New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Aaron Rowe, ‘John’s Song’

When Aaron Rowe burst onto this scene last year, we were blown away by his songwriting capabilities. ‘John’s Song’ is a stunning example of this, as he paints a touching image of lineage and tradition.

The song is inspired by family letters, and details the life of his late great-great uncle John who died fighting in WWI.

“He wrote letters home to his mother while training in Cork—so in a way, he helped write this song,” says Rowe. “It’s a small glimpse into my own family history, and into a complicated time in Ireland where things weren’t always black and white.”

Rowe is currently gearing up for a sold-out gig at the Academy in Dublin on April 25, as well as a show at the Limelight in Belfast on the 26. His live performances are not ones to miss!

Muirġen, ‘Lifevest’

Ahead of her forthcoming EP Loinnir, out May 15, Muirġen has released ‘Lifevest’, a dreamy new single with instrumentals that echo the sounds of spring.

“‘Lifevest’ is a song that kind of fell out of me after the wedding of two very dear friends of mine,” she says.

“Knowing them both so well and the winding road that led them to this beautiful love just really got me. There’s not really much else to say about it - time stood still for a moment with only vows and the lapping tide to be heard.”

A beautiful example of contemporary trad, Irish folklore translates beautifully with a mixture of electropop, as the track glistens with Muirgen’s vocal range. Definitely recommended for fans of Imogen Heap!

KhakiKid, ‘Shoes Up’ feat. Joe Butler

When it comes to KhakiKid, it seems a hit is always imminent. His new track, ‘Shoes Up’ in collaboration with Joe Butler is just what we’ve been looking for, as sunny days come quickly approaching.

The song comes off of KhakiKid’s new EP Girl Bites Dog, out today. Along with the single, the RnB artist has dropped a music video filmed throughout Trinity College campus, with footage from his performance at Trinity Ball last week.

The rapper possesses an innate charisma to sneak a smile onto your face, regardless of the subject matter, and with fresh beats and joyful instrumentals, he’s sure to be the soundtrack of your summer.

The Love Buzz, ‘Freeloaded (Cool Kitten)’

‘Freeloaded (Cool Kitten)’ will have you hooked from the intro, with hints of Weezer’s Buddy Holly and the effortless edge of a noughties coming of age soundtrack, The Love Buzz have done it again.

The Cork band have really leaned into the alt-rock wave, creating a signature sound through 80s era synth and 70s punk vocals, combined with a garage-rock energy.

“We put together this song off the back of a random riff, Kieran played it in a search for a new song, it came together within 30 minutes, keeping all the first lyrics, frills and low vocals,” says the band.

“It was recorded with a broken Fuzz War pedal and a micro Korg with only black keys. The lyrics are about living on the dole and weekends that go on for months.”

Their headline UK tour kicked off this month, and we can’t wait until they make their way back to us. Definitely a group to keep your eyes on!

Gather The Lost, ‘This Time’

With the release of their debut album Silver Lining today, Gather The Lost have brought us tracks like 'This Time', a rock ballad with gothic vocals, electrifying guitar, and high energy to boost your mood in between rain showers.

'This Time' captures that euphoric surge of conviction, the moment you are resolved to change your life and achieve exactly what you need to," the band said. "High-energy, high-octane, and frenetic, it arrives alongside the album’s release with a demanding presence that insists the listener pay attention."

The Irish Concertina Orchestra ft. Piaras Ó Lorcáin & NOTIFY, ‘Lovely Ann’

The Irish Concertina Orchestra, along with Piaras Ó Lorcáin and NOTIFY, have worked together to create their rendition of 'Lovely Ann', a remarkably beautiful new melody you'd be happy to rest within.

“It was great to collaborate with Piaras, Cormac McCarthy, the Irish Concertina Orchestra and MGCE Concert Orchestra on the track Lovely Anne. The vocals from Piaras are sublime and Cormac’s beautiful arrangement for the band and orchestra really compliment the song.”

The folk song is beautifully refreshed through their efforts, making the admiring nature of it's beginnings all the more sentimental. Together, they've found a way to expand the impact of a traditional classic!

MARKIEVICZ, ‘Blackened Hands’

The Dublin collective MARKIEVICZ come through with a stunning breadth of multi-genred work, as their new track 'Blackened Hands' deepens their developing alt-rock soundscape.

"There's a guerrilla mentality to this record," the group explains. "It's about that back-against-the-wall feeling, using what little you have to fight your way up. Whether it's historical oppression, personal demons, or the daily grind of trying to stay afloat, 'Blackened Hands' is for anyone who's ever had to claw their way out."

Their chemistry is where the talent really blossoms, in addition to the relatability of their vulnerable storytelling. The Dublin band are paving the way for a very promising discography, as they bring a freshness by combining the previously underutilised intersection of grunge and hiphop sound.

Sister Ghost, 'Crashland'

'Crashland' is a new single from the grunge-pop artist Sister Ghost.

Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Brad Wood (Liz Phair, Smashing Pumpkins, Placebo) and drummer Jeff Friedl (A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, DEVO), the song offers a wide range '90s-inspired dark power-pop sounds, nicely driven by Sister Ghost's powerful vocals.

Featuring on their 4-track EP Oracle, the single captures Sister Ghost's signature spectral grunge-pop. For fans of Liz Phair, Veruca Salt, and Hole, 'Crashland' is a perfect road trip song, capturing the feeling of heading somewhere with no plan but plenty of positive energy.

June, 'Maybe'

Laois singer-songwriter June has released her new single 'Maybe'.

Blending alternative folk, pop, and subtle electronic elements, the song is a confident anthem centred on independence and self-worth. It explores themes of self-empowerment, delivering a calm but powerful message about "choosing yourself".

Drawing inspiration from the likes of Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, and Sabrina Carpenter, June hypnotises with her steady and unique vocals and layered harmonies. The polished production and captivating delivery make 'Maybe' a track truly made for the top of the charts.

MICAH, 'Friend But Foe'

'Friend But Foe' is a powerful alt-pop classic by Tipperary artist MICAH. Exploring themes of toxic friendships and manipulation disguised as care, the song is a cathartic, emotionally charged emo pop track.

"'Friend But Foe' is about the moment you realise someone you trusted was never really on your side. It's about manipulation, control, and the quiet erosion of your self-worth," said MICAH.

"It's everything you wish you could say, but instead, you turn it into a song."

Expanding on themes of internal conflict, accompanied by energetic guitars and punchy drums with electronic undertones, the song is raw, reflective, and ultimately empowering.

Willzee, 'The Tribe'

'The Tribe' is a new single by Limerick-based artist Wilzee.

It's a personal reflection on identity, legacy, and Traveller heritage. Joining tradition with modernity, 'The Tribe' offers traditional Irish folk melodies and classic rap structures, blended with spoken-word poetry that's raw and fearless.

Boldly reclaiming his Traveller identity, Wilzee makes a statement about the weight of legacy and the courage it takes to forge a different path.

deathtoricky, ‘mia’

Celbridge-born rapper deathtoricky is back with his much anticipated single ‘mia’. With hard-hitting production and deliciously melodic instrumentals, the track is driven by deathtoricky’s heavily autotuned vocals, making for a distinctive and mindblowingly fun piece from the Hot Press Hot For 2026 artist.

JyellowL, ‘Clio’

Layered with cinematic strings and bone-rattling intensity, JyellowL’s new powerful track ‘Clio’ blends powerful production with sharp lyricism and impossibly deft bars, cementing the musician’s place as one of Ireland’s most promising voices on the hip-hop scene.

Bucket, ‘Memento’

Coming ahead of their new EP Mosaic, Dublin-based experimental noise-rock trio Bucket have released their new single 'Memento', a dense, rhythm-driven track that spirals toward a brutal climax. It is framed as an interior monologue, with its narrator revisiting the aftermath of a violent act of revenge.

“"It’s a fictional story about trauma and violence," expands vocalist Cian Dahdouh. “The narrator looks back on the moment they reached their breaking point and took revenge on their childhood bullies, still connected to it - revisiting the scene and holding onto the weapons.

“There’s a weight to it, but also satisfaction in ending their torment. This was the first song we recorded and produced ourselves and also our first time not recording the instrumentation live. Multitracking gave us the freedom to add dense layers of sounds which add a lot to this track in particular."

Cable Boy ‘PLCD’

The opening track to Cable Boy’s brand new album Forever, ‘PLCD’ is a beautifully riff driven track where dreamy yet hard-hitting guitars meet pulsating bass lines and stomping rhythmic sections, all highlighted by gorgeously atmospheric vocals, making for a deliciously enticing first taste of the new record.

Talking about Forever, frontman Semilore Olusa explains: “The intention behind calling the album Forever was to create something from the soul that feels like it’ll stand the test of time. We wanted to make something that sounded like a Time Capsule filled with all inspiration, like events and feelings we experienced so far in our time as a band. I think we succeeded in making something for ourselves as well as other people in our community”

F3miii, ‘SPLINTER’

F3miii is back is the delicately sulfurous tune ‘SPLINTER’, a soulful and glistening tune lined with gorgeous reverbed guitars and gentle bass lines that resonate through the chest, making for the perfect backdrop to the singer’s honey-rich vocal performance. With this new track, F3miii invites the warmth of summer into the gloomy month of April.

Rónán Ó Snodaigh & Myles O’Reilly, ‘Ní Liom Dom’

Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly have released new single ‘Ní Liom Dom’,the most recent single from upcoming album Mise Tusa, due out May 1. An incredibly powerful tune, the track slowly builds in breathless intensity through its 5-minute run, blending powerful Irish language vocals, gorgeous string and piano instrumentals and delicate rhythmic sections that make the heart accelerate in unison.

“In our first recording session for Mise Tusa,” says O’Reilly, “we laid down six tracks, with 'Ní Liom Dom' coming last. Unusually, it grew entirely out of the atmosphere we’d built in the room. Rónán didn’t arrive with lyrics as he normally would, just a single phrase. From that, he ad-libbed the melody and words, while I found the musical refrain alongside him. It all happened very quickly.

“Only afterwards did we realise: this was the first time we’d truly written a song together from scratch,” he continues. “Usually, Rónán brings something formed, a lyric, a melody... and I respond to it, shape it, build around it. But this time, we began at the same point, at the same moment.”

the thing is…, 'I Would Rather'

'I Would Rather' is a fearless track for all fans of buzzing indie rock.

the thing is...blend darker, energetic choruses with bold, snappy lyricism, offering an exciting palette of experimental heavy sounds and chord progressions.

Featuring meaty guitar riffs and powerful, resonant vocals, ;I Would Rather' is an electric track with character and loads of attitude.

For the likes of The Last Dinner Party, Wolf Alice, and Pillow Queens, the thing is… are a band that know what they want and are not afraid to take it.

The Would Be's, 'Dance Monkey Dance'

Cavan's '90s sensation band, The Would Be's, have shared an indie pop hit 'Dance Monkey Dance' from their album HindZeitgeist.

Driven by bright guitars, and Julie Mc Donnell's pleasant voice, the song is a portrayal of the modern Internet World, where human connection is lost and people are wrapped-up in the stream of news and 'viral videos.'

'Dance Monkey Dance' comments on the constant strive for entertainment that social media facilitate. Calling it a "sick circus, a web virus," through the song, the band send us a message to put away our phones and just live.

Alpine Skies, 'By Your Side'

'By Your Side' is a track from Inspired Conflicts, the upcoming album by Dublin alt-rock duo Alpine Skies.

Featuring hypnotic delayed guitar riffs and rumbling vocals, the song captures their signature sound that's bold and unapologetic.

Recorded with Sean Hurley in Dublin's Little Bear Studios, 'By Your Side' explores themes of finality. It draws from the feeling of pursuing something for a long time, but finally realising that it's not meant to be.

Electric and mysteriously daring, this single offers something uniquely atmospheric that draws you right in.

Leo Sands, ‘The Loved Ones’

Leo Sands' 'The Loved Ones' is a haunting track that blends indie rock and post-punk. The song features a great balance of musical elements, from drumming to the stand-out guitar work. The lyric, "She's a glimpse of why I gave up, and a hymn to why I try, Vagueness meets precision in a state of hue and cry," captures the song's emotional core, showcasing a poetic depth that adds to the atmospheric music of the track.

Mark Geary, ‘The Harbour’

Mark Geary's new single, 'The Harbor,' is a wonderfully tranquil and reflective piece set to feature on their new EP Antebellum out on May 15. This opening track sets a calming tone with tender acoustic instrumentation and the warmth of Geary's vocals. It's a meditative song about finding steadiness amidst life's chaos, making it an  relaxing listen

“The Harbor came to me in one of those in-between moments - cycling to the shops, head busy, heart even busier. It’s about getting caught in the spin of it all… love, noise, doubt, the highs and lows that don’t really let you sit still," says Geary. "But the more roads we travel, the more we take. The more love you give, the more love you make. The best we can do is give it a shot - we do what we do, we’re not what we’re not.”

Kodaline, ‘We Were Only Young’

Kodaline's new single, 'We Were Only Young,' is a reflective piano ballad that showcases the band at their most emotionally resonant. The track, the first from their upcoming fifth and final studio album, sees frontman songwriter Steve Garrigan join forces with producer and co-writer Mads Christensen.

The lyrics are beautifully bittersweet, capturing the ache of looking back on cherished, simpler times, a powerful reflection on nostalgia, loss, and growth, and encapsulates the sentiment of "you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone." Similar to music by Lord Huron, this song’s emotional core and the track's delicate simplicity let the emotion rise to the forefront.

Harriis, ‘Tonight’

Harriis’s new release ‘Tonight’, channels a blend of alternative hip hop and rap, creating a mix between a strong beat, all the while having a chill and intricate backing track which acts as a good vehicle for strong storytelling lyrics. Similar to Drake and Pat Lagoon, the rap lyrics are characterised by themes of longing and loneliness.

Darren Kiely, ‘White Flag’

Darren Kiely's 'White Flag' is an emotionally resonant track centred on the decision to let go of past pain for the sake of renewed love. Kiely  describes the song as being "about surrendering past hurt, bitterness, and blame so that love can have another chance," and this sentiment shines through in the music. It’s an ode to the vulnerability that shines through the lyrics and delicate quality of the song. Similar to the music of Noah Kahan, the raspy and yearning-filled voice of Kiely’s music holds a meditative quality.

THEATRE, ‘The Fall’

THEATRE’s new release ‘The Fall’ channels indie rock reflection. The soft and gloomy start of this song holds an ethereal quality which quickly grows into a more rock-like ballad which creates a cathartic song similar to the work of bands like CHROMA.  The booming chorus of swelling drums and strong vocals keep listeners hungry for more.

Listen to our playlist: