New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Wallis Bird, ‘Why Is Peace Problematic?’

Wallis Bird’s new album, I Can See Your House From Here, is deeply personal, perhaps as personal as an album can be. Shaped by the loss of a close friend, it also reflects a broader sense of grief and concern for the state of the world. This is particularly evident on ‘Why Is Peace Problematic?’, a track that captures the frustration and disillusionment many feel about current global events. Accompanied by a choir and a driving guitar-led rhythm, Bird delivers the song’s simple yet poignant lyrics with sincerity and conviction.

The Labourers, ‘One Long Goodbye’

Limerick natives The Labourers are back with a new single, ‘One Long Goodbye’. Drawing heavily on traditional Irish music while incorporating rock influences, the track marks a new musical direction for the four-piece alt-trad band. It showcases more complicated arrangements and a broader, more ambitious sound than their previous work.

Seba Safe, ‘Laughter Life’

“‘Laughter Life’ is the first song I have written to be fully recorded, performed and produced by myself”, says Seba Safe. “ As an independent artist who’s now seen most sides of the industry, there’s a freedom and power in being fully self-sufficient. This song looks back at simpler times where less focus was put on results, where life and creativity were to be enjoyed, explored and celebrated. In times of doubt, we can reach for these times and pave our paths from the innocence within them.”

The single blends the lyrical depth of traditional Irish folk with the crisp melodies of indie pop, making the tune feel familiar yet completely different from anything Seba Safe has produced before. 

The Mary Wallopers, ‘Crowns Of England’

The Mary Wallopers are back with news of of their new album Paddywhackery, including the brand new single ‘Crowns Of England’. Gorgeously rousing and cartchy, the track serves observers view of England in 2026 that beats along with the glorious power of a London Calling-era Clash.

Charles Hendy says: “The song is about being in England and feeling like an outsider in all that colonialism. And it’s about Irish people who move to London and then assimilate by trying to get away from being Irish. That outsider status could apply to immigrants generally, or even people from small towns moving into cities. England remains an archaic place in a lot of ways. There is still a monarchy. Every pub is called TheCrown. There are flags everywhere. When we sing rebel songs in England, people don’t know how to react, so you feel like such an alien because it’s geographically so close but culturally there’s a massive gap. I mean, I went to Wembley to see Oasis once and a woman asked me if we had televisions in Ireland...”

49th & Main, ‘Round The Block’ feat. Jane

49th & Main today share their new single ‘Round The Block’ featuring North Dublin musician Jane Griffiths (also known as RobbieG from Belters Only's sister), With glistening production and incredibly catchy vocals, the tune is the perfect accompaniment to a warm summer day, filled with bright and sun-soaked energy.

Dea Matrona, ‘Aisling’

Irish rock powerhouse Dea Matrona today release their brand new album Hate That I Care, including the brilliantly dark new single ‘Aisling’, a slow-building-bass driven track, mixing hypnotising layered vocals and hard-hitting alt-rock instrumentation.

Reflecting on the new album, the band said: "People have always tried to assume who we are; both musically and personally. Our second album ‘Hate That I Care’ is a response to that: it’s more personal, more honest, and more aware of the world around us than anything we’ve made before. It reflects a pressure to show up louder than we naturally are and a feeling of not really fitting in. Making this album made us realise how similarly we deal with things by turning inward, keeping busy, and processing all our feelings through writing songs that embrace our own values."

Meryl Streek, ‘Rotten Fruit’ feat. Steve Ignorant

Coming ahead of Meryl Streek’s upcoming album Stories They Don’t Teach You At School ‘Rotten Fruit’ is a powerful track featuring Steve Ignorant of punk legends Crass. Exploring the hopelessness that accompanies the fast-moving news cycle, through gritty and incredibly hard-hitting instrumentation and vocal performance.

“I, along with many others, wouldn't be doing this music without Steve’s years of work and to have him on this track with me means a lot,” Meryl says. “I think it turned out great and I hope Crass fans like it as much as Meryl Streek fans.

Niall Horan, ‘Die If I Don’t’

Niall Horan is back with his fourth studio Dinner Party, including the delicate tune ‘Die If I Don’t’, a warmly emotional and intimate track of glisteningly raw lyrics and gentle acoustic instrumentation, marking a particularly stirring glimpse into the new record.

