New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Davie Furey, 'Donegal/The Swallow's Tail', feat. Gerry Adams

You might recognise a familiar voice speaking on Davie Furey's new single, 'Donegal/The Swallow's Tail': Gerry Adams, former Sinn Féin president, has collaborated with Furey on the track. Over a trad-influenced sonic backdrop, Adams reads his original poem "Tir Chonaill Thuaith" as Gaeilge.

"I was very pleased when Davie Furey invited me to record one of my poems," Adams said of 'Donegal/The Swallow's Tail'. "It’s a wonderful song which captures the essence of one of my favourite counties. It was a delight to work with Davie and the musicians.  I am a big admirer of Davie’s music and I wish him well with 'Donegal.'"

Furey's soulful vocals can be heard throughout the song, too, alongside his band, made up of Mike McGoldrick (Mark Knopfler Band), Éanna Ó Cróinin, Kane O’Rourke, and Martin Quinn.

“To work with Gerry and these incredible musicians on this song is one of the highlights of my musical career," Furey wrote in a statement. "I had a vision of how the song and poem would marry but the musicians involved on this tune brought it to another level."

"Gerry has been a good friend over the years. I greatly admire the work he has done in bringing peace to our country and his work in striving for a United Ireland.”

Leah Rose, 'Designs'

Leah Rose is back with another moody single, 'Designs'. The song's imagery-heavy lyrics and cool yet foreboding beat are sure to transport you to a world that's equal parts dreamy and nightmarish.

Rose's breathy, vintage-sounding vocal slides are reminiscent of Born To Die-era Lana Del Rey, and there are tones of MS MR in the song's deliciously dark, sparse instrumentation. The song finds Rose with "red wine stained lips, lying through my teeth", mulling over "the elegant words, the false prophecy". The effect is witchy and mysterious, and it's tempting to listen over again to catch every last word.

Written and recorded with frequent collaborator Edward O’Mahony, 'Designs' follows Rose's shoegaze bop 'Problem', released last month.

Empty Spaces, 'Searchin'

'Searchin' is an explosive, fast-paced, high-energy track by Belfast band Empty Spaces.

Driven by punchy drums, sharp guitar riffs, and raspy vocals, the song captures the feeling of "chasing something out of reach - whether it's purpose, clarity, or a sense of belonging," said the band. Intense and unapologetic, 'Searchin' represents the adrenaline rush of refusing to stand still.

Empty Spaces are a 4-piece rock band. They have burst onto the Irish Music scene over the last 2 years, having played several venues across Ireland, from Dublin's Fibber Magees to the Mandela Hall in Belfast. They draw inspiration from the likes of Foo Fighters to Led Zeppelin in a way that's uniquely their own.

New Enemy, '303'

New Enemy are a Dublin-based alternative rock band, known for their unique edgy sound.

Their new single, '303,' starts with a punchy bass riff, nicely paving the way for the lyrics which "are an elegy to some crappy situations I've been in," said the band's frontwoman Ashley.

Exploring themes of acceptance, confidence and "knowing your worth", the single is a "'fuck you' song to small-town drama."

A track that should be on the radar for all fans of nu-metal and emo, '303' delivers an exciting ride from anger and self-reflection to, ultimately, reconciliation.

Glen Hansard, 'Wreckless Heart'

Originally released in 2018 on his record Between Two Shores, 'Wreckless Heart' is set to feature on Glen Hansard's upcoming record Don+t Settle - Transmissions East, out April 24.

The single, recorded in Berlin's historic former East German radio facility, Funkhaus, is a reflection on Hansard's musical career. Featuring warm instrumental arrangements, including a trumpet, violin, and saxophone, the song is a fresh rendition of Hansard's heartfelt classic.

Featuring slight jazz and blues influences, 'Wreckless Heart' beautifully captures the Dublin-native singer's uniquely tender sound.

Naomi Jeremiah, ‘Trauma’

Irish-Nigerian musician Naomi Jeremiah is back with her new single ‘Trauma’, a hard-hitting piece blending magnificent melodic flair, silky-smooth vocals and insanely catchy beats. Danceable yet delicately vulnerable, the track sees Jeremiah opening her heart to her listeners in a poignant showcase of her raw-talent.

Just Mustard, ‘ENDLESS DEATHLESS (Daniel Avery Remix)’

Dundalk experimental rockers Just Mustard collaborate with English producer Daniel Avery for an explosive remix of their track ‘ENDLESS DEATHLESS’. Mixing the band’s signature ethereal feel with futuristic and bone-shakingly intense electronic elements, the new version of the tune highlights the power and distinctiveness of both artists’ visions, seamlessly blending into each other like they were always meant to be.

One Leg One Eye, ‘Many are my Names Besides’

One Leg One Eye, the solo project of founding member of Lankum Ian Lynch, with electronic musician George Brennan, return today with the brand new single ‘Many are my Names Besides’, coming ahead of their newly announced EP CRONE. Featuring Olwen Fouéré, the track comprises layered guttural vocals and bone-rattling drone notes, slowly building in breathless intensity and primal fantastical elements, making for another deeply unique offering from the group.

Amble, ‘Moral Victory’

Acclaimed Irish folk trio Amble release their latest soul-stirring single, ‘Moral Victory’. Tender and poetic, the track opens on mood-setting acoustic strumming, banjo accents, and Robbie Cunningham’s intimate voice, which aches with emotion on the chorus. Building up across its verses, the tune grows to include mandolin, viola, double bass, and buzzing Harmonium. ‘Moral Victory’ comes ahead of Record Store Day, where Amble will offer the vinyl edition of Hand Me Downs EP.

Echotal, ‘Broken Spectre’

Inspired by a conversation with collaborator God Is An Astronaut, David Rooney or Echotal created ‘Broken Spectre’. Taken from a place of loss, the track takes you on an instrumental journey through grief, while celebrating life’s tender moments.

“Making music has been an enormous help these past few months,” said Echotal. “It is somewhere I can go to distill the pain while staying close to the flame of grief and find comfort in that proximity.”

The provided artwork for the single is one of Rooney’s very own paintings, capturing a reflection of his own interpretation of grief.

NewDad, ‘Kick The Kurb’

NewDad have returned with ‘Kick The Kurb’, a low-fi shoegaze track, evocative of Water From Your Eyes and the new age folktronica of the Copenhagen scene.

The track comes as the first release from the Galway band since their sophomore album Altar arrived in September. The track was co-written by Donegal artist Sign Crushes Motorist.

Also this week, the group will be making their Coachella debut later today and are set to perform both festival weekends.

Oliver Cole, ‘Hoping We Can Make It Through’

Driven by down-to-earn instrumentals and a Tom Petty-esque narrative sound, ‘Hoping We Can Make It Through’ arrives as Oliver Cole's optimistic wish for humanity.

“Hoping we can make it through is a song of hope for all of us,” says Cole. “Everyone will have moments of difficulty and despair and it can sometimes feel like you are the only one who feels like that. HWCMIT is about how we are all the same and we all keep fighting, hoping we can make it though.”

Cole is currently touring across Ireland, following the release of his latest album Wingspan. He will perform at the Unitarian Church in Dublin tomorrow, April 11, with tickets available here.

Burglar, ‘Star-Crossed’

Following their January single 'Lovey', Burglar have returned with 'Star-Crossed', keeping to the romantic theme. The band have also dropped an accompanying music video, found below.

The edgy alternative single showcases shoegaze influences, as well as hints of techno rhythms and acoustic guitar tying the track together perfectly.

Burglar will take on their debut headline UK tour later this month, and are also due to perform at the Great Escape in May.

BoolaBoom, ‘Too Much’

‘Too Much’ is BoolaBoom’s pulsating new single, with the cork house band delivering yet another addicting hit to set you in the right mood.

The artsy track is complimented by vibrant horn and group harmonies.

Fans of Fatboy Slim will be delighted!

Youngiz, ‘Arsene Wenger’

For those in need of a drill fix, have no fear, Youngiz is on right on it. ‘Arsene Wenger’, his newest track, comes as his first release since ‘Jay Z’ last summer.

The Leixlip artist’s effortless charisma and talent for storytelling makes the up-and-comer all the more inviting, with verses that seem utterly effortless, while remaining sharp. All things considered, his place on Hot Press’s Hot For 2026 was more than fate.

With a mix of RnB and hip-hop influence, we’re always eager for his contributions to the scene. Here’s to hoping more is on its way!

Ciaran Quigley, ‘Long Way Home’

Irish indie-folk singer-songwriter Ciaran Quigley has released his new track ‘Long Way Home’, taken from his upcoming four-track EP Is This a Problem Darling?, due this summer via Cat Over Records.

‘Long Way Home’ is an uplifting, warm and melodic track with rich acoustic textures and gentle rhythmic momentum.

The single reflects a sense of movement, both literal and emotional, exploring the uncertainty of youth, the difficulty of admitting fault and the gradual process of personal growth.

Quigley’s instinctive and understated vocal performance allows for subtle phrasing and tone which carry the emotional weight of the track beautifully.

Susy Good, ‘COME’

Northern Irish singer-songwriter Susy Good has released her fourth single ‘COME’, a reflective, hope-infused track that, with its stripped-back production, lets her angelic, warm voice shine.

Produced by Josh Keys of inHouse Worship, ‘COME’ blends its chill beat and soft acoustic guitar with the singer’s up-close-and-personal vocals.

“This song, like most of my songs, started on the piano, but I always knew it deserved a fresh approach and not just exist as a straightforward piano ballad,” said Good. “This really pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me how many dimensions of emotion lived in the song.

“It was so cool to have some of my friends singing on the track too, capturing this was so fun! The song is a corporate prayer and explores the simple truth that we are nothing without The Spirit.”

Aaron Coughlan, ‘The Poet’

Aaron Coughlan has released his new single ‘The Poet’, a reflective Irish folk song written from the point of view of a man reminiscing over his lover, who lived as a poet in rural Ireland, and has passed away.

A treat for Kingfishr and Picture This fans, ‘The Poet’ begins with a soft guitar melody, then retreats into an honest, dry vocal accompanied by an acoustic guitar solo.

The track’s gradual crescendo then culminates at the end of the song, creating a rich atmosphere filled with heavy acoustic drums, soft lead electric guitars and extended vocal harmonies.

Cormac Looby & Pádraig Hughes, 'Don't Make Me Long For England'

The new single from singer-songwriter Cormac Looby and Galway producer Pádraig Hughes, 'Don't Make Me Long For England,' is a broody and meditative song that lingers long after it finishes.

This track is a dark, warm, and quietly devastating exploration of the "yearning for past versions of ourselves that therapy forces you to confront." Blending songwriting with elements of folk, pop, and rock, the duo's sound carries a significant, soundtrack-like emotional weight.

WASPS vs HUMANS, 'My Country’s Like A Broken Pen'

WASPS vs HUMANS have unleashed their fiery new single, 'My Country’s Like A Broken Pen.' This hard-hitting, anthemic call to action blends post-punk electronics with an intense sense of urgency, similar to Fontains D.C's 'Starburst'. The track powerfully captures the zeitgeist of a failing nation, speaking to a government losing control and the marginalization of everyday citizens.

Emma Noodles, 'Rotten Plant'

Kildare alt-pop artist Emma Noodles returns with her first release of the year, "Rotten Plant," a biting anthem about a friendship breakup. This pop-rock track explores the strange aftermath of a broken bond. Despite its upbeat nature, the song is a chaotic descent, becoming progressively more messy and frenzied.

Noodles explains, “I wrote the song during a time where I felt frozen and drained, like a plant that hadn’t been watered in too long, just slowly rotting in a corner.”

ALVA, 'For Emma'

ALVA’s “For Emma" delivers a fun, indie alternative rock sound. Reminiscent of artists like Snail Mail and Florence Road, the song starts with bedroom pop vocals and a slow, escalating beat. It then evolves into a heavier instrumental piece, blending dreamy vocals with more robust indie rock elements for a satisfying listen.

Ciara Lawless, 'No Plan B'

Irish artist Ciara Lawless makes a decisive move into the pop/dance landscape with her energetic new single, 'No Plan B.' The track features infectious, upbeat production paired with a powerful message of resilience, independence, and self-belief. 'No Plan B' embodies the spirit of wholeheartedly pursuing a passion with no backup.

Offica, ‘Life I Chose’

Irish-Nigerian rapper Offica, known for blending Irish slang and Yoruba within his lyrics, has released his new single ‘Life I Chose’.

The single opens up with a few piano notes and ethereal, breathy backing vocals. However, the song has a gradual crescendo. Offica begins to rap to the piano-heavy track, but once he begins to sing the lyrics “It’s the life I chose”, an infectious afro-beat takes over the song.

Silk, 'Auralux'

'Aurulux' is Silk's title track from their upcoming debut mini-album, out May 7.

It opens with dreamy layered guitars that slowly progress into a characteristic for shoegaze fuzz. Lyrically, the song touches on themes of loss, acceptance, and catharsis.

The verses are a response between vocalist and guitar, completing the track nicely. As the vocalist Michael Smyth sings "keep me out of heaven, it's just another place," he draws from themes of doubt and self-reflection.

"This is the sound of visceral self-expression, of cooking valves, speakers pushing air and real drums straining under every hit," he said.
Blending playfulness of alternative rock with the density of atmospheric fusion, 'Auralux' serves an experience that feels raw and absolutely memorable.

Nell Mescal, 'Kissing The Ground'

'Kissing The Ground' marks Nell Mescal's first release of the year.

Drawing on atmospheric influences from the likes of Bon Iver and Lizzy McAlpine, 'Kissing The Ground' offers its own emotional candour that Mescal is known for.

"'Kissing The Ground' is a song about feeling so anxious that you may never come down to earth again,” she said about the single.

"It's about overthinking and wondering how other people can remain so calm when you feel like you are unravelling".

Marking a step into darker and more cinematic arrangements, the Kildare-native continues to elevate her music both in terms of scale and sound. Performed during her recent European tour supporting Sigrid, 'Kissing The Ground' gathered a lot of praise among fans.

Scustin, ‘Scustinism’

Scustin have released the new single ‘Scustinism’ ahead of their upcoming EP, The Lock In, which is out on May 8. The song follows last month’s ‘Dodgy Box Pyramid Scheme’, and comes after their 2025 album, Confessions Of A Pub Talker.

The song is driven by a strong, steady, drum line, and echoing, distorted guitar chords. Lyrically, the song explores Irish culture, and what it means to incorporate it into their art.

“Irishness, it seems, has never been more popular, but with that comes the risk of it becoming commodified and turned into cultural capital,” said the band of the song. “Identity is an interesting thing to play with, and for us, we wanted to bring it back to what actually feels true, both to Irish people and to us as a band. It’s not about splitting the ‘G’ or Aran sweaters, it’s about humour, honesty, defiance and sincerity.

“That’s what we wanted to explore in ‘Scustinism,’ and it’s what became our manifesto. ‘I wanna laugh till I die, I won’t let life pass me by’, that’s the heart of it. In a world where cultural and moral values are constantly being distorted, it felt important to land on something simple, sincere and unifying amidst the chaos.”

KhakiKid, ‘Rude’ feat. Kojaque

KhakiKid has released the track ‘Rude’, which features Dublin-born rapper Kojaque and guest vocals from Portlaoise indie/alternative singer Kean Kavanagh. The song comes after KhakiKid’s (whose real name is Abdu Huss) most recent releases, ‘Moved On’, ‘Favela’, and ‘Soul’, all of which come from the Dublin rapper’s upcoming EP, Girl Bites Dog.

‘Rude’ features KhakiKid and Kojaque rapping over sparkly synths, gospel-y backing vocals, and a laid-back, Bill Withers-esque bassline and drums, a continuation his genre-blending style.

“At the end of the day, it’s all rap,” Huss said to Hot Press in February. “You can do so much with it. Towards the end of last year, I found what I want to do sonically. But I will definitely still experiment, it’s taken doing so many different genres to find what I really like.”

Makeshift Art Bar, ‘Chocolate’

Makeshift Art Bar have released ‘Chocolate’ the first single from their upcoming EP, Marionette. The song comes after their 2025 EP, Lackluster Writing Makes Fundamental Reading.

The song features a steady electronic riff and steady drums, with grating guitars and dark, half sung, half shouted vocals overtop. The Belfast band, who recently signed to independent record label Heist Or Hit, described ‘Chocolate’ as a kind of ode to loneliness.

“Choosing loneliness is something we all relate to,” said the band. “In ‘Chocolate’, loneliness is less of an escape and more of a surrender - losing all control makes a life of solitude easy to accept. It’s accepted with warmth. Our character screams the paradox of saying everything, yet having no desire for anything in return. This is the last attempt to gain ownership, despite their imminent doom. This is a descendant into a cave of madness and the deeper we go, the harder it is to hear the voice of clarity at the surface. The frenzied mantra becomes a prison - built brick by brick with your own hands. Defeated, deflated, alone…”

Rua Rí, ‘Makeover’

Rua Rí, the project of county Cork musician Seán Damery, has released the song ‘Makeover’. The song follows last month’s ‘Johnny Workman’, and comes ahead of his upcoming debut album Tell Your Mother I Saved Your Life.

Tell Your Mother I Saved Your Life was produced by Kean Kavanagh, who released his own “stellar” debut album last spring. The album is set to be released on May 1 via Soft Boy Records.

The song originated in Damery improvising while busking in Cork. The song features Damery singing over a lilting acoustic guitar, joined by a fiddles, pipes, a low, warm bassline, and stomping drums.

Luke Cosgrave, ‘She’s a Mystery to Me’

Luke Cosgrave has released a cover of Roy Orbison’s ‘She’s A Mystery To Me’. The song follows his 2023 single ‘I Feel Your Time Is Coming’, marking almost 3 years since his last release.

Cosgrave grew up in County Wexford, and began playing the violin at 5, and touring with the Dublin Youth Orchestra at 15. Since then, he has gone on to perform alongside artists such as Sinéad O’Connor and Mundy.

Cosgrave’s cover of ‘She’s A Mystery To Me’ features big broad strings and a steady drum line, with Cosgrave’s own slightly echoing voice overtop.

“I thought it was brilliant from the first moment I heard it,” said Cosgrave of the song. “I was surprised to discover that Roy Orbison had a hit with it—and even more surprised when I realised it was written by Bono and The Edge. It’s a beautiful song, and I wouldn’t have recorded it unless it held a special meaning for me. I just hope I’ve done it justice.”

The A-Listers, ‘I’m Okay’

The A-Listers, a Dundalk-based music collective, have released the song ‘I’m Okay’, in honor of Autism Awareness Month.

Musically, the song features slow, sustained piano chords, warm guitars, and a steady shuffle, with vocals overtop with an autotune effect. The song, written by Pamela Campbell, produced by John Walsh and sung by Zara Woods, is from the perspective of a young boy with autism, and champions awareness and inclusion of neurodiversity. “I’m okay, I’m doing fine, I just see this world through different eyes”, Woods sings in the song’s refrain.

Paddy Goodwin and the Holy Ghosts, ‘Bully Boys’

Paddy Goodwin and the Holy Ghosts have released the new song ‘Bully Boys’, a song about the unjust actions of world leaders, which was released along with a music video by Enda White (the video includes graphic depictions of violence, and is age restricted online).

The song features classic rock, Bon Jovi-style electric guitars and drums as Goodwin sings, with backup vocalists repeating the songs title over and over as he goes, about leaders abusing their power in today’s the world.

“Unfortunately most people have had experience of a bully in the playground,” said Goodwin of the song. “Sadly these three bullies now have the world as their playground. This song is about this terrible trio of yahoos Trump, Putin and Netanyahu. Yahoo is derived from ‘a race of brutish humanlike creatures in Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels’, now defined as ‘a Rude, Loud or Unintelligent Person’ Where are Curly, Larry and Moe when you need them most?”

CamrinWatsin & MUCKANIKS, ‘Manipulator’ feat. Youngiz

Irish and UK producers CamrinWatsin and MUCKANIKS have released the new collaborative single ‘Manipulator’, featuring Dublin rapper Youngiz.

The song feels very club-friendly, with racing drums and a dark, pounding bassline and Youngiz rapping low overtop.

The song follows CamrinWatsin’s latest releases, ‘Follow Your Lead (feat. KIRBS)’ and ‘Cry Baby (feat. EVALINA)’, and MUCKANIKS’s latest releases, ‘Greedy’ and ‘Where Da Floor’. Youngiz, one of Hot Press’s Hot For 2026 artists, has been rapidly growing in the Irish rap scene, following his collaboration with Travy on the rapper’s SPOOKY project.

Dea Matrona 'John Doe'

'John Doe' is a new explosive single from Dea Matrona's upcoming second album Hate That I Care, out June 5.

The duo, consisting of Mollie McGinn and Orláith Forsythe, lean into alt-rock, showcasing a sharp and confident sound, while exploring themes of identity and self-reflection.

'John Doe' captures the tension between external pressures and your own internal monologue, nicely balancing between rage and vulnerability. Driven by heavy strumming of crunchy electric guitars, the single is essentially about "having your choices taken away," said Mollie.

Listen to our playlist: