New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Side 4 Collective, ‘First’

‘First’ is a beautifully rhythmic, percussion-focused track off of Side 4 Collective’s sophomore album When We Were Still which was released today.

The new album deals with “themes of loneliness, domestic abuse, reflection, physical deterioration, escapism , boredom”, all felt while experiencing the shutdown of the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. The collective is made up of several Irish artists and is fronted by drummer Dave Hingerty known for his work with The Frames, Josh Ritter, Kila and Mary Coughlan.

The track’s stream of consciousness instrumental style is evocative of Radiohead’s In Rainbows, with the guide of Claire Sands' viola and Max Greenwood’s piano driving listeners through feelings of melancholy, frustration and ultimately acceptance.

“This record deals with so many of the themes of the time and might even help people heal a little,” says Hingerty. “or help them to reflect on some of the peace and serenity they might have also had or a sea change that carried them on a wave.”

Bren Berry, 'I Love This City'

Written as a protest song for the ‘Save The Cobblestone’ campaign, ’I Love This City’ is Bren Berry's stunning dedication to Dublin. The track plays as a warm embrace, with backing track vocals making the song feel like a community effort, all coming together to celebrate Dublin’s iconic Cobblestone pub, which has given a home to lovers of traditional Irish music and creamy pints for the past 35 years.

“I love this city it’s where I’m from / So many good things going on,” he sings with optimism.

As each chord progresses, you can almost feel the clouds parting, making way for beams of light to shine down on Dublin. Creating a brand new anthem for an ancient city isn’t any easy thing to do, but Berry does it flawlessly.

You can catch the Ringsend singer-songwriter at his upcoming Whelan’s gig on January 16, 2026!

How I Became A Wave, ‘05:00’

‘05:00’ comes as How I Became a Wave’s (the solo project of Cork musician Pat Carey) 3rd release of 2025. The track plays as a winter lullaby, with Carey’s gentle vocals and a beautiful blend of soothing instrumentals, evocative of Bon Iver.

“This song was originally inspired by Eavan Boland's poetry collection Night Feed,” says Carey. “I've always been interested in exploring how small, seemingly meaningless moments can be interpreted as being a kind of portal to something greater, something universal. The mundane can be transformed into the timeless when the moment is given the respect that it demands.”

How I Became A Wave will perform at Coughlan's in Cork on April 12, 2026, and at the Unitarian Church in Dublin on April 17, 2026. They will also make their debut at the Your Roots Are Showing folk music conference this upcoming January.

Paulie Martin, ‘Angel’

2025 has been the comeback year for Mullingar musician Paulie Martin, as he returns with his second single of the year ‘Angel’. The singer-songwriter shows off killer guitar solos that make you forget which decade we’re in, transporting you to an early 70s classic-rock jam session. His lyrics celebrate nostalgic feelings of youth and ephemera.

“‘Angel’ reminds us of a love never lost,” says Martin. “No matter how far away someone might be—gone forever or gone for a short while—the fondest memories are the ones that last forever. Musically, Angel is my Freebird.”

You can catch Paulie Martin live at the single’s launch party at Smiddy’s Bar in Mullingar on December 6, with support from Graham O’Hara and Phoenix.

BFrank, ‘Brigid’

BFrank is the musical project of wife duo artist Audrey Blue and indie singer Susie Blue. Their debut single ‘Brigid’ discusses the excitement and uncertainty of young love, effectively imagining the naivety of youth. The song reminds us that even fleeting moments of love maintain their meaning for nostalgia's sake, and embarrassment aside - one mustn't tiptoe in the face of romance!

“‘Brigid’ is a track that we poured a lot of love into,” says BFrank. “It’s about those years when you first start to fall in love, how intense those feelings are and how much you think you’ll never find anything else like that feeling in the world. It’s an amalgamation of all the women we felt something for and how they forever changed us whether good or bad.”

The duo made their first live performance at Performers For Palestine in Belfast this past October.

Black Dog Moon, ‘Holy War’

‘Holy War’ is Black Dog Moon’s newest rock opera. With shimmering chord progressions, powerful distorted electric guitar solos and raw powerhouse vocals - the 5-piece rock band have outdone themselves on their latest record Hell And Back. Evocative of Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden, the song brings that ferocious 80s rock familiarity into the modern age while echoing frustrations surrounding world conflict.

Their 11-track sophomore album Hell And Back is out now!

Gráinne, ‘6ft. Under’

‘6ft Under’ is 23 year old Dublin-based musician Gráinne’s latest single about Irish generational trauma. On the single, Gráinne discusses growing up amongst Irish traditions and maintaining a set of beliefs you may not believe in. She questions whether or not the past is worth repeating, echoing the harsh truths of Ireland’s troubled history. You can feel the misty melancholia woven through every lyric, each line dressed in nostalgia and vulnerability.

“Lets beg for forgiveness / For those who come before us / things we didn't bear witness to,” she weeps.

‘6ft. Under’ is topical discourse for those facing the guilt of choosing to leave home for a different life beyond Ireland. The Wexford-native spent the last four years studying music in Finland and has now returned to the home turf to bring us some more haunting melodies - coming soon!

Æ MAK, ‘We Came From Stars’

Æ MAK is back with her new single ‘We Came From Stars’, the first track from a new body of work which she describes as “a spiritual–cosmic–folk album with a touch of great music hall about it.” Stripped-back, intimate, and emotionally direct, the tune is catchy and ethereal while staying slightly minimalistic.

“I’ve taken a step back from electronic world-building for now,” AE MAK explains. “and naturally felt towards a more organic and exposed sound.”

Ellie O’Neill, ‘Bohemia’

Meath artist Ellie O’Neill releases her debut single ‘Bohemia’, a dreamy and atmospheric tune tainted with gentle yet poignant guitar arpeggios which perfectly accompany the silky-smooth and transporting quality of the singer’s voice. Over the course of its run, the tune slowly builds in emotional intensity, incorporating percussion elements and powerfully layered vocals.

O’Neill reflects,“'Bohemia' is about the desire to remember but through the remove of a window, or a dream, a kind of voyeuristic approach to your own memories that makes them easier to hold. It feels like many songs that I write are a way to survive something, even if you were always ‘designed to die’. Bohemia is definitely one of those.”

The Null Club, ‘Overgrown’ feat. Miss Grit

The Null Club return with new single 'Overgrown' featuring fellow electronic artist from New York, Miss Grit. The new track leans heavily into techno and noise, marking a new breathless and bone-rattling tune from Alan Duggas-Bornes, best known as the guitarist for Guilla band.

Alan explains on the new single "The hypnotic but kind of punishing nature of a 909 kick drum is something I’ve always searched for in music. When I first got a 909 drum machine and heard how full the kick drum could be by itself, I got lost in that specific low end for a good few weeks. The studio where I write has some big big subs, so I would sit there for hours chasing the full sound of those drums. That was the starting point of this track.”

Barbagianni, ‘Silicon Crystals’

Dublin-based electronic duo Barbagianni release their debut EP Lately, including the gorgeously catchy ‘Silicon Crystals’, released in collaboration with TADGH. Layered with 80’s flavours, the old-school synthpop is beautifully uptempo and irresistibly dance inducing, showcasing the duo’s irresistible blend of melody and introspection.

Moon Landing, ‘All Our Friends (Have Moved Away)’

Belfast five-piece Moon Landing release their new EP We’ll Come Back Again As Birds, including the grandiose and atmospheric tune ‘All Our Friends (Have Moved Away)’, a slow-building and gorgeously layered tune which slowly builds in intensity over the course of its run. Transportive, introspective and glisteningly moving, the tune marks the perfect closer to the band’s second EP.

Aran Sheehy, ‘Arsakia’

The opener to Aran Sheehy’s new album Overseer, out today, ‘Arsakia’ is a gorgeously mysterious tune, built on elegant yet dark superpositions of strings and light percussions, the tune evokes Viking traditions and larger-than-life first landscapes, naturalist and beautifully transporting.

DELUSH, ‘Get Sick’

Tallaght band DELUSH release their new riotous single ‘Get Sick’, a powerful and tongue-in-cheek rock number complete with breathless electric guitars, gorgeously noisy percussions and incredibly lively vocals, making the hard-hitting track into an irresistibly catchy tune that will warm the bones of their winter listeners.

Obskür, ‘Basic Instinct’

House duo Obskür today release their new dance-inducing single ‘Basic Instinct’, an incredibly catchy number laced with foot-stomping percussion and powerful synthy melodies, complete with languorous vocals and relatively minimalist production which lets the infectious beats shine.

Porter Boys Social Club, ‘Cruel Britannia’

Monaghan/Louth group Porter Boys Social Club speak out against colonization on their new track ‘Cruel Britannia’ directed at the British government of past and present. With a mix of traditional Irish vocals and folk instrumentals, they satirically present the song as a dedication.

The band previously supported acts such as The Scratch and Íspini na hÉireann, and have also performed slots at Electric Picnic and Bold Frontiers festival in Dundalk. 'Cruel Britannia' comes as Porter Boys Social Club's first single off their debut album set to release next spring.

Diveboy, ‘Solar Sister’

Evocative of early noughties movie soundtrack tunes, ‘Solar Sister’ comes as Diveboy’s 3rd single of the year. The Cork band released their latest album Crazy Dreams And Cruel Realities in 2023 and have gone on to perform at festivals such as Glastonbury in 2024, and most recently at Cork City Hall supporting Feeder this past October.

“The initial idea for ‘Solar Sister ‘ fell out very quickly one evening, sitting with an acoustic guitar,” says vocalist Tony O’Donovan. “On reflection, it’s probably about being there for someone in a difficult moment even though you’re not sure what to do or say, it’s just about being there. I suppose it’s another song about the importance of friendship and staying in touch”

You can catch Diveboy at the Other Voices Jameson Music Trail running this weekend from November 28 to November 30.

The Kyd G, 'TOO SOON'

Blanchardstown RnB The Kyd G returns with his first single following the release of his album Still G in September and his latest EP DISNDAT  just a few weeks ago. On 'TOO SOON',  The Kyd G is filled with regret as he grapples with the devastation of an unexpected heartbreak.

"You know that we finished way too soon / you're  supposed to love me to the tomb," he sings in disbelief.

The heartbreaking confessional that is 'Too Soon' opens up new doors for The Kyd G, showcasing an artistic facet that is devastatingly vulnerable and attuned to sensitivity.

Kapayja, ‘Slowly’

Fresh off the success of their debut EP Age of the Open Book, Dublin alternative rock outfit Kapayja are back with their follow-up single, ‘Slowly’.

After pouring everything into recording their debut EP, the band couldn’t resist getting back into the studio. What started as a spark quickly became something they couldn’t hold back. With the last of that creative energy still firing, they’ve turned it into ‘Slowly’, a track that hits hard and refuses to let go.

“From the first run-through at rehearsal to what it is now, the song grew legs,” says frontman Joshua Neary. “It can stand on its own and be put up against the best.”

With a growing fanbase and a string of high-energy live shows, Kapayja are carving out a space that feels entirely their own in Ireland’s alternative scene. ‘Slowly’ is the sound of a band in motion. Bold, hungry, and ready to make their mark. If that doesn’t come through on first listen, hit play again.

June, ‘We All Stand Tall’

June is an upcoming Irish singer/songwriter from Laois whose songs span alternative folk, pop and dance music with Irish traditional singing influences.

‘We All Stand Tall’ is a powerful and heartfelt piece that blends rich instrumentation with a moving vocal performance, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and anthemic.

Its melody is warm and inviting, building steadily into a chorus that uplifts and inspires, while the lyrics carry a universal message of resilience and unity that any listener can connect with. The production strikes the perfect balance between polish and authenticity, letting every note shine while keeping the emotion front and centre.

Conor Byrne, ‘Flaws’

London-based Irish singer-songwriter Conor Byrne returns with 'Flaws', a breathtaking piano-led ballad.

Co-written with Picture This members Ryan Hennessy and Jimmy Rainsford, ‘Flaws’ marks the second release from Conor’s upcoming debut EP due in 2026.

The track dives deep into the tender, vulnerable corners of self-acceptance — reminding listeners of the quiet beauty found within our imperfections.

“‘Flaws’ is a heartfelt piano ballad about finding beauty in the parts of ourselves we struggle to love. Intimate and emotional, it reminds us that real love accepts every imperfection,” says Byrne.

Conor Byrne will play a special headline show at Whelan’s, Dublin, on March 27, 2026.

Dani Larkin, ‘High King’

Singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Dani Larkin relishes in the sensation of real love with her new single “High King”, from her upcoming album Next Of Kin, set for release on January 30, 2026.

“‘High King’ is the first taste of true love within Next Of Kin.” Dani shares. “It delves into what it means to move through the world as a companion to another. “The tenderness, possibility and wonder of it all.”

Beauty and simplicity are reflected in the intimate vocals and solo clarinet embedded within Larkin’s signature guitar playing.

Larkin recently announced she will be embarking on an Irish and UK tour which will see her play the length and breadth of the Emerald Isle, from Coughlans in Cork to Dublin’s Grand Social.

Cardinals, 'Barbed Wire'

Cork indie group Cardinals have released their new single, 'Barbed Wire'.

The track, which lands alongside a black and white video, is the fourth song to be taken from their upcoming debut album, Masquerade.

Due for release on February 13, the ten-song collection is set to feature themes of religion and will be split in two distinct halves, with the latter being "a darker and grittier exploration of the themes than what comes before,” said Euan.

The band was formed by brothers Euan and Finn Manning, their cousin Darragh, and school friends Oskar Gudinovic and Aaron Hurley. Already this year Cardinals have supported NewDad, Fontaines D.C., Wunderhorse and The Pogues and seen their music featured in Netflix's House of Guinness.

Cardinals will be going on tour throughout Ireland and the UK next year, which will see the group take to the stage in Dublin, Cork and Belfast.

KK Lewis, ‘Pigeon Man’

Dublin songwriter KK Lewis returns with her first release in four years, ‘Pigeon Man’. The track is a stripped-back piano ballad reflecting on her first heartbreak in St. Stephen’s Green, written around the memory of the “pigeon man” who regularly fed birds there.

‘Pigeon Man’ marks the beginning of a new run of releases from KK, who has spent the past year developing a collection of piano-led songs with collaborator SexyTadhg. A follow-up single, ‘One Step Behind’, is due in early 2026.

“This song represents more than just a heartbreak, it’s about growing up,” she said. “I remember how lost I felt at the time, having lost friends too, but I also remember how important my girls were. Female friendships soften the heartbreak, the confusion, the rejection — they remind you that you’re not alone.”

Martin McGuigan, ‘Snakes N’ Ladderz’

Songwriter Martin McGuigan returns with his new single ‘Snakes N’ Ladderz’, a fast-paced indie-rock track that blends bluesy rhythms with sharp, narrative-driven lyrics.

The song follows a narrator returning home and observing a cast of familiar pub characters, each swapping dubious stories and bravado. As the verses unfold, the track moves between barroom humour and a more reflective undercurrent, with the narrator recognising his own contradictions as he watches the scene play out.

McGuigan sees ‘Snakes N’ Ladderz’ as a central piece of his forthcoming 2026 EP, " I would describe ‘Snakes N’ Ladderz’ as the captain of the football team,” he said. “the one that makes all the other players tick - the hub! Classic indie-rock infused with punk, pop and a dash of old-time country swing."

Miriam Ingram, ‘The Stranger’s Grave’

Irish musician Miriam Ingram returns with ‘The Stranger’s Grave’, a reinterpretation of Emily Lawless’s 1898 poem of the same name. Released as part of the Bring Your Own Hammer series, which invites contemporary artists to create new work rooted in nineteenth-century Irish writing, the track forms part of an ongoing partnership with the Irish Women’s Writing Network.

Lawless’s original poem, drawn from her collection Atlantic Rhymes and Rhythms, reflects on the burial of an “unknown drowned man” on Inishmaan, capturing themes of isolation, loss and the rugged Atlantic landscape. Ingram’s version brings the text into a modern musical frame, pairing a haunting vocal performance with a subtle, atmospheric arrangement that mirrors the poem’s stark, elegiac mood.

Ingram has released two albums, an EP, and numerous singles, and has composed for film, theatre and television. ‘The Stranger’s Grave’ arrives ahead of her forthcoming third album Mariana Trench.

Carrie Baxter, ‘Open Up Your Arms’

Carrie Baxter returns with her new single ‘Open Up Your Arms’. Known for her blend of neo-soul, R&B, and jazz, the Waterford artist continues to pair expressive vocals with reflective, personal songwriting.

‘Open Up Your Arms’ is a gently unfolding, piano-led track about letting yourself lean into love, especially when it arrives unexpectedly. The arrangement stays intimate and understated, with harmonies and soft strings adding depth while keeping Baxter’s vocal and the song’s message at the forefront.

reii, ‘lightswitch’

Laois-based artist reii returns with his new single ‘lightswitch’, marking his fourth release of the year following ‘chemicals’, ‘point and shoot’, and ‘love is everywhere’.

Produced entirely by reii, ‘lightswitch’ is an upbeat track built around a hypnotic beat and layered vocals. At its core, the song is about reassurance: “trying to tell someone they'll be okay, even with everything going on in the world today,” he explains.

Bright, rhythmic and uplifting, the track offers listeners a boost of optimism, and gives fans something they can move to.

The WU, ‘Off My Head’

Dublin trio The WU return with their new single ‘Off My Head’, a track co-written with RobbieG of Belters Only, marking an unexpected and exciting cross-genre collaboration for the band.

Leaning further into an alternative rock sound with psych influences, ‘Off My Head’ explores feeling out of step with the world around you, touching on loneliness, insecurity and the moment you realise you might be better off on your own. The title nods both to Irish slang (“he’s off his head”) and to the haze that comes with escapism.

Formed in Raheny, North Dublin, The WU, Daniel Brady, Ciaran White and Daniel Kearns, have built a reputation for high-energy live shows, from their Electric Picnic debut in 2024 to their sold-out Whelan’s headline in 2025. With steady releases and relentless gigging, the band continue carving out their place in the Irish alternative scene.

Alex Gough, ‘July/November’

Alex Gough has released his final single of the year ‘July/November’, following his October album Painful.

The track reflects on letting go and captures the emotions of knowing it is time to move on but wishing it could be painless.

In 2018, Gough released his debut single ‘Amnesia’ with Ghostking Is Dead.

Opening with deep vocals and slow guitar notes ‘July/November’ is a drawn out, melancholy track. Picking up the tempo with booming drumbeats, Gough’s vocals take on a more traditional pop feel, reminiscent of The Kid LAROI. Sprinkled with echoey distortion, the track keeps you guessing despite its familiar feel.

FATE, ‘debile’

Dublin-based artist FATE has released his new single ‘debile’, the second track taken from their upcoming album veritas.

The song covers the weight of the lies you tell someone to keep them happy, but you both can feel that something’s off.

FATE released his debut single ‘MY FATE’ in 2020.

‘debile’ is a chaotic rap track full of booming synths and pounding vocals. The artist’s deep, distorted vocals brim with emotion as he delivers agitated, passionate lyrics.

Cuan, ‘Success’

Folk singer-songwriter Cuan has released his new single ‘Success’.

Following his September debut single ‘On A Ship’, the new track aims to bring a moment of stillness to people's lives.

“It’s a bit corny, but in a world of hyper-competitiveness it is important to be kind to yourself,” said the Donegal artist. “It’s necessary to be still sometimes. I was feeling a bit confused about which way my life was going,” he said. “The writing brought me back to myself.”

‘Success’ is a slow-paced reflective tune. It’s deep, simple lyrics are only accompanied by soft, occasional piano notes, giving the track an intimate, vulnerable feel.

The Line, ‘Dear Entropy’

Electronic artist The Line has released his new single ‘Dear Entropy’.

The track, decided to the artist’s partner, takes on a waltz-like synth filled sound.

“Entropy is a scientific concept, most commonly associated with states of disorder, randomness, or uncertainty,” said the artist. “Some scientists theorise that all of nature is driven by chaotic states of entropy, and this is my plea to the chaos and entropy inherent in nature to just leave me alone for a little while, so I can just be happy and content, to love and rest”.

A member of Irish five-piece, Meltybrains?, he has worked with artists including Talos, Sorcha Richardson, Loah, Kingfishr and Jon Hopkins. The new release follows The Line’s 2024 single Sacrifice Is So Passé.

‘Dear Entropy’ features distorted vocals, adding a unique electronic sound to the otherwise slow, honest love song.

Curfew, ‘Into the Ether’

Three-piece rock band Curfew have released their debut album Black Doll’s Eyes, featuring ‘Into the Ether’.

The new record blends indie, alternative, hard rock genres, with flavours of math, stoner and ambient rock sounds.

The North Dublin group formed in 2024 and have since performed at venues such as Whelan’ s, The Grand Social and Anseo.

‘Into the Ether’ opens with a bold, jumpy guitar riff, layered with the singer’s powerful vocals with a dark and gloomy tone. The song takes on a foreboding feel as booming drums and choppy synths take centre stage.

Big Sleep, ‘Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo’

Big Sleep have released their new single ‘Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo’, following the announcement of their debut album Holy Show.

Described by the four-piece band as "A doo wop/rockabilly break-up tune", the track explores the groups energetic side, veering from their familiar atmospheric and emotive sound.

Named after the Irish expression "a holy show", the album is split into two with a lively, youthful side A and a darker, heartbroken side B.

On theme with the records A side, ‘Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo’ takes on an upbeat, summery feel as graceful vocals glide over booming bass notes.

Jamie Welles, ‘Sarah’s Song’

Alternative rock artist Jamie Welles has released his new single “Sharah’s Song’.

The shoegazey demo was recorded a few years ago as a Christmas gift that was never meant to be released. However, after reworking the song, it became a powerful, heartfelt tune about lasting, long-term love.

After taking a hiatus from music, the Belfast-based artist rediscovered his passion during lockdown, which he spent in Germany, resulting in music that explores themes of home.

‘Sarah’s Song’ is an honest love song, taking on a pop feel with hints of rock and country influences. Its driving, choppy guitar riff pairing seamlessly with Welles’ fast-paced, jumpy vocals.

Gavin James, ‘Gone In The Morning’

Gavin James has released his new single ‘Gone In The Morning’ following his September album Goldrush, which reached No.1 on the Irish Album Charts.

The song was written during a period when the artist feared he might lose a close friend who was struggling with alcohol and substance abuse. It reflects the worry, helplessness and hope that the singer felt at the time.

Despite the subject matter ‘Gone In The Morning’ keeps James’ classic lively pop feel, juxtaposing the song’s somber lyrics with grounding bass notes and a groovy guitar riff. The artist’s voice, with hits of emotion, powerfully glides over the tune, slowing down to fit the lyrics only twice.

David Kitt, ‘All Been Gold’

Alternative indie artist David Kitt has released his new single ‘All Been Gold’ ahead of his upcoming album.

The record, set for April 2026, will be a re-recorded version of his album The Big Romance to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Additionally, it will feature five new songs.

“‘All Been Gold’ is a new track that I'm really excited to get out there and one friends seem to be diggin and people who've heard me play it at recent shows,” said the artist. “It fits so well on the album and has that bit of Wu-Tang Clan in its DNA.”

‘All Been Gold’ pairs catchy lyrics and deep, muffles vocals with a grounding synth beat, adding a unique layer to the otherwise simple track.

Listen to the playlist: