New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Shakalak, ‘Change’

Shakalak's new single, 'Change,' is a frantic and raw encapsulation of the modern struggle. Frontman John Cummins delivers a powerful message: the need to foster real community in a world that pushes us toward constant competition.  With a closing refrain that hammers home the difficulty of breaking this cycle, this song is a necessary burst of energy and conscience.

MOIO, ‘Just a Man’

Alternative R&B artist MOIO delivers a powerful and introspective statement with his new single, 'Just A Man.' The track anchors itself with a hypnotic bassline and head-nodding drums, creating a simmering, moody soundscape.  The bursts of buzzing distortion add an edge to the production, underscoring the song's theme of self-awareness and the difficult, necessary work of accepting who you are.

Shark School, ‘Don’t Trust A Man’

Shark School's 'Don't Trust A Man' is an abrasive jolt of punk-infused garage rock. The single is a raw lament against the frustrations of a gendered social hierarchy. With a chaotic blend of punk energy and sharp-witted commentary, the track slices through modern absurdities, delivering a sound that lands somewhere between the deadpan chaos of Wet Leg and the raw edge of Nirvana, twisted with sarcastic humour. 

Belters Only, ‘To The Max’ feat. Reggie

Dublin electronic duo, Belters Only set the tone with their new energy bursting beat 'To The Max'. Their collaboration with Reggie is an entrancing bop, featuring moody chants and a compelling beat, which seems destined to dominate club dancefloors.

bbft, ‘GUNEMOJI’

The Louth duo bbft offer up a new song to their discography of punk and jungle music in the from of their new work 'GUNEMOJI'. This seven minute music piece embraces rave culture at it's finest keep listener's energy up. The mix of genres and hyper sonic saturation make bbft a unique and colorful listen.

Graceless, 'Underwater'

Sharp, passionate vocals and atmospheric vibes mark the emotional journey of 'Underwater' by Graceless, leaning on rock instrumentals for a unique indie pop sound. In 'Underwater', Graceless turns the focus entirely inward. Layered guitars, hypnotic drums, and a subtle counter-melody hint at a light even in the emotional depths, making this a truly revealing listen.

$ONA BLU€, ‘BLU€’s Heartbreak’ 

$ONA BLU€'s new EP BLU€’s Heartbreak, features a song by the same name which tugs at heartstrings in a reflective and relaxing melody. The bedroom pop synth and RnB infused beats are accompanied by support by her captivating vocals which float throughout the song. Her album embodies soul that rocks between chill and sensual.

Some One’s Sons, 'The Boom is Back'

'The Boom is Back' by Some One's Sons ,as part of their new EP from the same name, indulges in a guitar led and trad inspired soundtrack. The Mullingar band has made its way into the trad spotlight, delivering fresh renditions of well loved ballads as well as folk soon-to-be classics.

Cora, 'Head Rush'

Derry-born artist Cora's song 'Head Rush', from her new EP of the same name, explores the intoxicating draw of short-term thrills that leads one into situations known to be detrimental in the long run. The song taps into an undeniable vulnerability which gives the melody a soft yet powerful quality. Similar to the work of Lizzy McAlpine, this song tugs on heartstrings in the most delicate way.

The Kates,  'Between Truths'

Cork band The Kates have released 'Between Truths,' a second single from their upcoming debut album Between Takes, out in October.

Divided into two parts, the song captures the frustration with the current state of the world and the desire to make a change.
Part protest, part affirmation, the refrain hooks you in and calls you to "step into your power" and act on it.

Made up of Clague, Liz Clark, Mary Beth O Mahony, Míde Houlihan, and Paula K., The Kates offer a heartfelt journey through bright guitars, strong driving drums, deep, hypnotising vocals, and lyrics that grab you by the throat.

WIFESWAP, 'Bosman Ruling'

'Bosman Ruling' is a new single from the Dublin-based alt-rock band WIFESWAP. Set to feature on their upcoming debut EP, the track was recorded by Michael Bell in Start Together Studio in Belfast.

Consisting of Joe Brody (vocals, guitar, songwriting), Jasper Ryan (guitar), Cian Bates (bass) and Lorcan Connolly (drums), the band combine art rock and literary influences.

Driven by strong vocals accompanied by a restless sounding drum 'n' bass-style beat and electric guitar riffs, 'Bosman Ruling' is a track about "the detachment and numbness that I feel at the beginning of grieving," said Brodya.

Honest and refreshing, this short and rather bittersweet track shows WIFESWAP's lovely tender side.

Bucket, 'Nails'

Dublin-based experimental noise-rock trio Bucket have released 'Nails,' from their EP Mosaic.

Produced by the band alongside James Eager (Lankum, The Scratch), 'Nails' is an intense, psychedelic tune, full of electronic instrumentals and experimental vocals.

Bucket lean into heavier electronic influences, jumping from catchy, danceable sections to sharp guitars and dynamic shifts.
Made up of guitarist/vocalist Cian Dahdouh, bassist Emmet McNamee, and drummer Korey Thomas, the group know how to make some noise.

Sorcha Richardson, ‘Grenadine’

Sorcha Richardson today returns with the ruminative new single ‘Grenadine’, combining
warm guitars with atmospheric Hammond organs. With hook-led introspective lyrics, the singer examines life’s slow burning trajectory in gentle arpeggios and honey-smooth vocals.

Speaking on the single, Richardson says: "‘Grenadine’ is kind of a crisis of faith... in myself, in relationships, in what I thought to be true about life. Sometimes life’s most devastating moments occur so quietly as to trick you into thinking nothing’s changed at all. It takes a long time to make sense of it. This is a way of reaching for things you still know to be true, no matter how small, to ground yourself in rocky waters.”

KNEECAP, ‘Irish Goodbye’ feat. Kae Tempest

KNEECAP are back with their highly anticipated new album FENIAN, including the deeply moving ‘Irish Goodbye', featuring English spoken words artist Kae Tempest. Profoundly personal, the track was written by Móglaí Bap about his sadly departed mother.

Talking about the track Móglaí Bap said: “I never meant to write a song about this. But someone sent my brother a documentary about my Dad in the 90s, when he was president of Conradh na Gaeilge. The film crew came to my house, and we were just kids doing our homework, messing around. We weren’t the kind of family who had films of ourselves when we were young, just photographs, so it was the first time I saw my Ma in a video. And she was happy.

“That had a profound effect on me, seeing her happy. I was so emotional seeing her like that. I had written a song about her before, called ‘MAM’, which came out in 2020. She was sick at the time with depression. The idea I had in my head with ‘MAM’ was, if I wrote it, she’d hear it, and maybe she’d feel her worth, because when you suffer from depression, you can’t see your own value.”

Macdara Yeates, ‘De May Bush’

A violent, seasonal romp from 18th century Dublin, detailing a feud between two rival street gangs, as they prepare for the annual May Day celebrations, Macdara Yeates new single ‘De May Bush’ is a breathless, rumbling tune blending fantastical instrumentals with the musician’s powerful vocal performance.

Rónán’s Ó Snodaigh & Myles O’Reilly, ‘Táimse i mo Dhúiseacht’

Based on a poem written by Rónán’s Ó Snodaigh mother, the sculptor and author Cliodhna Cussen, ‘Táimse i mo Dhúiseacht’ marks a soul-stirring yet minimalist closer to his and Myles O’Reilly new collaborative closer Mise Tusa, with barely noticeable instrumental accompaniment and the delicate vocals of Ó Snodaig giving you goosebumps, marking the perfect finale to a record rooted in rhythm, language, and attentive listening.

The Kyd G, ‘PINKY AND THE BRAIN’

Blanchardstown hip-hop artist The Kyd G today releases the new single ‘PINKY AND THE BRAIN’, taken from his upcoming mixtape GEEZY. Originally started off as a freestyle, it pays homage to one of the rapper’s favourite cartoons growing up. Filled with bars, the song oozes with confidence as The Kyd G glides on the A Boogie/Dej Loaf inspired instrumental, while still staying true to his hiphop roots.

Stacey Dineen, 'Stay'

'Stay' is a new single from Limerick pop artist Stacey Dineen. Cleanly-produced, the song captures the inner conflict of trying to make the right decision.

It's the push and pull of a relationship "you know you should leave, but can't quite let go of," she said.

It's a polished contemporary pop track, defined by its vulnerable lyrics and heartfelt, at-times anthemic instrumentals. Drawing comparisons to artists like Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, and Olivia Rodrigo, Dineen brings a true heart-on-sleeve honesty to her music.

Mike Smalle and June Miles-Kingston, ‘From The Tombs’ featuring Bernard Butler, Ian Catt, Terry Edwards, Marcus Holdaway and Fergal Lawler

As part of Bring Your Own Hammer's Music and History series, Mike Smalle and June Miles-Kingston have released a new single, titled 'From The Tombs.'

Also featuring a star-studded lineup of collaborators — including Bernard Butler, Ian Catt, Terry Edwards, Marcus Holdaway, and Fergal Lawler — the song unfolds as an evocative pop track rooted in the story of an Irish servant in New York City in 1881, who was committed to the Tombs for infanticide.

Soft and melodic, the song incorporates guitars, strings, and brass instruments, adding dimension to the already layered piece. Very 'classic pop', the track offers a pleasant journey through the history of the Irish diaspora.

Bryan Murphy, 'Sunset'

Kerry artist Bryan Murphy has released 'Sunset,' a heartfelt folk-pop track.

Blending Irish roots with a more modern, sun-soaked sound, the single captures the warmth and nostalgia of a fleeting summer romance.

Murphy's distinctive style incorporates a button accordion and guitar. Authentic in his writing, he essentially tells a story about connection to people, to place, and to time itself. For the likes of Dermot Kennedy, The Script, Amble, and Noah Kahan, Murphy offers a vibe similar to 2010s Kygo, with his bright sound and up-beat sensibility.

The 2 Johnnies, 'Katie Daly'

'Katie Daly' by the part-band part-podcasters 2 Johnnies tells a story of thousands of young Irish people "separated by oceans and politicians," they said.

For those raised on The Saw Doctors, The Pogues, and Junior Hurling, this is a song written and performed by the 2 Johnnies and inspired by the stories people have shared with them on their weekly podcast.

Cheerful and unapologetically 'Irish country,' 'Katie Daly' is led by fast-paced banjo strumming and upbeat guitars.

Jo Blonde, ‘Fine Line’

Alt-pop artist Jo Blonde (whose real name is Patsy Jo Culleton) has released her new single ‘Fine Line’.

Written, produced and performed entirely by Blonde, ‘Fine Line’ follows her debut single ‘Contradiction (Let Me Go)’, released last year.

The 20-year-old Cork-based artist’s new single blends dark ambient textures with tri-hop influences and a nostalgic 90s breakbeat feel. Blonde’s haunting, intimate vocals sit atop the track’s atmospheric, layered production.

‘Fine Line’ explores the tensions and psychological battle of forbidden love with lyrics like: “Is it me you wanted/ Or is it what I represent/ Were you and I ever on the fine line/ Were you and I in the right place at the wrong time, at the wrong time."

Shimmer Boy, ‘Mine Again’

Following the release of ‘Under the Surface’, ‘Faith In You’, and ‘Brixton’, Shimmer Boy has released his new single ‘Mine Again’ from his upcoming album In The Aftermath, We Bloom, set to be released on July 1.

The West Cork indie artist in ‘Mine Again’ turns inward, exploring the process of internal change, of shedding old identities and breaking emotional cycles.

The guitar-driven track also explores the feeling of taking ownership of your life again, stepping away from external validation and rebuilding from within, even if it's an uncomfortable process.

“Mine again is about that moment where you realise you’ve changed - and ther’s no going back,” said Shimmer Boy. “ It’s about taking responsibility for yourself, your patterns, and choosing to evolve. It’s quiet, but it’s powerful.”

haunted images, ‘I'll come around’

Three-piece rock and emo band haunted images has released their new single ‘I’ll come around’.

‘I’ll come around’ is a hazzy, guitar-driven track that captures a nostalgic alt-rock '90s vibe whilst remaining modern with its warm, fuzzy distortion, energetic drums and textured sound.

The track is the type of sound you would listen to during late-night drives or staring out the window contemplating life, as the track explores the pursuit of purpose in a chaotic world, where complacency is the easy way out of the endless search for meaning and aspiration.

The single is the first song the Louth-based group wrote after their self-titled debut album, which was released last year.

Dave Sullivan, ‘Set Me Free’

Waterford-based pop-rock artist Dave Sullivan has released his new single ‘Set Me Free’.

‘Set Me Free’ is a guitar-driven, emotionally charged track that explores the raw aftermath of a relationship's end and the quiet strength that comes with letting go.

This track combines heartfelt storytelling with a pop ballad sound, featuring honest lyrics and a simple yet powerful arrangement. It captures the moment when clinging to a relationship becomes more painful than letting go, moving from vulnerability to a cathartic release. Ultimately, it embraces healing and personal freedom.

The Standing Stones, ‘Twa Sisters’ feat. Iona Zajac & Daragh Lynch

From the musical project of The Pogues' Jem Finer and artist/musician Jimmy Cauty, Rattling Art, comes ‘Twa Sisters’, featuring Daragh Lynch of Lankum and Iona Lynch.

With over 11 minutes of track time, the tune showcases traditional Irish music, combined with pop vocals and electronic instrumentals. Giving the ancient song new life, the dark-folk energy deepens the tale and is layered further by crashing waves and police radio recordings.

Reworking traditional songs such as ‘Twa Sisters’, makes way for a new generation of interpretation and helps us reconnect with history through a modern way of music understanding.

Rua Rí, ‘Fields of Glass’

With the arrival of Rua Rí’s debut album Tell Your Mother I Saved Your Life, comes comforting folk soundscapes such as ‘Fields of Glass’.

Simplistic and reminiscent, lyrics pour out of Rua Rí as reflections long contemplated. His gentleness and care within acoustic instrumentals comes through as deeply soothing, as his words reassure and encourage optimism.

The full album is out now via Soft Boy Records.

Rattling Ark, ‘Leprechaun’

Trad-folk group Rattling Ark have released their newest track 'Leprechaun', ahead of their debut album Top Of A Mountain.

A surreal alternative track with string instrumentals, 'Leprechaun' features Irish traditional sounds from an experimental approach.  Environmental sounds build the soundscape, with a sneaking sort of haunting energy throughout.

The band have also provided a spooky accompanying music video.

Top of a Mountain will be launched at The Bello Bar in Dublin, on June 19, followed by a nationwide tour.

Seán Joyce, ‘Weeds’

Ahead of his new EP All In Good Time (Chapter One) due to release on May 22, Séan Joyce has released his latest single 'Weeds'.

Seán Joyce appears shy in his sorrow throughout the track, confessing his "heart is in the weeds", as he copes with his feelings of foolishness over heartbreak. Dissolution of love and a loss of confidence is accompanied by aching acoustic guitar.

"Leave me alone" he sings as the track concludes, complimented by a choir of layered vocals. This one will surely tug at your heartstrings!

Oran Byrne, ‘Knock Some Sense’

Following last year's singles ‘Untroubled’ and ‘You Left Before I Had The Chance To Say Goodbye’, Waterford singer-songwriter Oran Byrne has released his new single ‘Knock Some Sense’, his first release of the year.

Slightly distancing himself from indie rock, Byrne’s new track is more mainstream, with its infectious beat and catchy lyrics.

‘Knock Some Sense’ is an upbeat, rhythmic, punchy and layered cymbal and bass-rich track filled with groovy drums and funky guitar touches, on which Byrne’s layered and distorted backing vocals sit beautifully.

Video Blue, ‘Bandwidth’

Musical project of Dundalk native Jim O’Donoghue Martin, Video Blue, has released his fourth studio album Eyes on Sticks.

Video Blue is known for his combination of spoken words over bespoke electronica and guitar, and his new album is no different.

The record is said to be made of moments of amazement, observation, disbelief, fear, looking forward and looking back, both internally and outwardly.

This is especially evident on the album’s fourth track ‘Bandwidth’, which begins with the lyrics: “Twenty-second of January”.

‘Bandwidth’ is an almost four-minute track with Video Blue’s known spoken word vocals over a melancholic mixture of soft, atmospheric synths and rhythmic guitar loops.

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