New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

MICAH, 'Seat Filler'.

Irish alt-pop artist MICAH has released her new single, ‘Seat Filler’ and confirmed that her debut album, Lessons Learned, will arrive in spring 2026. The track is the third preview from the forthcoming record and marks a further step in the development of her sound.

‘Seat Filler’ is a slow-burning alt-pop song that centres on the realisation that a former partner has not truly moved on but has replaced intimacy with distraction. Instead of framing heartbreak through anger or blame, MICAH focuses on awareness and distance, observing familiar patterns from the outside.

The song explores the quiet clarity that can emerge after separation. It reflects on emotional avoidance and the small signs that reveal unresolved attachment, from repeated habits to social media behaviour. These details point to a cycle that appears like progress on the surface but remains unchanged underneath. The narrative is not driven by resentment but by recognition of behaviour that has become predictable.

With ‘Seat Filler’, MICAH continues to build towards her debut album with a release that favours honesty over drama, setting a measured tone ahead of Lessons Learned in spring 2026.

Cardinals, ‘Anhedonia’

Cork five-piece Cardinals today release their much-anticipated debut album Masquerade, including the breathless ‘Anhedonia’, a ferocious and rousingly dark tune layered with jolting rhythmic sections and the band’s signature accordion textures. Inspired by a violent incident that vocalist Euan witnessed not long after moving to the city from the band’s hometown of Kinsale, the track marks an enticing glimpse into a hugely exciting record.

“This feels like a natural progression,” says Euan of Masquerade. “The early years feel like a band still finding ourselves and trying different things. Whereas the album's a bit more cohesive and a little bit more sure of itself.”

Kaeyan, ‘Troy Parrott’

Dublin rapper Kaeyan releases the single ‘TROY PARROTT’, inspired by the Irish player. Confident and sharp, the track draws a subtle comparison between Kaeyan’s rise to recognition in the last year with Parrot’s career achievements, and is said to “ centre on mentality — the belief that anything is possible when you stay active, focused and willing to create your own opportunities.”

Lemoncello, ‘Meet Me Halfway’

Lemoncello, return with their new vulnerable single ‘Meet Me Halfway’. Led by guitar and voice, a distant and gentle ache of strings in the distance, the track drifts through six-minutes of quiet agitation that feels completely bewitching, playing with empty spaces and sung and spoken words.

Speaking of the string of releases kicked off my this single, Laura Quirke and Claire Kinsella say: “sometimes to be clear emotionally you need to be abstract lyrically but you can’t be afraid to take everything off and just stand there completely vulnerable.”

Jordan Adetunji, ‘Climbing Up’

Hip-hop heavyweight Jordan Adetunji releases the hyptontically melodic track ‘Climbing Up’, an incredibly powerful and hard hitting tune where nearly religious choirs meet delicate acoustic guitars and rousing yet silky smooth vocals from the musician, mixing pop, R’n’B and Afrobeats textures for one of the most exciting singles of the year so far.

Solène Laurence, ‘Punch Line’

Emerging Cork musician Solène Laurence today releases her debut single ‘Punch Line’, a track exploring the idea of the last word into something quietly devastating. Built around the tension of finding the perfect closing remark, the tune is lined with glistening folky guitar riffs and country-inspired rhythms and vocals for a gorgeously catchy and emotional piece.

Drew Makes Noise, 'Another Life'.

Belfast psych-pop-rock act Drew Makes Noise is taking a cinematic, sparse techno left turn on his new track, 'Another Life'.

To mark a mini NI tour with Edinburgh inhabitants, Scarred Lip and Day Sleeper, Drew Makes Noise has teamed up with long-time friend Scarred Lip for this one-off collab.

Drew Makes Noise started as a guitarist with indie/dance crossover act Ed Zealous, who released their NI Music Prize-nominated debut album Wired in 2014.

Following his 2023 album Let The Whole Tape Run, 'Another Life' continues his signature blend of bedroom-produced electronic and indie rock, which he often describes as personal, "scatterbrained", and introspective.

Gather The Lost, ‘War At Dawn’

Gather The Lost are a Dublin-based alternative rock band. They have released their single ‘War At Dawn’ - a strong and energetic track that evokes visions of combat and rebellion.

With vocalist Carolyn Dunne, Alan Franklin on guitar, Brian Dunne on bass, and Ronan Sherlock on drums, ‘War At Dawn’ makes for a strong and gripping anthemic piece. The single was recorded by Sean Byrne and mastered by Alan Franklin at Tsunami Studios, Dublin.

The band’s sound pulls from alt rock, prog rock, dream pop, and metal, drawing on influences like The Cranberries, Leprous, and Florence & The Machine.
“‘War at Dawn’ captures the exact moment ‘a new day dawning’ becomes a battle cry,” said the band.

“It will transport you to the moment in your life when you decided, be it mentally or outwardly, that enough was enough!,” they added.

Sara Gerdine, ‘No Other Love’

Singer-songwriter Sara Gerdine has released her take on ‘No Other Love’ just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Her cover of the 1950s classic, penned by Bob Russell, evokes a romantic gondola ride at twilight or a beachside stroll filmed in slow motion.

“‘No Other Love’ is the only cover song that I have recorded to date,” Gerdine said in a press release. “On a personal level, I absolutely adore this romantic ballad and the feelings of comfort and warmth it transmits. I find myself connected not only to the beautiful lyrics and dreamy music but also to the 1950s era it so skillfully evokes.”

“Given that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, I hope that this beautiful song will inspire everyone to celebrate the love in their lives!”

Sister Ghost, ‘Not Your Toy’

Sister Ghost (the alias of Shannon Delores O’Neill) is back with new single ‘Not Your Toy’. Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Brad Wood (Liz Phair, Smashing Pumpkins), ‘Not Your Toy’ builds on the DIY punk sound Sister Ghost has been cultivating since age 12.

O'Neill lets loose wailing on this one. Her defiant, gritty cry of “I am not your fucking toy” defines the track as an anthem, while the occasional “boo-hoo” adds to its irreverent sarcasm. But it’s not all jokes for Sister Ghost.

“Whilst being a fun punk rock blast of a song, this track has a heavier meaning behind it,” wrote O’Neill in a statement. “It’s primarily for and about those who have survived coercive control.”

“Whilst it's sadly very likely to be the case that many listeners will also identify with the subject matter, it's my sincere hope that by being vocal about it we can help call out these behaviours and reclaim our collective power.”

In between opening for acts like Snow Patrol and Fontaines D.C., O'Neill runs Girls Rock!, her own nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women and girls through music.

If you’re a fan of badass rockers who use their influence for good, Sister Ghost should be on your radar.

Chalk, 'Tongue'

Belfast rock outfit Chalk have released ‘Tongue’ from their upcoming debut album Crystalpunk. Chalk are known for their noise, and they’ve created a heater with this one. Packed with distortion, feedback, and screaming, the track begs to be headbanged to.

Take the chorus: “Do I go back to hell? Or should I go fuck myself?” It’s inane, it’s intense, and that’s just what we love about Chalk.

The band will take on the UK and Ireland during their headline tour in April before a hometown show at Belfast’s Limelight on May 16.

Crystalpunk comes out March 13, 2026 via Alter Music.

Azure, 'Undertaker'

Dublin five-piece Azure are back with a new single, ‘Undertaker’.

Since the band formed in 2017, they’ve been experimenting with their sound. With the danceable, gritty 'Undertaker', they showcase their alt-rock side, recalling the likes of Arctic Monkeys or Red Hot Chili Peppers.

A sticky bassline, explosive drums, and some serious reverb round out the track. Azure's repetitive, insistent lyrics make for an earworm of a bridge: ‘30 whole minutes to get it together / and it’s all my mess, just return to sender.’

Azure are Sam Jones, Seán Woods, Devin Hanson, Sam Parcon, and Evanael. Their debut album is set to release later this year.

Projective, ‘Question’

Cork NeoSoul outfit Projective is back with their new single 'Question'. One of our Hot for 2025 picks, the six-piece started off strong last year with single 'Running', and they've been barreling along ever sing.

Projective pride themselves on representing a melting pot of genres. On 'Question', Leanne Curtin and Ciara Stacey blend their smooth vocals with a steady, cool RnB beat, while clean keyboard and jazzy rhythms add further intrigue.

“'Question' feels like an expansion on the sound we’ve been going for with our past few singles,” said Projective in a statement. “Lyrically, it’s a song about constantly asking yourself why you won’t let yourself walk away from a toxic romance that you know is no good.”

“The contrast between the verses and choruses on this track was something we were very careful to emphasise when we were going through the production and recording process for the track. Having parts of the song be stripped to drums/bass/vocals, with other parts having a soaring arrangement filled with brass and stacks of double tracked guitars and keys was very intentional.”

'Question' was created with the band's longtime collaborator Kealan Kenny (Pa Sheehy, Niall McCabe). Keep an eye out for more from Projective in the coming months--they're on the rise.

DOG BLESS, ‘Nothings going well’

‘Nothings Going Well’ marks the first release from Dublin band DOG BLESS and they’re already off to a great start.

Built up by edgy baselines and garage-rock harmonies, ‘Nothings Going Well’ seems to come straight out of a noughties coming-of-age film (think ‘I’m Just a Kid’), providing a soundtrack to the angst of daily life.

“Nothings Going Well” is about reclaiming your freedom, affirming your frustration and letting out every ounce of the pain that you felt in a suffocating relationship,” says frontman Steve.

“This is probably what you’ll find in the diary of anybody struggling through their 20s.”

Components of hardcore, jazz and indie-rock all seep through throughout the track, which makes us all the more curious to see how their sound will develop.

Overall, what an incredible way to debut!

Seánie Bermingham, ‘Don’t Be Worryin’ About Me’

Amble’s Seánie Bermingham has brought us ‘Don’t Be Worryin’ About Me’, a heartfelt and commemorative dedication to his late grandmother Peg.

He wrote the tender acoustic track in the room she passed away in, as he reflected on the 100 years she graced the Earth. Through soft melodic hums and choral harmonies, Bermingham delicately pays tribute to his family history.

The song will feature on his upcoming debut album The First Telling, set to release later this spring.

Negro Impacto, ‘soft fruit’

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Negro Impacto have released ‘soft fruit’ a slow and tender new RnB love song.

Honest, with a touch of heartbreak, the track reflects on a past romantic relationship, delving into the process of moving on while also looking back with fond nostalgia.

The Dundalk duo have also released an accompanying music video, out now.

Basciville, ‘Saintmaking’

Basciville have returned with 'Saintmaking', a vulnerable slow-burning track ahead of their upcoming second album Love In The Time of The State- out March 13.

"'Saintmaking' is about calling yourself out on your shit and giving something an honest go," the band explain.

"In a lot of ways we're wired to look over our shoulder at what's potentially passing us by because of where we've planted ourselves. This song was born out of a feeling of wanting to let go of that pull and to focus on what's gained rather than what's lost."

Deeply reflective, and driven by raw harmonies and a steady brushing drum. 'Saintmaking' takes you on a journey through the darkest places in the mind, while gently pushing you towards the light of optimism.

The Academic , ‘Figure It Out’

Irish Indie rock band The Academic has released their newest single, ‘Figure It Out, which blends the band’s signature indie drive with pop instincts, using punchy guitar riffs and soaring melodies.

‘Figure It Out’reflects on the feeling of being overwhelmed in a world that doesn’t slow down, on the chaos that modern relationships are, as well as the anxiety of growing up.

“It’s about that feeling of being overwhelmed, like everything around you is chaotic, but also having that self-awareness where you know you need to pull yourself together,” said lead singer Craig Fitzgerald. “This feels like a new chapter for us, and we can’t wait for people to hear what’s coming next.”

Pauric O'Meara, ‘Rest Of His Lights’

Dublin-based singer-songwriter Pauric O’Meara has released the single ‘Rest Of His Lights’ ahead of his upcoming album, which is set to be released in October.

‘Rest Of His Lights’ is an energetic, hard-hitting track featuring guitar melodies, impactful lyrics, and a fun, driving rhythm.

“I was at a standstill in my relationship at the time, waiting for things to improve and felt like time and opportunities were escaping me as a result of waiting,” said O’Meara. “So I left that situation and went to New Zealand and lived out of a van for 3 months, and that made me realise how negative waiting around was."

Bréon Rydell, ‘Into the Light’

‘Into the Light’ by Donegal poet and celtic indie folk songwriter Bréon Rydell is a soft and tender life-affirming single, with a strong, driving celtic sound to it. Recorded at The Grooveshack in Ramelton, Donegal, the single features a whimsical acoustic guitar, a bright-sounding fiddle, and joyful percussion.

It’s a reflective, optimistic, and life-affirming song, beautifully delivered by Rydell’s soft vocals and his lyrical writing. Rooted in singer's lived experience, ‘Into the Light’ tells a courageous love story of two men, who weren’t allowed to be together. Weaving together themes of visibility and bravery, ‘Into the Light’ “reflects the understanding that hard-won freedoms should never be taken for granted - and that love, when claimed openly, is itself an act of remembrance and resistance,” said Rydell.

The single is dedicated to the memory of Alan Turing, Matthew Shepard, and Blaze Bernstein – “and to all those who were and are denied the right to live and love openly,” he added.

Robert Grace, ‘Follow’ feat. Bob Grace

Pop artist Robert Grace, with his optimistic sound and soulful vocals draws influences from artists like Amble, Kingfisher, Sam Fender, and Lewis Capaldi.

His new release ‘Follow’ is a heartfelt anthem about hope and strength of unconditional love. The song features Grace’s dad Bob Grace, who the singer collaborated with on ‘Home’, released in 2025.

‘Follow’ reminds us that “true love isn't measured in material wealth, but in presence, support, and an unbreakable bond that follows wherever life takes us,” said the duo.

The release precedes Grace's gigs in Dublin, Kilkenny, and Cork this June.

Bad Mothers Union, ‘Cut In Half’

‘Cut In Half’ leans into some of the band’s more experimental post-punk influences, mixing Irish Psych with Kraut Rock.

Beginning with a long intro, which acts as an invitation before pulling you into a trance of experimental and slightly disturbing sounds, the song continues into a pleasant, yet confusing journey of chaos.

The almost 8-minute single, driven by high-pitched gritty string scrapes, creates a tension between the bass and drums, and the rest of the band pulsing behind it. The delayed guitars seem in conversation with each other, joined by inconsistent background sounds and signals.

The single accompanies the announcement of their new album Sore Losers, set for release on March 19.

RuthAnne, ‘Queen of LA’

Singer-songwriter RuthAnne is set to release her new single, 'Queen of LA,' along with its official music video, this Friday. The track is a soulful farewell to Los Angeles and a recognition of her return to her Irish heritage. It's featured on her album, The Moment.

'Queen of LA' showcases RuthAnne's style, blending singer-songwriter lyrics with folk elements and soulful narrative. The song reflects on her time in Los Angeles, pursuing the Hollywood dream, and her eventual decision to leave the pressures of the music industry behind.

 “The song explores some of the toxic experiences I went through there — the themes of fame, money, power, and the corrupt, boys’ club side of the industry — and why leaving led me to writing my own music, meeting my husband, and having my children.” said RuthAnne. 

Aaron Coughlan, ‘Claddagh’

The single ‘Claddagh,’ by Aaron Coughlan is set for release this Friday. The song draws inspiration from artists such as Kingfishr and explores the deep symbolism of the Claddagh ring: Love, Loyalty, and Friendship.

This track is an experiment in blending traditional Irish culture with a modern sound, incorporating elements like vocal harmonies, ambient effects, and prominent drums. 

"I felt I was drawn towards the sound of home," said Coughlan. "I wanted to create something visible for people and experiment with my culture."

Foy Vance, ‘We Almost Made It’

Scotland-based Foy Vance has released 'We Almost Made It,' from his upcoming album, The Wake. Slated for release on 13 March via Rounder Records, The Wake represents a journey of grief and soul-searching following the passing of his father. Defined by its raw emotional honesty, “We Almost Made It” stands out for its particularly gut-wrenching vulnerability.

“As with a lot of my songs, there’s a typically Irish yearning in that one,” says Vance. “I’ve failed a variety of relationships, and every time it felt like hope was sitting quietly somewhere in the background. It’s that hopeless romantic in me saying, ‘We almost made it. If we just give it one more go, maybe we can make it this time.’” 

Joshua Burnside, ‘The Last Armchair’

Joshua Burnside releases new single, ‘The Last Armchair', a quiet yet powerful track from his upcoming album, It’s Not Going to Be Okay. The song serves as a stripped-back, intimate exploration of the enduring nature of grief and memory.

Burnside's folk-like rhythms gently propel a narrative steeped in nostalgia and vulnerability. The acoustic arrangement, allows the raw honesty of the lyrics to create a sense of shared, experience. 

“This one’s about feeling like a child deep down, especially in times of great pain... I don’t think I feel any different inside as when I was 10 years old.” said Burnside. 

Cypress, Mine!, ‘Song About A Dog’ from new album

Cypress Mine’s new song ‘Song about A Dog’ channels the likes of the Smiths or REM, offering a melancholic yet strangely uplifting indie-rock journey. The song holds a vocal performance that carries a quiet emotional weight and introspection

"It has taken us quite a while to record that difficult second album!” said Ciarán “Yes, 38 years to be exact. I must say that it was great to work in the same studio that has been home to so many music legends and also work with Jess whose recording wizardry brought the songs to another level."

Papa Boyle, ‘Flowers’

Papa Boyle today surprise releases the new single ‘Flowers’ in time for Valentine’s Day. Sparked from a lighthearted conversation about nights out, the song explores the universal theme of imperfection and hoping for forgiveness after making small mistakes. It was recorded in the live room at Analogue, and leans into an organic, in-the-moment sound for a tune that feels both intimate and warm.

Madam’s Last Discovery, ‘The Message’

Madams Last Discovery have released ‘The Message’, the second single from their upcoming debut EP, The World’s End; the first, ‘Orange Juice’, was released in January. Madams Last Discovery are a psychedelic post-punk band from Belfast, and came up in the music scene there.

‘The Message’ is a song that the band have played for years.

“[A]fter being in our set so long, it has evolved so much, with us adding elements to try and make it more impactful and punchier for a live audience,” said guitarist Nathan Shawe. “There's a lot of emotion in just the instrumentation of this song alone, especially as it has a real groove to it, and I think we all feel that when performing.”

Peer Pleasure, ‘Shed Residents’

Peer Pleasure have released a new single “Shed Residents”. The single follows the release of their debut EP, Work Allergic, and their most recent single, ‘Rooms’. The band has toured across England, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and New York City, and shared the stage with artists such as Meryl Streek, Pebbledash, and Blueslate.

“Shed Residents was written lyrically in 2023 and pieced together musically over the course of the year,” said the band. “It reflects on a time in my life of uncertainty and the places people go to find stability in the turbulence. During the covid pandemic all my friends either lived in the one place or were there all the time even if they didn’t. We created our own bubble and intense world full of humour, joy, desperation and different flavours of mental illness and full blown psychosis.”

Louis McTeggart, ‘A Little Melody’

Louis McTeggart has released a new single ‘A Little Melody’. Over 25 years in music, McTeggart has performed on cruise ships, ferries, and in music venues, and has had his work featured on BBC TV, Channel 4, and in independent films. Since 2022, he has been writing and releasing his own music.

The song follows the release of his 2025 singles ‘The Verve’ and ‘Fool for Lovin’.

‘A Little Melody’ is his latest single, and was written after a difficult family dispute led to a stretch of little communication. The song was created in collaboration with producer Peter Doherty of Kharma 45. The song features a restrained backing track that builds through the song, designed to put the emphasis on his vocals and let “the song’s meaning do the heavy lifting.”

Avenue 68, ‘Gifted Wine’

Dublin-based R&B/Soul five-piece band Avenue 68 have released their latest single, "Gifted Wine."

The track, rooted in themes of growth and reflection, is a groovy and upbeat tune that features an infectious rhythm that will have everyone dancing.

Lead singer Lauren Woodyatt explained that "Gifted Wine" captures the moment she realised her own naivety, having overlooked the true nature of a relationship built on confusion. The song reflects on how, once the rose-tinted glasses fall, frustration turns into empathy, revealing a quiet sympathy for a partner who struggles to fully accept themselves.

David Geraghty, ‘Valentine’
Irish multi-instrumentalist, composer and singer-songwriter David Geraghty has released his latest single ‘Valentine’. The founding member of Bell X1 has also shared the music video for the new track.

‘Valentine‘ is a groovy, dynamic and atmospheric track that layers soft electronic synths, bass and piano.

The lyrics of ‘Valentine’ explore feelings of loss and desolation stemming from estranged love. Additionally, the song delves into themes such as the loss of paradise and contemporary phenomena like the use of Tinder.

Ama Sloxx, ‘UNO’

Independent art pop artist Ama Sloxx, who remains anonymous, covering her face with masks, has released her debut single ‘UNO’.

Inspired by her Indigenous, Greek-Hispanic and Egyptian heritage, ‘UNO’ explores multiculturality.

The mystical and atmospheric track draws inspiration from the indigenous sounds of Ama Sloxx's multicultural background. The song, ‘UNO’, is multidimensional, skillfully balancing moments where the singer’s ethereal and powerful mezzo-soprano voice takes centre stage with times when the layered instrumentation shines.

 

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YINYANG, ‘Dumped Me In The Smoking Area (Material Goods Remix)’

Northern Irish alternative hip-hop artist YINYANG has released ‘Dumped Me In The Smoking Area (Material Goods Remix’ from her debut EP The Lotus Throne. The Belfast-born has also shared the music video for the track.

The track, twisted by DIY electronic pot-punk project Material Goods, is a sinister and seductive anti-valentine anthem that, with its distorted bass and eerie textures, flips heartbreak into a horror-tinged club weapon.

“The cultural day of love falling straight after the day of bad luck and horror felt too poetic to ignore,” said YINYANG. “‘Dumped Me In The Smoking Area’ has a heavy anti-Valentine’s energy, and Material Goods bring that horror edge to the remix. Valentine’s is cancelled, happy Friday 13.”

Listen to the playlist: