New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Patrick McMenamin, 'Do or Die'

Hot off his debut EP, The More Things Change, Donegal artist Patrick McMenamin has released 'Do or Die'.

'Do or Die' is a track that captures the stillness after a breakup, when clarity slowly replaces chaos. Blending the atmospheric vulnerability of Bon Iver with the grit of Bruce Springsteen and the driving energy of Kings of Leon, it showcases McMenamin’s ability to balance intimacy with scale.

“'Do or Die' is a track that comes from the heart. ‘We all need space sometimes; let me down easy’ sums up how I was feeling and the importance of taking time to sit with yourself and your thoughts after a breakup," said McMenamin.

Raised in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal, Patrick grew up surrounded by music, learning guitar at 15 and writing songs from an early age. McMenamin has performed cover sets, played weddings, and worked as a stagehand on some of Ireland’s biggest tours, including shows for Ed Sheeran and The Rolling Stones.

McMenamin will celebrate the release with a headline show at The Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, on July 18, 2026, with further live dates currently in the works as part of a mini-tour.

Johnluke, Denial

Rising Irish artist Johnluke returns with his new single 'Denial', which blends western folk influences with his signature pop sound.

The song tells the story of someone who’s constantly worn down by life’s struggles who refuses to admit he’s suffering, even when the signs are painfully clear.

It captures the quiet battle between pride and vulnerability, the need to appear unbreakable as the cracks begin to show. Exhausted from carrying so much, he convinces himself he can handle everything alone, even as the weight grows heavier each day.

“I wrote ‘Denial’ about that constant feeling of trying to stay strong when you’re slowly and quietly drowning in your own thoughts,” said Johnluke.

Since the release of his debut single, 'Already Been Told', in March 2024, Johnluke has quickly established himself as one of Ireland’s most exciting emerging talents.

The folk-pop ballad marked the beginning of a steady rise, followed by a chain of successful releases, including viral TikTok favourites 'City Lovin’, 'Royalty', 'Letters', and his recent single 'Angry In The Moment'.

Kampala, 'It's Not Me, It's You'

Irish alt-rock risers Kampala are back with their new single, 'It's Not Me, It's You', straight from their debut album, Madernity.

Their first LP, Madernity, is a live-wired soundtrack to the modern condition – capturing the strange psychological climate of the 2020s: digital overload, fractured attention spans, political noise and the slow erosion of genuine connection. It's a record that asks what intimacy, identity and communication even mean in a world shaped by algorithms and sound bites.

'It's Not Me, It's You' explores the liberating moment of recognising toxicity in a relationship. It's personal but universal – a sharp emotional counterpoint to the album's commentary.

“The chorus hook was irresistible. As soon as we heard it, we knew it had to be on the record," said Kampala.

Formed by Rob McDonnell (vocals/guitar) alongside Baz Daly (bass) and Justin Capocci (drums), with former Keeley guitarist Dan Kane later completing the lineup, Kampala have quietly built a reputation as one of Ireland’s most compelling underground guitar bands.

Love From Belfast, 'Connemara'

Belfast-based folk artist Love from Belfast (Robert Boake) returns with his luminous new single, 'Connemara'.

Written during a family trip to the west of Ireland, the song captures a moment of complete presence—where landscape, music, and memory quietly intertwine on a sunlit beach.

"Connemara effortlessly took shape one sunny morning on Mannin Bay beach just outside Clifden," said Boake.

"My kids were playing at the water with my wife and I remember being so happy to have this new song recorded on my phone!

"Later, I added the 'flow like a river' bridge section because I wanted to capture the total ease of that day, that sense of complete calm and presence that I felt while visiting this place. Although I had to leave the next day, I promised myself that I would return soon."

'Connemara' carries the hallmark warmth and intimacy that have become central to Love from Belfast’s sound. Built around delicate fingerpicked guitar and spacious arrangements, the track unfolds like a slow exhale — anchored by its “flow like a river” bridge, which deepens the sense of calm and quiet reverence.

Following the reflective tone of his previous release, 'Waiting for the Rain', 'Connemara' feels like a companion piece — not centred on loss this time, but on arrival. On the rare and beautiful experience of feeling exactly where you are meant to be.

Oracle Villa, ‘Figure It Out’

Kilkenny-based three-piece Oracle Villa have released ‘Figure It Out’, a surf-rock jangler that’s the band’s first-ever single.

Known for their live shoes, Oracle Villa snatched the top spot at Kilkenny's 2024 Battle of the Bands. Even in a recording, you can hear their energetic chemistry as if they were playing right in front of you. The trio's music is heavy on the strums and light on the ears, making for some ideal feel-good listening.

Layered harmonies and a healthy dose of reverb add some pleasant texture to ‘Figure It Out’. The song has an undeniably beachy vibe that comes just in time for the return of the sunnier season.

Oracle Villa is made up of Fionn Oh, Ciaran Wood, James Taylor (no relation to the American singer-songwriter). Their debut album is anticipated to release later this year.

Scustin, ‘Dodgy Box Pyramid Scheme’

Scustin are back with ‘Dodgy Box Pyramid Scheme.’ The single builds on the noisy humour that they introduced with debut album Confessions of a Pub Talker last year.

Fresh off a tour with Inhaler, the post-punk four-piece are clearly having a good time. On ‘Dodgy Box Pyramid Scheme’, they’re noisy, shouty, and a little snide as they poke fun at a zany real-life encounter.

“The song came from a moment when one of the regulars in the pub I worked in actually tried to get me to join a pyramid scheme,” says frontman Joe Hearns. “That, combined with our genuine belief that paying for a TV licence is a bigger scam than joining a pyramid scheme, planted the seed.”

“It’s also about that mad pub optimism, where every idea sounds bulletproof after two pints. We wanted it to feel fun, ridiculous and a bit unhinged, but still hit hard and make you move.”

Rounding out the band are Liam Smith on guitar, Dan Aherne on bass, and Conor Wallace on drums. Producer Richie Kennedy (Interpol, The Last Dinner Party) helped the four-piece refine their sound ahead of their new release.

The song’s apex comes during an accelerating outro as Hearns’s growly vocal slides grind. He oozes with charisma as he taunts the listener: “Come on and join our dodgy box pyramid scheme!”

Shelly Bom Pop, 'I'm Getting Old'

Shelly Bom Pop is a Belfast-based indie-pop artist from Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

His music draws inspiration from indie, electronic, hip-hop, and rock. Influences on his sound include The Weeknd, Tyler, The Creator, The Beatles, and Fontaines D.C.

The retrospective character of 'I'm Getting Old' offsets its anxious themes with an upbeat, pop-leaning sound. The catchy guitar riffs capture the low-level panic of realising that time is moving faster than you are. 'I'm Getting Old' marks Shelly Bom Pop's first release since his 2025 debut EP A Bleeding Sky.

BK Pepper, 'Common Ground'

BK Pepper is an Irish composer and producer. With 'Common Ground' he follows the critical acclaim of his 2020 debut album Territories.

Pepper expands his reach in this ambitious, cinematic work, recorded with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, The Glasshouse Ensemble, and violinist Viktor Orri Árnason.

'Common Ground' is a raw piece that pairs the scale of the symphony orchestra with intimate layered vocals and hushed brass textures. It unfolds slowly and gradually, mirroring the nature of genuine understanding.

"'Common Ground' came from a need to believe that connection is still possible," said Pepper.

"There is so much noise and division in the world, but underneath it all I think we are far more alike than we admit. Musically, I wanted it to feel expansive and human at the same time".

Kuara, 'Unstoppable'

Dublin based R&B singer Kuara tunes on International Women's Day in a song to raise awareness about violence and systemic abuse facing women.

'Unstoppable' is set to raise awareness, and remind people that change requires action. In the song, Kuara fuses contemporary R&B with elements of soul and pop, inviting listeners into an intimate and vulnerable moment that also holds power via punchy drums and sharp high heel sounds.

"It’s painful to acknowledge that, even today, we continue to see cases of domestic violence where women lose their lives," she said.

"'Unstoppable’ came from seeing this reality and wanting to respond to it through music".

INDIGOS EGO, 'Space Invaders'

Four-piece alternative Indie-rock band INDIGOS EGO have released their new single 'Space Invaders'.

Drawing on inspiration from artists such as The Smashing Pumpkins, Tori Amos, and Biffy Clyro, 'Space Invaders' is a powerful track, driven by a strong guitar and deep-sounding, atmospheric drums.

Lead singer Anne O'Reilly said the idea for 'Space Invaders' was sparked by a conversation with a friend, who's anxious about being a tenant in 2026 Ireland.

"Having rented houses and moved around for years ourselves we empathised with him," she said.
"But in the current housing crisis the song feels even more pertinent"."With the legislation coming in at the beginning of March makes it feel like the right time to release it," she added.

Silk, 'Clementine'

Heavy shoegaze Belfast band Silk have released a new single 'Clementine' from their upcoming mini-album Auralux, set for release in May.
On 'Clementine', Silk push darker and harder sounds, leaning into cinematic aural imagery reminiscent of hallucination, as well as an exorcism-like reverb experience.

Taking inspiration from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, lyrically the track touches on universal themes of "grappling with the passing of time, and our dubious grip on memory".
The band’s songwriter and guitarist Michael Smyth wanted the song to feel raw and authentic, saying "there is no beauty in perfection, it feels fake and manufactured".

Reggie & David Keenan, ‘El Paso (365)’

Rising rapper Reggie samples fellow Dundalk native David Keenan in his new single ‘El Paso (365)’, a track fusing the grit and urgency of UK drill, the emotional undercurrent of R&B and the driving pulse of club-driven electronic productions.

“‘El Paso’ is a story about my little/big town, Dundalk.,” Reggie says. “It’s a song that mixes old and new sounds to create a nostalgic yet fresh feel. It tells the story of the land’s history, explores the origins of the name “El Paso,” and depicts what it’s like to spend a day in rural Dundalk, County Louth. It’s a record you can play either during a hard gym session or on a chilled morning walk.”

Lankum with Grian Chatten, ‘Hunting The Wren (The Immortal Man Version)’

Coming ahead of the soundtrack of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, Lankum collaborate with Grian Chatten on a new version of their 2019 track ‘Hunting The Wren (The Immortal Man version)’. Dark, breathless and incredibly compelling, the arrangement of this traditional track is as transporting and moving as the upcoming film promises to be, complete with powerful vocals and distinctive string arrangements.

Clare Sands, ‘They Tried To Bury Us’

The titled tack from Clare Sands’ upcoming album, due out in October ‘They Tried to Bury Us’ is a bilingual track drawing on the work of 3 Palestinian poets (Refaat Alareer, and the ancient Irish folk song ‘Óró, sé do bheatha ‘bhaile’. Over haunting uilleann pipes, the track weaves together marching rhythm and moody cello with fiery fiddle and flute, culminating in a chorus of voices singing together.

Clare says: “This song is a song of hope and resilience. I wrote it to amplify the voices of Palestinian poets. It was so special to create this alongside some of the best musicians in the North or Ireland and to witness Mustafa’s Palestinian Dabke dancing up the Cavehill mountain in Belfast; somewhere with huge cultural significance for all religions and cultures.”

Kevin Laughlin, 'Play It Cool'

Donegal singer songwriter Kevin Laughlin today releases his debut single 'Play It Cool', a track which draws inspiration from the the likes James Taylor and Paul Brady, blending warm, melodic songwriting with sincere and reflective lyricism. At its core, the piece is centred around the the idea that sometimes the best thing you can do is steady yourself, trust the journey, and keep moving forward.

About the song Laughlin says “This song came at a time where I really thought I had my life all planned out but quickly came to realise I had not. So I wrote Play It Cool about just accepting that not everything will always go as planned in life or love. Sometimes you’ve got to just roll with the punches and play it cool.”

Seamus Fogarty, ‘Come Down To The Square

The opening track to Seamus Fogarty’s new album Ships, ‘Come Down To The Square’ is rooted in the babble and buzz of central Walthamstow, complete with street ambience and a backdrop of droning synth and chiming banjo

“I think there’s a few miserable songs on there for sure – obligatory at this stage,” says Seamus of his new record Ships,“but to my mind there’s something strangely uplifting about this collection, more so than anything I’ve released before. I know I have it better than most people but I still find it hard to persevere and keep going and that’s probably the main theme of the album. It’s honest in a way that my other albums haven’t always been, which is why I’m so sure it’s going to be a massive hit.”

Al Richardson, ‘Not As Much’

Dublin solo-artist Al Richardson releases new single, ‘Not As Much’, Showcasing his seasoned, distinctive vocals over a blend of Mod roots, ’90s British guitar influences, and classic storytelling. It marks his third solo single after taking his first steps in the music scene in the early 2000s with his band Late City Edition.

On his leap into solo territory and the release of his third single, Richardson says, “I’m really excited to be releasing ‘Not As Much’. After being away from music for quite a long time, I’ve genuinely fallen back in love with the whole process of writing, recording, and releasing songs again - I missed it more than I realised.

SHEE, A-Trak & Mighty Dub Katz, ‘The Groove’

SHEE collaborates with A-Trak and Mighty Dub Katz for the dub-tinged club tune ‘The Groove’, an bright electronic tune seemingly released to coincide with the return of the sun to the Emerald Isle. Tinged with delicious naughty’s flavours, the synthy track is boasting catchy melodies and rousing vocals, making it for the perfect offering on a springy Friday evening.

DOPAMINE FIX, ‘REAL’

Buzzing off their release streak following their debut single 'Welcome To The Sharktank'  in September, DOPAMINE FIX have returned with yet another post-punk hit!

Perfect for your daily dose of apocalyptic proto-punk, 'REAL' showcases just how DOPAMINE FIX plan to expand their discography. With nods towards New Order, Depeche Mode and Protomartyr, the band master the art of world creation, as you feel completely transported to the Matrix, Neo sunglasses and all.

"In a world shaped by artificial intelligence, disinformation and continuous media manipulation, perception is no longer shared," say the band. "Images persuade. Narratives overwrite memory. Reality becomes something assigned rather than lived."

We hope the tracks just keep on coming!

Joe Philpott, ‘All Roads Lead To Where You Are'

Cork Born musician Joe Philpott has shared stages with everyone from Sheryl Crow to R.E.M, and has even recorded with George Harrison. Now he's brought us 'All Roads Lead To Where You Are', a stunning new single to accompany his memoir.

“As with the book, the song isn't about arriving anywhere,” Philpott says, “It’s about what happens along the way - the miles, the silences, the wrong turns, and the people you become because of them.

The track captures the essence of life on the road, with the grain of americana and vocals that look back at life with an earnest fondness. It's no doubt that touring, especially throughout the US, has had a great impact on Philpott's work and mantras alike.

His memoir of the same name was released last November, and is available nationwide.

KONNO, ‘Life Line’

Galway's very best, KONNO, has released 'Life Line', an easy-listening indie-pop ballad with a sax solo from the Waterboys' Anthony Thistlethwaite.

Driven by guitar, and vulnerable lyrics, KONNO's on his way to making the soundtrack of a breezy Galway summer, for days spent basking in the sun near the Spanish Arch, taking in the optimism of buskers nearby.

To make things even better, KONNO also has an EP in the works, set to release later this year!

KK Lewis, ‘One Step Behind’

Following her breakout single ‘Pigeon Man’, indie-soul pop artist KK Lewis has released her new single ‘One Step Behind’.

Inspired by old Disney soundtracks and classic romantic ballads, the track has a beautiful, romantic and cinematic sound as it continues the Dublin-based singer’s exploration of growing up, time, and the panic of feeling left behind.

“In the song I talk about the changing seasons, and how sometimes it feels like time jumps - suddenly it’s winter again, then autumn, and you’re left wondering where the months went,” said Lewis.

“Especially in your twenties, there’s this rush to have everything figured out, alongside this constant comparison to everyone online doing incredible things. It can feel overwhelming, like you’re always one step behind."

Dea Matrona, ‘Hate That I Care’

Dea Martona have shared the title track of their upcoming sophomore album Hate That I Care, which is set to be released on June 5.

In the track, the Belfast-based rock duo leans further into alt-rock, showcasing a sharper, more confident sound whilst retaining the raw energy they are known for.

‘Hate That I Care’ is an urgent yet reflective, hook-filled and intense track that explores personal struggles Mollie McGinn faced.

“When we weren’t touring, I fell into a nocturnal routine and became disconnected from many of the people I care about,” said McGinn. ‘Hate That I Care’ is written to myself rather than anyone else, capturing the exhaustion that comes from masking emotions and trying to be present in a way that feels genuine.”

Driven Snow, ‘Knots’

Driven Snow have released their new single ‘Knots’ from their upcoming album, due for release this Autumn.

‘Knots’ is an intimate, immersive sound that began as a delicate melody by Emily Aylmer 10 years ago. Over time, it evolved into an emotional and thematic starting point for the forthcoming record.

With its classic harmonies and uncluttered acoustic and electronic sounds, the track strikes a beautiful balance between gentle melancholy and quiet joy.

It explores the private realities of a relationship, being a reminder that, however people may view a relationship from the outside, only those within it truly understand its complexities.

Daughter Of A Drum, ‘Simple Love’

Daughter Of A Drum has released her new single ‘Simple Love’.

The track a bold, genre-bending work that weaves dance, narrative cinema and music video to create a unique experience.

It dissolves the traditional boundaries between art forms, creating a deeply embodied and emotionally resonant work that questions performance, identity and the “inherent scripts we wear”,

Alongside the track, a music video directed by award-winning filmmaker Wolf James has been released. The visuals premiered at the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) on February 28, but are now available online.

‘Simple Love’ is one of three music films of the visual album Pink Breath.

Meet The Fawkers, ‘Too Mean To Die’

Galway-based blues rock band Meet The Fawkers have released their newest single ‘Too Mean To Die’ ahead of their Irish tour.

Leaning into the country and blues tradition of storytelling, ‘Too Mean To Die’ reflects on poor choices and the protagonist’s frustration with their station in life, despite choosing to keep showing up and working.

With Lyrics like: “For everyone who gets to win, someone else they have to lose. And tonight, God chose me and you”, and “Got that dirt under my nails, got that bloodshot in my eye, Like the old says, I’m too mean to die”, the track paints a clear picture of, as the band described, “a lad who should have given up years ago, but he’s a phenomenally stubborn hoor.”

 

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Strange Boy, ‘Immortal’

Strange Boy's latest single, 'Immortal,' is taken from his second album, Say Nothing. This track is a distinctive blend of traditional Irish rap, hip-hop, and spoken word.

The unique blend of different genres and the focus of lyrism and storytelling take the listener on a complex journey between traditional and modern music. Here rap acts as a contemporary form of Irish oral history and storytelling, exploring themes of survival and self-perception.

Unique Freaks, ‘Explode Ur Head’

Dublin psych-pop duo Unique Freaks have released their new EP, Hairy Frog Fish, today. The EP is fronted by the lead single, "Explode Ur Head," an electronic experimental track which transports the listener back to 90's punk and new wave culture.

The band commented on the making of the song, stating, "Made on a Wednesday over a few beers. we wanted it to be low quality, however it turned out worse than we had thought.”

Cathal Fitz, ‘Walk of Shame’

Cork singer-songwriter Cathal Fitz has released his new single, ‘Walk of Shame.’ This track offers a raw and candid examination of addiction, self-awareness, and the desire for human connection. This track while emotional and reflective is not somber but rather adopts a more lighthearted and upbeat exploration of guilt.

“It's speculated that people caught in addiction choose to stay on that path,” said Fitz. “But from my experience, they’re often painfully self-aware, remorseful, and stuck. I hope this track connects with anyone who needs to know their pain isn’t just theirs."

Reillys, 'Brother' 

Fast-rising Irish band Reillys is set to release their heartfelt new single, 'Brother', today.

This deeply reflective ballad is a hopeful celebration of love and friendship, exploring the vital role of male friendship in your thirties. The song was inspired by the endearing way 'brother' is used in Belfast to refer to a close male friend, delivering a melody that is sure to tug at heartstrings and lyrics that cut deep.

Forg.ie, 'White Water'

Forg.ie’s single “White Water” is now live on Untitled. The rap track offers a lyrical depth which lays at the forefront of a more reflective slow paced beat.

This new track distinguishes itself within the genre, delivering a more meditative and slow-paced experience. The track invites listeners to engage closely with the narrative and thematic weight of the lyrics, leaving room for introspection.

SPRINTS, ‘Trickle Down’

SPRINTS, the Dublin punk band, have released the single ‘Trickle Down’. The release follows their most recent single ‘Deceptacon’ and their 2025 album All That Is Over, which received a best of 2025 placement from Hot Press.

"‘Trickle Down’ is about watching systems fail in slow motion, housing crisis, rising costs, culture wars, climate collapse, and being told to stay patient,” said the band. “It’s the frustration of a generation stuck in ‘wait mode’ while everything burns.”

The band is coming off a sold-out US tour, and begin their European tour next week.

Fontaines D.C., ‘Black Boys On Mopeds’

Fontaines D.C. have released a cover of Sinéad O’Connor’s ‘Black Boys On Mopeds’, as part of the new War Child album, HELP(2).

HELP(2) is the follow up to 1995’s HELP. The proceeds from both albums go to War Child, an organization that helps children affected by conflict around the world. HELP featured artists including Paul McCartney, Oasis, and Sinéad O’Connor. HELP(2) features artists including Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Olivia Rodrigo, and Fontaines D.C.

"It’s a real privilege to have been asked by James Ford to contribute to this record," said Fontaines D.C. on their Instagram of their contribution to the album. Our time in the studio for this project was a unique and life-affirming experience. In a moment of serendipity, Carlos was unable to join us due to the birth of his own child. Now more than ever it is vital that we all support the work of War Child."

Marguise, ‘Ghost’

Marguise has released the new single ‘Ghost’. Marguise is a collaboration between singer Sélu and producer Uwm. ‘Ghost’ follows Marguise’s 2025 single ‘Don’t Mind’.

The song is led by vocals that are sometimes heavy with distortion, and sometimes sweet and melodic, over hip-hope drums and warm, dark ambient music.

‘Ghost’ is available now on SoundCloud and Bandcamp.

Alice Jago, ‘Life of Pi’

Alice Jago has released ‘Life of Pi’, inspired by the Ang Lee film of the same name. The song follows the here 2025 cover of ‘Jolene’. In addition to her solo work, Jago has recently joined with other artists on projects like the Stay Human Collective and the Darklands Collective.

The song is mellow, and features two voices in harmony throughout. The song was written after Jago had to move, and struggled to find a place to live amid the housing crisis. All proceeds from sales of the song on Bandcamp will go to simon.ie.

GrooveLine, ‘By Now (Samba)’

GrooveLine have released ‘By Now (Samba)’, one of three new songs off their new EP Let It Rip. The release of Let It Rip follows the 2025 singles ‘GO HECTIC’ and ‘Let It Rip’, both of which are featured on the EP. The EP was praised by Kneecap as “a much needed injection of authentic and infectious energy.”

GrooveLine are six musically versatile members who play off of one another while performing, stylistically incorporating elements of funk, jazz, hip-hop, rock, and trad. They have come to be known for their high-energy live performances.

’By Now (Samba)’ is carried alternately by vocals and fiddle, with lyrics in both English and Irish. The song, like much of GrooveLine’s music, is energetic driven by drums, a funk bassline, and saxophone.

Wallis Bird, ‘And So Turns The Wheel’

Wallis Bird has released ‘And So Turns The Wheel’. The song follows her 2024 album Visions of Venus, and comes ahead of the June release of her next album, I Can See Your House From Here.

‘And So Turns The Wheel’ is a song about grief, and loss. The song is built around vocals and guitar. Bird starts alone, but is joined by other voices as the song builds to its final chorus: “Life goes on, but it was better with you.”

“Death is a dangerous subject to write about, but it's the most hypnotic, secret reflection of life,” said Bird. “I found myself staring straight into a portal, compulsively documenting, not so much looking for answers as just looking. I felt simultaneously heartbroken and opened."

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