New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

The Altered Hours, ‘Such A Steal’

Ahead of their upcoming self-titled third album, Irish alternative rock outfit The Altered Hours have released new single ‘Such A Steal’.

While rich with the indie-rock fuzz that The Altered Hours have made their own, ‘Such A Steal’ provides a more introspective take than their usual work. The band’s indelible chemistry lends well to a solemn sound and reflective themes. It balances the atmospheric shoegaze sound with garage rock grunge, with lyrics full of raw emotional power.

"The lyrics have more of a veiled meaning on 'Such A Steal',” said band member Cathal MacGabhann.

“It's possibly about isolating myself from society because even the breeze on my skin is so overwhelming. It's about how much I love this world, while simultaneously wanting to stay at arms reach away from its beauty."

MayKay, ‘Let That Boy Know’

A force of nature with her band Fight Like Apes throughout the 00s and 2010s, MayKay has taken a step into the solo spotlight with her self-titled debut - an honest dissection of relationships of all kinds. It’s been a long time coming, with the artist telling Hot Press that it was actually recorded four years ago.

Funky, emotional and fun in all the right places, ‘Let That Boy Know’ is one of the LP’s more upbeat tunes, with an 80s electronic drumbeat, a warbling bassline, glam guitars and a delectable hook brimming with modern pop sensibilities.

7th Obi, ‘Easy 4 Me’

Waterford-born rapper 7th Obi has released his new single ‘Easy 4 Me’.

7th Obi has had star factor from the start. He started releasing hip hop tracks on SoundCloud as a teen and grew a small cult following. In the past five years or so, he's grown in ability and fame, gradually developing a sound that is his and only his. ‘Easy 4 Me’ is some of his most polished work yet. It opens with a fusion of soft, jazzy piano with faintly Latin-influenced percussion, before 7th Obi enters with his digitised vocals and sharp flow. The production is clean and unique, melding futuristic synth sounds with analogue samples. It’s fresh, catchy, driving, memorable. 7th Obi is a name to watch in the hip-hop scene, and ‘Easy 4 Me’ is the track to hear.

Jamie Duffy, ‘Púca’ from new album

The internet will tell you that a púca is a shape-shifting spirit from Celtic and Irish folklore, known for bringing either good or bad fortune, depending on its mood. This track from Monaghan pianist Jamie Duffy’s debut album does the same, starting off creepily and slowly, before rising into an allegro cascade with a dramatic string accompaniment.

One fact that won’t change form is that this 24-year-old is a prodigy. After going viral with his track ‘Solas’, Duffy has gone on to open for the likes of Andrea Bocelli and Hans Zimmer. This self-titled LP proves he’s well on his way to building his own cinematic and sophisticated neoclassical catalogue.

Breezy iDeyGoke X Art of Algebra, ‘Felonious Monk’

Breezy iDeyGoke teams up with Art of Algebra for the track ‘Felonious Monk’, hailing off their collaborative upcoming EP. Flavoured with a production built on a thumping upright bass hook, brass section and a dizzying break beat, the track eventually progresses into a more ambient trip-hop sound, as iDeyGoke offers his inimitable brand of striking songwriting.

Reflecting on their latest release, iDeyGoke says “with us making a return after a hiatus, it feels right to go back to certain fundamentals and pay homage to the early hip-hop sounds of NYC. We have some exciting things in the pipeline, some of which are nastier than this. ‘Felonious’ feels like we are entering the ring, but the fight is yet to come.“

Obskür x Omar+, ‘Serious’

If you were looking for a track to slap you in the face and remind you that it’s Friday, well, here you are. And you can send your thanks to North Dublin duo Obskür, who've been one of the most consistent forces in Ireland's thriving dance scene over the last couple of years.

Pieced together with the help of UK-based producer Omar+, this tune sounds straight outta Tron, thanks to its fast-paced dark and synthy aesthetics. The refrain, meanwhile, provides the straightforward message - “I Just Wanna Dance.”

Muireann Bradley, ‘Clay Pigeons’

We’re more used to folk interpreter extraordinaire Murieann Bradley covering classic tunes that stretch back as far as the 1920s. This time, she’s gone for a more modern(ish) rendition, with her version of Blaze Foley’s ‘Clay Pigeons’, originally in 1989.