Damien Cain, ‘Caleb’

German-born, Ireland-based alternative rock artist Damien Cain has released “Caleb (JD Radio Edit)”, a new duet with UK vocalist Jamie Wiltshire, marking the second single form his album Standarte. A pop-rock ballad about memory, love and loss, the track built around two male voices and a shared emotional perspective. It arrives during Pride Month and connects with themes of queer love, remembrance and emotional honesty.

“There was something in Jamie’s voice that immediately felt like a second perspective,” Cain said. “It didn’t feel like support, it felt like a conversation. That changed the whole direction of the song.”

Jeorge II x Dok Beats, ‘DTA’

Dublin rapper Jeorge II collaborates with producer Dok Beats on the hard hitting new single ‘DTA’, a powerfully catchy track of gritty instrumentation and rousing vocals, with Jeorge II proving once again to be a true force to be reckoned with in the Irish hip-hop scene, thanks to deft bars and carefully constructed verses.

Shakalak, 'Chipper'

Irish psychedelic hip-hop band Shakalak have built a dedicated cult following over the last number of years. Their music is built with live electronic beats, synthesisers, psychedelic electric guitar, and saxophone, coupled with the lyrical dexterity of poet John Cummins.

Single ‘Chipper’ takes an ordinary experience and pairs it with spoken word storytelling layered over hip-hop beats to create a psychedelic soul tune. The saxophone stands out, adding a danceable groove.

Cummins on ‘Chipper’: "'Chipper’, the song, is a funky, almost punky, playful ode to the places and people that matter...I swear when you listen to it now, you can almost taste the batter…”

Jessica Brett & Marty Guilfoyle, ‘When You’re High’

It’s a major step forward for Jessica Brett. Her new single, ‘When You’re High’, may be her most energetic and dynamic release to date. Produced alongside DJ Marty Guilfoyle, the track has all the ingredients of a summer anthem, blending infectious hooks with vibrant dance-pop production. Reminiscent of contemporary artists such as Zara Larsson and Tove Lo, ‘When You’re High’ showcases Jessica’s evolving sound and growing confidence as an artist.

“When creating ‘When You’re High’, I wanted to step away from my usual sound and style of writing to try something different”, says Brett. “This release leans into a more energetic vibe, capturing feelings of lust and escapism. It was fun to make something so different from anything I’ve created in the past.”

Niamh McKinney, ‘Damn Luxury’

It’s her first single of 2026, and it arrives with a bang. Niamh McKinney’s new track, ‘Damn Luxury’, is built on thick synths and driving rhythms. Lyrically, it follows a conversation between two young women whose lives have taken different directions, a dialogue filled with bitterness, tenderness, and ultimately, clarity.

Cormac Looby & Pádraig Hughes, ‘Boundto’

'Boundto’ is the second single from Tipperary singer-songwriter Cormac Looby.

The single saunters through folk, pop, and rock, melding everything into a genre-diverse sound. It showcases Looby’s ability to synthesise feelings of anxiety, particularly about the future, being resigned to fate, and what we are bound to be.

KIDD & Podge Collins, ‘Don’t Fall For It’

Meath-based hip-hop artist KIDD and Drogheda-based Podge Collins have released the first track from their upcoming collaborative EP College Heights. ‘Don’t Fall for It’ is reminiscent of old-school hip-hop production, with lyrical themes centred on the importance of holding onto your dignity in the face of cheap thrills. A promising first glance of the upcoming project.

Elina Filice, 'Bury Me'

With infectious rhythms, stuck-in-your-head melodies, and a heart-wrenching message, Elina Filice reaches for your heart with this energetic Canadiana anthem. Nostalgic punk-pop meets modern charms and creative storytelling in a strong contender for gay song of the Summer. 

"The song is about an old Molson Canadian t-shirt stolen from me by a past love,” Elina says. “It became a running joke between us about whose shirt it was, and that I was never getting it back. One night she said, "You know, if I die tonight, they'll have to bury me in this shirt, and then you’re never gonna get it back." It starts as a song about a shirt, and then becomes a song about realising along the way the love you want to be buried in, the love you never want to take back."

Lisa Keane, ‘The One’

Dublin-based Lisa Keane returns today with a new single, produced by long-time collaborator Sam Stevenson. ‘The One’ is a tightly crafted pop track driven by pounding drums and shimmering synths, marking another impressive step forward for Keane as she continues to refine and expand her sound.

"The One was a really fun song to write”, Keane says. “I knew as soon as I finished writing it that I wanted this song to be the type of song you'd blare in the car on a sunny day with the windows down. I like to think of this song as a follow on from my previous single 'Another Goodbye.”

Wild Valentine, 'Julia Knows'

Belfast’s Wild Valentine have released their new single 'Julia Knows', blending smoky synth textures with emotional warmth; think Robyn, Depeche Mode, and Charli XCX, with a huge chorus hook. 

Wild Valentine uses his enigmatic ‘anti-persona’ as a powerful weapon in choosing to reject the algorithmic age.

The single is a masterclass in emotional intensity and sonic sophistication. With moody electronic production, sensual melodies, and lyrics laced with venomous desire, the song explores the complicated relationship between love and lust.

Dead Manifest, ‘Six Feet Dreaming’

It’s a heavier, sharper, and more confident offering from the Dublin-based alternative rock band Dead Manifest. ‘Six Feet Dreaming’ is characterised by crushing guitars and quieter, more reflective moments, creating a dynamic contrast that heightens the song’s emotional intensity. Driven by powerful drums, it stands as another strong addition to the band’s catalogue.

“Six Feet Dreaming felt like a turning point for us creatively”, says the band. “Lyrically, it’s about feeling stuck beneath the weight of your own thoughts and circumstances, but still holding onto the belief that things can improve. We wanted the song to feel heavy emotionally while still having big hooks and a sense of release.”

The Kyd G, ‘RBF’

Blanchardstown native The Kyd G has released the first single from his upcoming mixtape, GEEZY. Produced by LilFlacko, the track channels the spirit of early 2000s hip-hop especially showing influence from the likes of G-Unit and 50 Cent. With confident lyricism, a hard-hitting beat and crisp production, The Kyd G delivers an impressive introduction to the project, offering a strong first glimpse of what listeners can expect from GEEZY.

Cell Games, 'HELLWORLD'

Cell Games' ‘HELLWORLD’ opens with the unmistakable 808 kick drum before the gates open and a tsunami erupts, a screaming keyboard pokes out amongst the wall of guitars and pummelling drums. At the face of it, the uninitiated might take this as another fist in the air death rock song, but what makes Cell Games stand out amongst their contemporaries with less substance, is the real socio-economic and emotional message their music carries. 

Georgia G, ‘Moving To New York’

'Moving to New York' by Georgia G is a raw and emotionally resonant track that captures the anxiety and excitement of major life changes. Blending elements of pop, indie rock, and subtle country influences, the song gains momentum from a ballad-style foundation, enhanced by the combination of strong drums and delicate violin. The song explores the impulsive urge to escape familiar surroundings in hopes of erasing and replacing life and identity.

“This song was written the night before I moved to New York, on my piano in my childhood home in Dublin", says Georgia G. "‘Moving to New York’ is a nod to my impulsive side. I’ve always found it hard to face problems head-on, so my instinct is usually to run, disappear, or make a drastic change instead. The song is about that feeling of wanting to escape everything you know and convincing yourself a new city might fix what’s going on inside your head.”

Robert Grace, ‘if you were gone’

'If You Were Gone' by pop artist Robert Grace, featuring his father Bob Grace, is a heartfelt and mature ballad serving as a poignant love letter to the father-son relationship. The song blends Robert’s more contemporary sound with Bob’s deeper, more mature vocals. The song’s Indie Folk or folk pop quality of delicate lyricism and stripped back musicality fosters the emotional depth of the song.

"'If you were gone' is about suddenly realising how deeply we depend on our loved ones while also fearing the emptiness their absence would bring," says Robert Grace.

New Enemy, ‘Don’t Wanna Know’

'Don't Wanna Know' by Dublin-based alternative rock band New Enemy is an intense, high-energy track that draws inspiration from 2000s indie emo, complete with a metallic edge in the chorus. It’s a powerful, dynamic anthem designed for fans of nu-metal and emo who appreciate explosive soundscapes.

Antonio O’Breskey, ‘El Baile de la Luz’

'El Baile de la Luz' by musican Antoni O’Breskey is a unique and energetic fusion single released from his upcoming three-volume career retrospective (1976-2026). Originally featured on his 1989 album Al Kamar, the track seamlessly blends Irish traditional music with flamenco, jazz, and North African sounds. This ear worming sound offers a full listening journey of ups and downs and surprises. This song celebrates unity and culture, using a myriad of musical inspirations from places across the globe. This unique track is a delectable piece of music that is sure to keep listeners engaged throughout.

“Listeners are often surprised to learn that ‘El Baile de la Luz’ was inspired by Southern Italy, given its distinct North African and Middle Eastern sound," says O'Breskey. "The track's very first melody was born spontaneously at my aunt’s house during a piano improvisation with my cousin Francesca Breschi, who accompanied me on a small Lucanian tamorra (south of Italy tambourine).”

Bell X1, ‘But First, Love’

‘But First Love’ marks the first release from Kildare based band Bell X1 since their single ‘The Lobster’ in 2023.

The track opens with a fingerpicked guitar in an unorthodox pattern, with Paul Noonan’s vocals resembling that of Belle and Sebastian’s lead singer

The arrangement also resembles the Scottish band, a quick, groovy back beat layered with acoustic string instruments.

The song has the addition of subtle electronic, percussive elements that are reminiscent of those of Billie Eilish’s debut LP Don’t Look at Me.

The string instrumentals are warm and hearty with the electronic ones a tasteful addition that add intrigue and texture to the mix.

‘But First, Love’ is a welcome addition to what is a strong discography of the Kildare band.

headfooters, ‘something more’

‘Something more’ is the second single released by Dublin based alt-electronic artists headfooters.

The track has a fragmented opening, with layered synthesisers and syncopated drums that create a sweeping, psychedelic intro, before a long pause introduces the vocals.

The voice is heavily reverbed, pitched up an autotuned synonymous with electronic music.

The drums have missed beat syncopation anchored with the alternating 808’s and a repeating synthesiser riff. The track contains various vocal loops and trippy audible elements.

The closing sequence features a "Fizzy" neon boom arrangement as a double time bass drum closes out the track on a high energy note.

The production has extremely high attention to detail with a variety of subtle audible elements that contribute to a very immersive track.

 

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CHELLE, ‘Trouble’

'Trouble' is the second release from Dublin based artist, CHELLE following 'Ain't Lovin' You' earlier this year.

The track opens with a muted electric guitar and vocals before a beat drop introduces synthesisers, bass and layered vocals.

After the second chorus the bridge drops to half-time, teeing up a final chorus to close out the tune.

BRIARS, ‘Roimh’

BRIARS have previously shared the stage with some of Ireland's leading bands including The Scratch, The Wran, Leevy and Billow Wood.

Their new single, ‘Roimh’, the Irish word for before, is the follow up to 'Before Long' which released earlier this year.

The orchestration is set with an acoustic guitar, piano and drums with a slight reverb effect that gives the impression that the song is set in a large empty room giving it a lonely feel.

Contrastingly the song is anchored by a quick drum beat and a happy melody. The chorus is uplifting and catchy which plays into the songs theme of

Ciaran Quigley, ‘Settle Down’

Ciaran Quigley's new song, 'Settle Down' has released ahead of his new EP Is there a Problem Darling?

The track is an acoustic guitar-backed love ballad that explores the space between love and letting go and tackles its unresolved emotions.

The stripped back orchestration lets Quigley's vocals, that are reminiscent of Dermot Kennedy, take centre-stage.

The second verse sees the introduction of an electric guitar which gives the track more physical weight before it heads into another chorus. The song fades out with a stripped back verse, giving it an eerie, unresolved feeling.

Omega, ‘Mourning in Melbourne’

'Mourning in Melbourne' is the title track of rapper Omega's new album. The arrangement is backed by a sample from a gospel choir, anchored with a groovy drum beat.

The track tackles themes of prevalent youth, like finding purpose, growing up and finding purpose.

As the track concludes, the arrangement strips back and the narrator seems to contemplate suicide.

'Mourning in Melbourne' is an excellent taste of Omega's new album, with Kanye-esque arrangements and themes that are relatable, the track is a solid contribution to his discography.

 

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