New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Kaeyan, ‘Watch The Greatness’

Young Dublin rapper Kaeyan has released his debut EP WHO TF IS KAEYAN ? with track ‘Watch The Greatness’.

Kaeyan has been compared to UK rapper Dave, for his undeniable talent and authenticity. However, his sound and particularly this EP is entirely homegrown. This right here is modern Dublin creativity. Particularly on 'Watch The Greatness', Kaeyan deserves all the hype for his sharp, witty lyricism, smooth melodies and original sound. He's honest, puts his heart into every song, with a final product that is simply a joy to listen to. The track is well-produced, expertly mixed and written from the mind of a poet. ‘Watch The Greatness’; watch Kaeyan.

Lisa O’Neill, ‘The Wind Doesn’t Blow This Far Right’

Cavan-born singer-songwriter Lisa O’Neill has released her new single ‘The Wind Doesn’t Blow This Far Right’.

If we had to describe O'Neill's latest track in one word: powerful. In sound and in message, it is full of poignancy and relevance, stirring and strong. She has a long history of writing powerful songs about social issues and historical memories, but this is one of her best, with her voice in the spotlight.

“I began writing this song in November 2017 and I finished it in January 2025,” said O’Neill of the track.

“My song is a reaction to the unsettled times that we live in.”

Dylan Flynn And The Dead Poets, ‘turn the page’

Limerick indie-rockers Dylan Flynn And The Dead Poets have released new single ‘turn the page’.

They're fresh off of an eventful summer of festival shoes across the UK and Ireland, and are preparing for their biggest tour to date this November. They've already sold out shows and had their tracks featured across the board, and for good reason. Particularly in this new track, their songwriting his full of heart and authenticity, with bright, refreshing guitar lines and peppy, nostalgic drums. There's the emotional power of Radiohead with the passion of Springsteen, all in a sound that is indelibly Irish.

'Turn The Page' is a heart-wrenching story of a son watching his father age, reconciling with his inability to stop this natural process. The pedal steel guitar with smooth saxaphone lines creates a texture different frm the band's usual works, though the crooning vocals and driving drums keep it theirs.

“This song was a tough one for me to write,” said frontman Flynn of the song.

“The writing itself happened pretty quickly, but the reality I was faced with when I was done, really took a toll on me. No one ever wants to think about their parents passing, but it's an inevitability. Even though this song is deeply sad and tough for me to sing, it's one I'm really proud of, and hope it can connect with others and the same level it does for me.”

RÓIS x hhH, ‘Did Ye Ever Get the Ride at the Wakehouse?’

RÓIS teams up with hhH on the new single ‘Did Ye Ever Get the Ride at the Wakehouse?', a stunningly dark number blending ambient sonic elements with heavy and hypnotically chaotic production, making for the perfect backdrop to ROÍS' incredibly rousing vocal performance and creating a stunningly catchy melody. The tune is accompanied by a powerful music video derided by Adam O’Reilly and starring Alex Vostokova.

KNEECAP, ‘Sayōnara (SHERELLE Remix)’

They who need no introduction are back again: KNEECAP have released a new remix of ‘Sayōnara’ by UK DJ and producer SHERELLE.

If you thought the original version of this rave-ready collaboration with Orbital was good, get ready for a powerhouse of a remix, full of acid riffs and punishing drum tracks. If the first version was made for a festival field, this one is made for strobe lights in nightclubs.

“It's an honour to remix for KNEECAP and this was really fun for me to do,” said SHERELLE of the track.

“I saw the boys at Primavera and instantly felt their energy throughout so it really inspired me for the remix. Big up to the boys for getting me involved, I am very much in awe of what they are doing at the moment and I love when people stand on business!"

Along with SHERELLE, producer Wallace lended talents for a bass-driven house sound, looping snippets of Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap's sharp vocals before creating an otherworldly breakdown. There's nothing quite like this.

Foot Squeaker, ‘Medals’

Wexford-based alt-rock trio Foot Squeaker have released new single ‘Medals’.

Frontman Diarmuid Comerford is the sharp witted storyteller behind the lyrics, all set to a melodic tune balancing danceable energy with a gritty rock quality. Drummer and vocalist Mike Lynch keeps the song driving with explosive drums and soaring harmonies, alongside the band’s newest addition, bassist and vocalist Richard Deering, who contributes a fresh energy that helps define Foot Squeaker’s sound.

“‘Medals’ marks a significant milestone for us,” the band said.

“It’s the first song born from our new chapter with Richard on bass, and it carries the energy he’s brought to the band. Lyrically, it’s a reflection on resilience—on whether giving every child a medal for simply taking part truly helps, or if it takes away the lessons that come from losing and trying again.”

The lyrics explore the paradox of how young people shield their hearts from harm and thus miss out on the experiences that build resilience. The pounding bass, driving drums and scorching guitars lend well to such poignant themes.

Teagan Nolan, ‘The Game’

Rising pop singer Teagan Nolan has released her new single ‘The Game’.

At only 16, Nolan has delivered a powerhouse of a song that recalls the greats of girl bands past while still fresh and new. The track blends harmonious choral vocals with tremolo guitars, setting the scene for a tale of love and lost, romance and heartbreak. The song is catchy while still refined, and absolutely timeless. Watch out, Ireland: your new pop princess has taken her crown.

Podge Lane, ‘The Story’

Cork alt-country artist Podge Lane has released his new album Less Of Me featuring track ‘The Story’.

This is the voice to watch on the alt-country scene. Blending the twang of the American South with the freshness of Irish rock, Podge is not to be ignored with his latest album. Moving to the US from Ireland in March, Lane set out with the goal of writing songs based on his travels, and he did it right. 'The Story' is rich with the worldbuilding of Springsteen with the classic roadtrip-ready energy of Zack Bryan and Sierra Farrell. His voice blends perfectly with the retro instrumentals, with lyrics dripping with soul and full of wit.

“This album is everything I’ve seen in these last few months of travelling reflected back showing a different version of what I thought I was gonna see, like a carnival mirror,” said Podge Lane.

“Through it I answered my own questions, and saw the person I am, or the people I could become. Hopefully, if you need it you can find some answers in these songs.”

Sionán, No Revival

With a hook that teases its unforgettable chorus, ‘No Revival’ rides in like a scene torn from a modern Western, setting the stage for a raw, emotionally charged story of betrayal, heartbreak, and the bitter truth of romance unravelling.

Written from the real-life moment of walking in on a partner, drunk at a bar and in someone else’s arms, Sionán shares: “It’s the gut-punch of realising someone you trusted has broken that bond. The song came from a moment of devastation but also from the strength it takes to face that kind of truth head-on. For me, writing ‘No Revival' was about turning heartbreak into something that could speak to others who've been there."

One for both the girls and the boys, 'No Revival' will connect with anyone who's ever been blindsided. When the drinks are flowing, the truth comes out, caught in that all-too-familiar twist of love gone wrong. Think Yellowstone meets Virgin River for the backdrop; it delivers that modern Western edge with emotional depth.

Kampala, Orangutan

The follow-up to May's 'Fifteen Seconds' (a song about the problems with the modern world's attention span), ‘Orangutan’ looks at the state of partisan politics in the world and how our elected leaders regularly fall short of any sort of meaningful leadership and effectively are making the world more a zoo led by the apes every day.

Like the rest of Kampala's forthcoming debut album, ‘Orangutan’ was self-produced and recorded live at the band's rehearsal room in Ballymount in Dublin. And mixed by Diarmuid Breathnach
Kampala are a 4-piece alternative rock band from Dublin and Kildare. There are echoes of Depeche Mode, The Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, and Suede in the band's music, which draws inspiration from decades of iconic sounds.

Kathy Long, Langeveien

Straight from her debut EP, Kathy Long brings us ‘Langeveien’.
‘Langeveien’, meaning ‘Long Road’ in Norwegian, is the final track on Long’s Element EP. This song wonders about belonging and purpose in life. Reflecting on the idea of “the long road”, Long concludes that the best things in life are those crafted slowly and with care.

Element is a four-song EP where each track embodies one of nature's four elements: "Glow Gold" (Fire), "June" (Air), "West" (Earth), and "Langeveien" (Water). Much like the intertwined elements that form our existence, each track on the EP reveals an element of Long's varied soundscape, moving from rooted acoustics and folk inspirations to airy electronic production.

Seán Molloy, ‘It’s Not Your Fault’

Donegal singer-songwriter Seán Molloy makes his debut with ‘It’s Not Your Fault’, a heartfelt track built around a steady ukulele rhythm and delicate cello. Written after returning home to Donegal in 2022, the song reflects on recovery, resilience, and finding self-acceptance after a difficult few years. Molloy describes the song as a turning point, a way of making peace with the past while looking forward with honesty and optimism.

Now rebuilding his life and embracing a new chapter, Molloy channels personal experience into a message of hope and renewal — a debut that feels both intimate and quietly powerful.

Danny Groenland, ‘I Go Through Something Too’

Dublin soul singer and songwriter Danny Groenland shares his latest single ‘I Go Through Something Too’, taken from his new album Burning Rome. The mid-tempo track blends warm horns, layered harmonies and a jazzy trumpet break.

Lyrically, it’s an appeal for empathy, drawing connections between how we treat those closest to us and the struggles faced by people across the world. Thoughtful and understated, it’s a track that captures Groenland’s ability to pair social reflection with groove-driven soul.

Flynn Johnson, ‘MURDER (feat. whoisdays)’

Dublin rapper Flynn Johnson returns with ‘MURDER (feat. whoisdays)’, ahead of his debut album THE GREEN BOX THEORY, out on November 7. The track examines how rumours spread and reputations unravel under pressure. Built around sharp lyricism, it captures a back-and-forth between confidence and insecurity, as stories grow louder than truth.

Dublin artist whoisdays delivers the song’s hook — “There’s gonna be murder, murder, murder”. Johnson’s quick, detail-heavy writing grounds the song in a Dublin context, balancing dark humour with social commentary.

The single is part of THE GREEN BOX THEORY, a concept-driven debut that Johnson describes as “a love letter to the estate and a thank-you note for the lessons it taught me.”

Beauty Sleep, ‘You (You’re All I Wanted)’

Derry alt-pop duo Beauty Sleep return with ‘You (You’re All I Wanted)’, the final single ahead of their forthcoming second album The Whole Damn Cake, out October 17. The track channels the band’s signature blend of lush, layered production and lo-fi warmth, pairing shimmering synths with a hooky indie guitar line.

Speaking about the song, Cheylene Murphy says: “The song is about failing upwards. A bit of a play on the idea that a past version of you would be proud of where you are, so looking ahead to a mythical future version of yourself that has the life you dreamed of, and trying to take steps to get closer to meeting them.”

Miranda Faul, ‘Been Here Before’

Miranda Faul explores the pain of complex romantic relationships on her new cinematic single ‘Been Here Before’. Starting off as a gently stirring folky number, the track slowly builds in layered, atmospheric soundscapes, highlighting the heaviness and moving quality of Faul’s songwriting.

“When I wrote it,”, Faul says of the new single, “I was reckoning with myself from inside a situation that was hurting me. Part of me knew the person I was ‘dating’ would never choose me, but other parts of me still hoped that he would, and it kept me waiting around. I don’t decide to walk away from him in the song. Of course, that would have been the right thing to do. But the song isn’t about doing the right thing or helping yourself, it’s about being stuck.”

AO, ‘MORE LIFE’ feat. Nikz

AO teams up with Nikz on the new single ‘MORE LIVE’, a glistening hip-hop track blending gorgeously melodic and gentle productions with heavy, hard-hitting and deft bars, slow-paced yet incredibly rousing with its shimmering, R’n’B flavoured chorus.

 

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The New York Salsa Company, ‘Defloater’

A slow building, electric guitar-centric track, The New York Salsa Company’s ‘Defloater’ is lined with pretty and melodic riffs and vocals, while also pulsating with raw intensity, blending tight production with heavy and mysterious soundscapes.

The track hails from The New York Salsa Company’s new album Our Landscape Is now, which will be performed in full in Whelan's on October 21st in support of Medical Aid for Palestinians.

Bren Berry, ‘Neon Lights (Ingmar808 Remix)’

Bren Berry collaborates with Ingmar808 on the remix of his track ‘Neon Light’, a tribute to Mark Lanegan following his death in Co. Kerry in February 2022. Fast paced and gorgeously dance inducing, the tune blends dreamy synths with heavy and rousing bass lines, as well as magnificently catchy rhythmic sections.

"I know I am trying in vain, but I wanted the song to capture the "tone" of Mark Lanegan's incredible voice and soul in some small way. I had been listening to him a lot at the time and was also loving his wonderful books "Sing Backwards and Weep" and "Devil in a Coma". The fact that he died in Ireland and we are a similar age just seemed to make it resonate even more with me.”

Christian Cohle, ‘Oh It Must Be Nice’

Dublin native and avant-pop artist Christian Cohle graces fans with an emotional new track to project sorrows on. The melancholy of Cohle’s voice in juxtaposition with the 80s influenced dramatic synth makes the track feel sexy and tragic all at the same time. 

“The song is a confessional,” says Cohle. “I speak to my exhaustion, my frustrations with my career, my self-doubt, and my struggles with sex, addiction, and empty cul-de-sac intimacies.”

The song discusses the complexity of feeling happy while your friends, while grappling with jealousy and internal disappointment when your life doesn't meet previous expectations.

Boyfrens, ‘Easy 2 See’

‘Easy 2 see’ by Boyfrens feels like wandering into a trance. With dreamy looping club-pop beats that hypnotize listeners, offering fans of electronic music something easy to listen to. 

The Dublin based artist displays a great concept of texture within music, as sounds seem to drift through wave levels like one might saunter through a house party, the sounds of stereo fading in and out as you enter different rooms. 

The flow draws you in and leaves your head knocking back and forth in agreement. The song precedes a later project from Boyfrens, set for release in winter. 

Peter Richardson, ‘Heaven Can’t Help Me Now’

Peter Richardson plays games of seduction on ‘Heaven Can’t Help Me Now’ as his voice beacons you in. The track begins with the sounds of frigid winds, blowing listeners into a dangerous storyline- a tale of love no doubt, but watch your step. 

The guitar riffs wind the tune up to serve as a warning, as the drums keep steady like a beating heart. 

Richardson’s lyrics describe falling mercilessly in love and succumbing to the realities of unwavering loyalty, following a partner to the depths based on mere intense feelings. He evokes these emotions with gospel vocals reminiscent of Hozier. His immersive storytelling abilities leave you craving for his next release.

Mike Smalle with Carol Keogh, ‘The Nameless One’

'The Nameless One' offers a brand new sound. The track draws you in with whispering melodies from Carol Keogh, each note coming out gracefully like feathers blowing in the wind. She calls out to an empty corridor, echoing like a signal for folk artist Mike Smalle to offer his own expressions. Smalle joins in before the two harmonise in a way that feels like fate.

It carries a similar airiness to Solange's 'Cranes in the Sky'.

The song comes off of the Bring Your Own Hammer, a project which brings historians and composers together to create new and original songs based on historical sources, re-interpreting songs rooted in the history of nineteenth-century Ireland.  The two transform 'The Nameless One', a poem originally written in 1900 by Roger Casement, into a rich and unique new track, characterized by angelic vocals.

Aryel Moon, ‘Little Bit Closer’

Dublin alt-rock band Aryel Moon return with their third single ‘Little Bit Closer’. The song explores the excitement of the early stages of a relationship, the rush of desire that accompanies a blissful ignorance. Italian-born frontwoman Donatella Carmedda offers vocals on the track, the emotion building as she sings out to her echoing voice, serving as a call-and-response to her own dialogue. She holds a longing in her voice that feels like opening a 90s grunge timecapsule. The song is short and sweet, bound together by the crescendo of the drums and growing intensity of Carmedda’s desperation to be “a little bit closer”.

T R Y S T E, ‘Vessel’

‘Vessel’ by T R Y S T E feels like laying your head on a supportive shoulder. The shoegaze influences are clear as the soft acoustic instrumentals seem to sift through the lyrics like a fog. It’s introspective, as vocalist Gabriel Gaba repeats “I feel things may never be that good again”, before he gives in to the overwhelming wave of emotion that escapes as defeated rage.

“It’s about having integrity even in the worst possible situations” says Gaba.

The song culminates into a storm, as if to serve as a personal therapy session for the band as a whole. 'Vessel' is the final single to be released off their forthcoming EP ‘To Rise You Seek The End’, due November 13.

anamoe drive, ‘hurry up & wait’

Indie artist anamoe drive has released his new single ‘hurry up & wait’ ahead of his upcoming album.

"'hurry up & wait’ was written only a few months before I recorded thank god it’s friday," said the artist.

"I had attended an online songwriting workshop hosted by Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief, and for one of the classes I was tasked to write a song in reaction to the photo Skyscape by Genesis Baez."

"The image depicts someone washing a piece of cloth in water, with the light reflecting off the ripples. It felt calm, and at peace with the present moment. The song conversely addresses the feeling of perpetual movement as a means to escape the vulnerability of stillness."

"The photo presented a feeling I wanted to grasp, the song documents the struggle to grasp it."

'hurry up & wait' is a mellow, somber track. It features staccato vocals and guitar notes paired with slow, simple lyrics.

Def Nettle, ‘Nothing For It’

Punk-funk band Def Nettle have released their news single ‘Nothing For It’.

The track “explores anxiety, disorientation, resentment, and the overwhelming sensation of release,” according to a statement.

The release follows their 2024 debut album DN001 and their single ‘Get Me Here’, released earlier this year.

‘Nothing For It’ is a synth filled tune with a groovy bass line.

The track features low, monotone vocals with a cold tone. The lyrics keep a fast paced, rap–like style while synth tones reverberate throughout the track, keeping the listener engaged.

Cabin, ‘It’s All Over (For You)’

Dublin artist Cabin has released his new single ‘It’s All Over (For You)’ ahead of his upcoming EP.

The psychedelic pop track comments on the prevalence of advertising in our lives.

“We live amidst an inescapable presence of advertisement, that becomes more personal and insidious as time goes by, to the point that we also feel the need to be selling something, or ourselves. So, what better way to examine that than through a four minute pop song,” said the artist.

‘It’s All Over (For You)’ is a chirpy, upbeat track despite its ominous lyrics.

The song opens with jumpy piano notes and a rhythmic drum beat as the singer delivers calm, melodic vocals.

As the track continues, however, its elements slowly build on top of each other. By the end, the catchy beat turns into an overwhelming, chaotic tune, mimicking the feeling of being bombarded with constant, unescapable advertisements.

TroyOkay, ‘Sunshine’

Indie collective TroyOkay have released their new single ‘Sunshine’ ahead of their upcoming EP.

The song explores emotions of longing, nostalgia and compassion, reflecting on time spent with someone who is no longer in your life.

The band is known for their genre-defying mix of jazz, soul, hip-hop and indie influences throughout their tunes.

‘Sunshine’ is a Tame Impala-style indie track with a jazzy saxophone and bass line. The high tempo tune features an upbeat mood was soft, passionate vocals.

Winnie Ama, ‘No Good’

Pop artist Winnie Ama has released her debut album DEKA, featuring ‘No Good’.

The record fuses pop with disco, soul and folk influences.

“DEKA is me choosing light without pretending the rain didn’t happen,” said the artist.

“ It’s about celebrating community and my Northern-Irish-Ghanaian identity and embracing romantic love, acknowledging complicated times. Every track has a unique heartbeat, just like every era in life.”

"It's about community, love, friendships, work and changing emotions that come with all of that, making life vibrant, dynamic and ever-changing.”

‘No Good’ opens with high pitched synth sounds, creating a modern feel, before jumping into a groovy, pop-jazz bass line.

The tune features deep, staccato vocals and a light saxophone solo.

BOLD LOVE, ‘All The Lives’

Dublin’s six-piece band BOLD LOVE have released their debut EP Dancing & Loving, featuring ‘All The Lives’.

“'All The Lives' is about growing up and watching people join the real world and feeling out of touch with that,” said lead singer and songwriter Cian Ó’Maonlaí.

“It’s about the heartbreak of drifting from someone and seeing them change but beneath it all I think it’s about the fear of being alone.”

‘All The Lives’ is a pop-rock tune with a pounding drum beat and a back-and-forth guitar riff.

The song features powerful vocals and raw lyrics.

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