The end result is the same. Bradley’s fingerpicking is natural and pianolike, filling both speakers and forcing you to sit down and listen. With typical aplomb, her sweet Donegal-Americana croon delivers a tale of wanting to get away from it all. It’ll no doubt impress attendees at Neil Young’s Harvest Moon Gathering festival this month, which also features Beck and Lana Del Rey on the bill.

"I discovered Blaze Foley a couple of years ago when a video of him performing 'Clay Pigeons' came up on my YouTube feed," Bradley says. "I was blown away and couldn't stop watching the video over and over again. I tried to find every version of Blaze doing the song I could and learned it immediately."

Frowning Hours, ‘Daisy’

Emerging indie-folk artist Frowning Hours returns with his fifth single ‘Daisy’, a track that looks at nostalgia, addiction and codependency through a quiet, reflective folk lens. Produced by Christian Best, it’s a companion piece to ‘Diamond Days’, revisiting familiar themes from another angle.

Frowning Hours is the musical project of Ger Kelly, whose background in theatre influences his emotive songwriting. Having played stages like Whelan’s, Electric Picnic, and All Together Now, Kelly’s writing leans on introspection and simple arrangements that highlight voice and lyric.

MICAH, ‘Cry’

Irish pop singer MICAH has released her new single ‘Cry’ ahead of her upcoming debut album next year.

‘Cry’ is a rock ballad in its purest form: raw, authentic, full of power. Emotive guitar lines blend into soaring vocals, creating a sound that is simultaneously intimate and vulnerable while still intense and anthemic. The lyrics praise those who stand with her during life’s darkest moments and promise to stand by them too. ‘Cry’ recalls the pop-rock anthems of Paramore and Avril Lavigne with the deeply heartfelt emotion of Phoebe Bridgers and Sam Fender.

“Writing ‘Cry’ was a way for me to process what was happening in my life,” said MICAH of the track.

“It’s raw and honest. I didn’t want to sugarcoat anything — this song is about standing in the mess with someone, not running away. It’s about saying, ‘I’m here. We’re in this together.’ This song is my promise to the people I love that I’ll always be there — no matter how bad it gets”

Roving Crows, ‘Racist’

Roving Crows return with ‘Racist’, the opening single from their new album Unite, out on October 10. The track tackles themes of racism, connecting present-day prejudice to the country’s own history of migration and colonialism. The single is driven by a repeated “NOW NOW NOW” refrain that functions as a direct call to action.

Formed in 2007 when guitarist Paul O’Neill met fiddler Caitlín Barrett, the four-piece (with Laurence Aldridge and Jim Smith) fuse traditional jigs and reels with rock muscle and provocative lyrics. The band released Awaken in 2022 and are known for high-energy live shows.

Further Line, ‘Diamond’

Dublin-based pop punk trio Further Line have released new single ‘Diamond’.

‘Diamond’ is rock from the heart. From the perspective of first-time fathers, the track captures the boundless, life-changing joy of parenthood. The lyrics compare children to the titular gem: rare, precious, cherished and beyond value. The uplifting, nostalgic rock sound lends well to the deeply authentic, emotional lyrics. Crafted with the utmost care, ‘Diamond’ is a heartwarming love letter to fatherhood.

StrawMan, ‘Drop Tools’

Donegal alt-rock artist StrawMan returns with ‘Drop Tools’, a gritty yet melodic burst of indie rock that doubles as a love letter. The song pairs guitar work with a steady rhythm and a chorus that leans into open emotion without losing its grit.

StrawMan is the project of Ballybofey musician Tom Bonner, whose 2023 album Emotional Kaleidoscope followed 2020’s Fearless. ‘Drop Tools’ brings things back to basics, direct, heartfelt, and built around the energy of a live band.

November Dog, ‘How I’ve Been’

Belfast band November Dog make their debut with ‘How I’ve Been’, a laid-back indie track that nods to 90s college rock. Built on warm guitars, subtle drums, and bright keys, the track reflects on feeling overlooked and learning to recognise one’s own worth.

Formed by Scott Hanna and keyboardist Danny Cockroft, with bassist and producer Shaun Carlin and drummer Michael McCorry, the four-piece spent the past year developing their sound. Recorded between Blackstaff Studios and Carlin’s home setup, ‘How I’ve Been’ captures a band finding their footing, unhurried and focused on the song itself.

Shayne Ward, Through The Night

Multi-platinum recording artist Shayne Ward has released his brand-new single, “Through The Night”. Co-written by Ward himself, the track blends a country/pop feel with his signature soulful vocals, marking an exciting new chapter in his career.

The release coincides with Ward’s upcoming UK and Ireland tour, including two headline Ambassador Theatre, Dublin shows on Friday, October 10, and Saturday, October 11, 2025, where he will be joined by special guest Saibh Skelly.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Shayne Ward winning the second series of The X Factor, a milestone that launched his career and led to a string of international hits. Since then, Shayne has sold over 3 million albums and 5 million singles worldwide, achieving 15 global platinum albums and No. 1 chart positions in nine countries.

Liam Foody, The One

Hot Press ‘New Local Hero’ nominee Liam Foody is back with his third single titled ‘The One’.

Written about the emotional struggle of holding on to things we don’t want to let go of, it also delves into the difficult, though important, realisation that everything happens for a reason.

"Sometimes this truth is hard to accept," Foody explains. "But it's a part of life that we all have to face”.

Since his debut in 2024, Foody has been drawing listeners in with his authentic sounds, crafting his own space in the Irish indie scene. With ‘The One’, he’s continuing to expand his capabilities as both an artist and an individual.

Allie Sherlock, I Don’t Need Saving

From busking on Grafton Street to selling out show after show, Allie Sherlock keeps shining brighter and brighter.

With her newest track, ‘I Don’t Need Saving’, Sherlock blends blues with her soulful voice reminiscent of the likes of RAYE. It’s smooth, emotional and proves what a powerhouse Sherlock is.

Capturing the intensity and vulnerability of young love, ‘I Don’t Need Saving’ sees Sherlock reflect on the confusion of being caught in an on-and-off relationship before realising that she doesn’t need anyone else to fix her.

Talking about the track, Sherlock describes, “I Don’t Need Saving is about the confusion of being on and off with a boy and then realising when he started love bombing me that I didn’t actually need him to fix anything. In the end, it’s about finding strength in myself.”

Allie Sherlock will play the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast on  November 3.

Christopher Hockey, ‘I Need You’ 

Cork musician Christopher Hockey serves as your guide through a break-up with his new single ‘I Need You’.

The ending of a relationship can feel like the branches of a tree breaking and falling to the ground, but on ‘I need you’ these branches remain reaching out. The track is honest and unsubtle while remaining gentle. It’s vulnerable and touching, gradually building to an expressive breaking point. 

The softness of Hockey's guitar presents itself as moral support as these often withheld thoughts are released for your enjoyment. 

The track offers listeners a contemplative lullaby ahead of Hockey's forthcoming debut album.

Tayyls, ‘Fire’

Dark pop artist Tayyls has released her new single ‘Fire’.

Effortlessly combining earworm pop hooks with heavy, insistent production, ‘Fire’ is both a spark and a blaze, both light and urgent. The intense instrumentals provide a solid backdrop to sharp, introspective lyricism.

Co-written with Singaporean metal five-piece We The Villains, the track explores themes of betrayal, seeing beyond the veil and rising above. ‘Fire’ is defiant, direct and demanding. Tayyls is carving out a space for herself in the alt-pop sphere. She’s not going anywhere— and thank goodness, because we can’t wait to see what’s next.

Lucy Robinson, ‘Intergalactic’

The life of a people pleaser isn’t for the faint of heart, according to Lucy Robinson’s new jazzy pop track ‘Intergalactic’. 

In the Co. Down singer’s new tune, she discusses the downside of selflessness, particularly in relationships.

“It’s about the feeling of being stuck in a cosmic but crushing relationship, before finally deciding to choose yourself,” says Robinson. 

“Towards the end, the lyrics nod to the doormats of the world: if I had a doormat, I would treat them with love and respect.” 

The song is reminiscent of early 2000s cafe pop, with a juxtaposition of joyful rhythms and self-deprecating lyrics. 

‘Intergalactic’ comes off her forthcoming 6-track collection A Wee Hand, set for vinyl release in spring 2026. 

Bantum, ‘Big Flute’

Electronica, funk, dance and hip hop come together on Cork artist Bantum’s fresh new track ‘Big Flute’. 

You could easily listen to this song over and over again as you get lost in the hypnotic repetition of bass chords and house rhythms. Bantum’s skill for world creation is elevated in this track as the moment you press play, you feel as if you’ve entered an entirely new landscape of sound. 

Catch him at Common Threads, Ballyvaughan, Co. Cork, this evening (October 10).

Empty Spaces, ‘Back to the Sea’

Belfast-based rock four-piece Empty Spaces have returned with a haunting new track that echoes through your headphones like a rock opera. 

‘Back to the Sea’ acts as a release for anger you didn't even know you harboured, commanding listeners through powerful vocals and dominant guitar riffs. It’s aggressive and raw, as Stephen Baird on lead vocals snarls through each lyric.

“‘Back To The Sea’ captures the spirit of setting sail against the tide - where danger and liberation meet on the open water,” says the band. “It’s a song for outlaws, wanderers, and anyone who refuses to be anchored." 

CHERYM x Uninvited, ‘Sodabed’

CHEMYM and Uninvited have teamed up to unveil the first single from their upcoming album The Afterparty, ‘Sofabed’, a bright tune lined with rousing guitar chords, flavoured with 2000s indie-pop soundscapes and incredibly catchy melodies.

On the track, Cherym said: “‘Sofabed’ is a song about coming to realise romantic feelings you may be having about someone you would consider a close friend, and never fully understanding the connection between the both of you. I feel like this type of situation is so common within the WLW community and is so much a part of the early sapphic experience.”

RuthAnne, ‘Words’

Hailing off RuthAnne’s new album The Moment, ‘Words’ is a beautifully compelling and soft track, where guitar arpeggios and string instrumentals perfectly accompany the careful lyricism and honey-smooth, layered vocals of the Irish singer-songwriter, making for a track that is as emotional as it is transporting and breezy.

AC3, ‘Superman’

Dublin rapper AC3 unveils his latest single, ‘Superman’, marking his return to the spotlight and hailing from his forthcoming EP All Hands on Deck. Bustling with fearless energy, the tune’s production mixes grit, groove, and cinematic edge, setting the scene for the rapper’s razor-sharp delivery.

“I needed that space to lock in,” AC3 says of his brief hiatus. “I told people I was coming back — I just wanted to make sure it hit the way it was supposed to.”

The Fynches, ‘Under My Window’

Hailing from The Fynches’ new self-titled album, out today, ‘Under My Window’ is a deliciously catchy, 70’s-flavoured tune blending gorgeous string and piano instrumentals with carefully layered vocal harmonies, creating a perfect easy groove which highlights the instrumentals subtle and catchy details.

David Keenan, ‘We Live, We Learn, We Love’

On the new single ‘We Live, We Learn, We Love’, which comes ahead of his upcoming album Modern Mythologies, David Keenan casts his mind inwards to confront his vulnerabilities head-on. The introspective track is set to a warm and minimalistic production, including mournful piano, blues-tinged guitar textures and a sparse looped beat.

Of the new track, David says, “I wanted to write a song that would map a whole lifetime of change, from teenage kid to present day using all the lyrical skill I could muster to achieve that progression. It’s a different style but like my hero Bowie said, ‘If you have the ability to work in different styles then use it!’ That’s always stayed with me.”

Gareth Quinn Redmond, ‘Saol Na Cathrach’

Gareth Quinn Redmond unveils his newest effort ‘Saol Na Cathrach’, a gorgeously gentle piece of ambient music, evoking natural landscapes and delicately quiet early morning, making for a track that is as transporting as it is calming, with its softly layered synths and carefully detailed layers.

Stray Planets, ‘Hallucinations’ feat. Dara Kiely

Stay Planets collaborate with Gilla Band’s Dara Kiely on the psychedelic tune ‘Hallucinations’, blending languorous, delicately layered and detailed instrumentation with transporting, otherworldly vocals, slowly building in intensity of its 3-minutes run with the addition of slow-paced rhythmic sections and ethereal synths.

Shimmer Boy, ‘Under The Surface’

Irish singer-songwriter and guitarist Shimmer Boy (Aaron O’Sullivan) today makes his debut with new single ‘Under the Surface’, the first glimpse into his debut album, In The Aftermath, We Bloom, coming in 2026. Co-written with Fionn Hennessy, drummer with Cian Ducrot, Pa Sheehy and Little House, ‘Under the Surface’ speaks of having to watch a friend struggle with addiction, set against a backdrop of gorgeously glistening guitar instrumentals and brightly intense pop production.

Speaking on the release, Shimmer Boy says “At almost two years sober, it feels like the right song to put out first. Ironically, it feels like something The War On Drugs could have written.”

Aislinn Logan, ‘What You Gonna Do’

Aislinn Logan has released her new single ‘What You Gonna Do’ ahead of her debut album.

The track discusses Logan’s bond with her sister and the complicated childhood they had with their mum, who died three years ago.

“It’s about feeling proud of what we’re making of ourselves - not in spite of everything, but with the strength that our history gave us,” said the artist.

The electronic pop song is centred around a modular synth loop and paired with intimate vocals creating a unique duality.

‘What You Gonna Do’ brings new life to the typical indie-pop track.

Pairing upbeat, bassy synth with passionate, honest vocals creates an engaging and surprising listening experience.

Elle Leon Gallagher, ‘Going Places!’

Elle Leon Gallagher has released her sophomore album A Chara, featuring ‘Going Places!’.

The record, about friendship, was recorded almost entirely live over the course of a year and a half.

“It’s an exploration of behaviours and thought processes provoked by close relationships,” said the singer.

“The contrasting catastrophic sarcasm in the lyrics reflect the contradictions within finding your path and redefining yourself outside of a long term relationship and the idealisation surrounding self-care and the pressure to work on oneself,” said the artist of ‘Going Places!’.

The track takes on an indie, pop-rock sound with slight folky influences.

The sarcasm planted throughout the lyrically heavy track apparent in the singer’s powerful voice.

Helen O’Shea, ‘Chaos’

Roots artists Helen O’Sheas has released her new single ‘Chaos’, ahead of her upcoming Sinéad O’Connor and Dolores O’Riordan tribute album.

“‘Chaos’ describes the inside of a mind full of to-do list items competing with each other, leading to complete overwhelm, but with a resounding note of hope at the end,” said the artist.

‘Chaos’ features a complex mix of instruments and background vocals, on theme with the lyrics. The choppy feel is held together by O’Shea powerful, grounding vocals.

Ways of Seeing, ‘Last Wave’

Cork shoegaze band Ways of Seeing have released their sophomore album The Inheritance of Fear featuring ‘Last Wave’.

“‘Last Wave’ is about the things we inherit but never asked for—the fear, the darkness, the faults and the complicated legacies of the past,” said the band.

“The song examines our Irish identity; a colonial past and Catholic upbringing - how there are parts of our history so intertwined in our culture that to leave it behind completely would almost seem like a betrayal. That perhaps to live with the darkness is to live more fully, and that without it, we are left with something devoid of meaning.”

The Oasis style track features deep vocals and reflective lyrics.

Little Known, ‘Harmonix’

Alternative rock band Little Know have released their new EP Billy featuring ‘Harmonix’.

The Cork shoegazers released their debut single ‘Pretty Song’ in 2020 and their first album As It Is in 2023.

Also featured on Billy is May’s single 'Headwreck', June’s ‘The Richest Man’ and the September single ‘It Should Be Easy’.

‘Harmonix’ features modern, almost sci-fi sounding, keyboard notes paired with a prominent guitar riff. It mixes soft, steady vocals paired with a raspier rock sound as the instrumentals build.

Darren Kiely, ‘Bound’

Folk artist Darren Kiely has released his new single ‘Bound’.

The artist is known for blending traditional Irish music with modern influences such as The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons and Noah Kahan.

He began singing in 2019 and released his debut EP Lost in 2023.

The EP featured his track ‘Mon & Dad’ which debuted in the Top 40 on the Irish Singles Chart.

His follow up EP From The Dark came out in 2024.

‘Bound’ is a classic pop-folk song with fluid piano notes and slow-paced, somber vocals.

Listen to our playlist below: