and I wish you well,” sings M'ADAM, effortlessly showing off his vocal skill and range as he moves from low anticipation-building verses to a soaring melodic chorus and eventually to a resolution that is as peaceful and complete thematically as it is musically.

Ocean Tisdall ‘Making It Easy’

Alt-Pop singer Ocean Tisdall is back with acoustic single ‘Making It Easy.’ 

“'Making It Easy' was written in my kitchen with my friend and co-writer Nina, right after a short phone call with my mother,” explained the singer.

“We'd been talking about a relationship that had just ended, and I said how easy I'd made it for the other person to leave me. Nina came over not long after. She picked up her guitar and played the first few chords, and we wrote the song around that.”

The single is a raw and intensely emotional heartbreak number. With powerhouse vocals Tisdall gives a masterclass in letting go. The soulful lyrics and minimalist soundscape are blended together for a song that is graceful as much as it is powerful. A courageous effort from Tisdall. 

David Keenan, ‘Poison Water’

Singer-songwriter David Keenan has released his new single 'Poison Water' ahead of his upcoming album Modern Mythologies, out November 24.

The new single discusses the singer's childhood in county Louth and the salvation that music provided with the shadow of The Troubles still fresh.

“Growing up in Dundalk in the 2000’s, there was a culture of silence, dissident elements, and the allure of criminality," said Keenan. "Repressed male anger was rife, you tended to look for role models in the wrong places but the things that saved me were Music and Poetry."

‘Poison Water’ opens with soft guitar notes but quickly picks up a heavy bass line. It seamlessly mixes traditional Irish music with a modern rock influence. Keenan’s powerful vocals and clever, reflective lyrics paired with the track's bouncy bass solo create a truly unique listening experience.

Shobsy, ‘Not Another Love Song’

Pop artist Shobsy has released his new single ‘Not Another Love Song’ ahead of his debut EP Own The Night.

"Its a song about attempting to convince yourself to move on from someone,” said Shobsy. “I thought that maybe if I told myself in a mantra that 'this is not another love song for you' that somehow that would come true...if not today, then maybe someday. In a way its a love song designed to be sung back to yourself, as you embrace the future and carve out a brand new path."

‘Not Another Love Song’ opens with a fast paced almost electronic keyboard and drum beat paired with Shobsy’s graceful vice hovering over the track.

As it progresses, however, the tone completely changes. The singer’s voice takes on a deeper, more emotional tone comparable to Troye Sivan as the track takes on a fully-pop tone.

Shobsy is set to perform at the Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow Stage at Electric Picnic tomorrow.

Jonathan Baxter, ‘Piracy’

Belfast-based alternative artist Jonathan Baxter has released his new single ‘Piracy’.

The track, rooted in Baxter’s childhood memory for throwing a message in a bottle into the sea, is “a metaphor for emotional forgery: false intimacy, counterfeit connection, and the myths of love we’ve been sold.”

‘Piracy’ is a slow paced, emotional rock track. The song features reflective, longing lyrics that rise and fall in tandem with the instrumentals.

The Halez, ‘Share Your World’

Contemporary rock band The Halez have released their new single ‘Share Your World’.

“The sentiment of 'Share Your World’ is about the importance of openness and connection,” said lead vocalist and guitarist Kieran Murphy. “Encouraging people to seek support and not carry their burdens alone. We want to convey a message of self care through sharing and trusting others.”

The group released their first single ‘Charlie’ in 2024 and have since released singles ‘Come Day Go Day’, ‘Faces and Places’, ‘Coming for You’ and ‘Let Live’.

‘Share Your World’ has a classic 2000s pop rock feel that’s reminiscent of Natasha Bedingfield and Gym Class Heroes.

The uplifting tune features prominent strings that help enhance the fell of the track.

Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets, 'Lately'

Rock band Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets have released their new single ‘Lately’.

The track uses a folk-rock tone to discuss the difficulties of navigating through life.

“This song ended up being the first track I wrote after finishing our last album,” said Flynn. “It was one that crept up on me slowly, working on it bit by bit. I remember on our last tour, I used to play it in soundcheck. It's been through a few changes and re-works, but I love what we landed on.”

‘Lately’ has a Coldplay-like sound with a slight country ting. The track features fast paced instrumentals with a heavy use of brass instruments paired with heavy lyrics.

Stephen Star, ‘Sun’

Stephen Star has released his single ‘Sun’. Star, who is one part of Bog Band, is continuing to show off his solo talent with this latest release. It involves a similar indie rock guitar as works from Bog Band, but takes a refreshing acoustic direction with soft percussion and peaceful vocal harmonies. ‘Sun’ leans more towards folk than rock, with a satisfying guitar melody from the start that is gradually topped off with gentle piano line. Star’s vocals are quality — his tone is full of heart, tenor with just enough range to keep it bright but emotionally reflective — and they lend well to optimistic, love-thy-neighbor lyrics. “Oh, I hope you live as long as I do,” sings Star. It’s a welcomed piece of feel-good indie that picks you up off the ground, dusts you off, and sends you on your way with a smile.

Keelan X, ‘Even Though It’s Summer’

Indie pop artist Keelan X has released his new single ‘Even Though It’s Summer’.

The tune follows his April single ‘Good Times’.

“You know when they put back-to-school ads on the telly and radio,” said Keelan X refuring to ‘Even Though It’s Summer’. “I wanted to capture that mixture of feelings the winding-up of summer brings. I’m interested in that duality; the space between seasons, between hope and resignation, between connection and separation. It’s the ‘what ifs’ that drive narrative in our favorite movies, songs etc. So there’s a dollop of this in this song.”
‘Even Though It’s Summer’ is a classic summer pop song, comparable to a David Guetta tune. It features a catchy, reputative chorus with an uplifting synth beat.

- Listen to our playlist below: